ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates John Williams’ music

September 2, 2012, 6:00 PM

Meralco Theater

Ortigas Avenue

Pasig City

Featuring:

ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra

Gerard Salonga, conductor

Jose Mari Chan and Karylle

In a surprising turn of events, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra’s first major concert will be in fact the celebration of the music of one of the most popular living composers in the world today: John Williams. Known primarily for his work in film, Williams also celebrated his 80^th birthday earlier this year. So what better way to celebrate this milestone than to have a concert devoted solely to him and his music? This coming September 2, 2012 at 6:00 PM, the Meralco Theater will resonate with The Magic of John Williams played by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, led by their conductor and music director Gerard Salonga.

Since the ABS-CBN is known as the Kapamilya (Family) Network, families are highly encouraged to watch and enjoy the concert together that starts at 6:00 PM, a couple of hours earlier than the usual orchestral performance. Judging by the poster, I can expect to hear music from films like Stephen Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jurassic Park, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Schindler’s List and Jaws. I can also look forward to music from George Lucas’ Indiana Jones and Star Wars. Other movies that have John Williams’ music are the Harry Potter series and Superman.

It’s been announced also that Jose Mari Chan and Karylle will be special guest performers in this concert as well. I’ve been trying to think which John Williams composition with vocals the two will perform but I couldn’t think of any. I don’t know if their numbers will be announced at all prior to the concert. If not, then they will provide the element of surprise which is not the norm in orchestral performances where the prepared programme is known in advance.

I also heard that those who would come to watch the concert in costume will enjoy a discounted ticket price. I guess that the costumes will be limited to those coming from the movies that John Williams worked on. And looking at the list of movies that he has worked on, cosplayers will have a lot to choose from. I guess that one could also dress up as an athlete from the early 1980’s since Williams also composed the Olympic Fanfare and Theme for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. But I would be very impressed if someone will attend the concert as a shark from Jaws.

The awesome experience that I’ve had in conducting the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is already becoming a distant memory. I think that I will relive that moment once again when I hear the brass fanfare that begins Star Wars theme. Who knows, I might be seated next to a Jedi or a Storm Trooper this time around?

Ticket prices: 

P2500 Orchestra Center

P2000 Orchestra Side

P1800 Loge Center

P1500 Loge Side

P500 Upper Balcony

For inquiries:

Tinky Cruz  0915 194-9760

Landline: Chris Graham 586-6732

absphilharmonic@gmail.com