ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra Kapamilya Concert: Intro to the Classics

Gerard Salonga conducts the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra

Ludwig van Beethoven Overture from Egmont, Op. 84

Lucio San Pedro Ang Buwan sa Kabundukan

Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, Op. 35

A few months ago, a violinist from the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra told me that she was having a blast getting to play popular tunes and accompanying local singers. I asked her afterwards how the orchestra will maintain its technical sharpness considering that most popular fare are considered just a walk in the park when played by classically trained musicians like her. She responded that they would still perform the standard classical repertoire not only to keep them on their toes technically but to also highlight the diversity of their orchestra.

Now having a string of successful and high profile performances under its belt, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra felt that its time to show their audience what classical music is all about. And this they just did when the orchestra had its second Kapamilya Concert at the Dolphy Theater dubbed as Intro to the Classics. This concert was intended for ABS-CBN employees only but Gerard Salonga, the orchestra’s music director and conductor, along with Mickey Muñoz, the orchestra’s executive director, invited me to watch this concert. I didn’t pass the chance since I really wanted to witness how the newbie audience would react to an orchestra playing a classical repertoire.

Thankfully, Gerard prepared a very accessible and entertaining programme for that night. The concert started with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Overture from Egmont, Op. 84, a short yet lively piece that showcases the grandeur of an orchestra. Next performed was Lucio San Pedro’s Ang Buwan sa Kabundukan, a programmatic piece that attempts to describe through music the moon over the hills. While it contains traces of an introspective nocturne, it did have a section wherein the night gives way to some merrymaking.

Assistant Concertmaster Jonathan Livioco plays Sibelius

Then, the audience was introduced to the concept of a concerto. For this one, Assistant Concertmaster Jonathan Livioco was the soloist in Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47. Unfortunately for me, only the first two movements were played. The last piece that the orchestra played was Scheherazade by Nikolai-Rimsky Korsakov, a popular orchestra piece that can be a very good introduction to this kind of music for casual audiences. Again, I found it unfortunate that the orchestra only played the last movement of this piece. But I had to understand that I wasn’t the intended audience for this concert. After the concert, Gerard and I discussed how the audience responded positively with the pieces that they performed. And we both feel that they’re now ready to experience a whole symphony/concerto in next editions of the Kapamilya Concert.

ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra repeats John Williams concert

February 23, 2013, 7:30 PM

Meralco Theater

Ortigas Avenue

Pasig City

Featuring:

ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra

Gerard Salonga, conductor

Jose Mari Chan and Karylle

During the Kapamilya Concert: Intro to the Classics, Gerard Salonga jokingly said that since the audience was at their behavior, he would reward them with an encore: music from Jurassic Park, a snippet/teaser of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra’s Magic of John Williams concert. Gerard also took this chance to remind everyone that due to popular demand, they will be repeating their successful The Magic of John Williams concert happening this February 24, 2013, 7:30 PM at the Meralco Theater.

Those who missed it for the first time (and those who want to see it again), here’s another chance to experience the splendor of John Williams’ music played live by an orchestra. In case people still don’t know, John Williams, one of the most popular composers right now, is the man responsible for the memorable music featured in films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jurassic Park, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, Jaws, Indiana Jones,  Star Wars, Harry Potter and Superman.

Crooner Jose Mari Chan and the ever versatile Karylle join the orchestra as the special guests for this concert. Karylle was the one who was initially announced in the lineup of the first concert but it was Nikki Gil who eventually got to perform there. If the programme remains the same, then it will be very interesting to hear Karylle’s take.

One of the memorable moments of the past concert was the participation of the 501^st Legion. The last concert had a surprise with the 501^st Legion joining the orchestra onstage with a Stormtrooper playing the bass drum to boot during the Star Wars Suite. And now, they will be joined by Hogwarts Philippines which makes me think if the Harry Potter section will be made more prominent this time around.

I highly advise everyone watching to have their cameras ready for not only is photography allowed during the actual concert, but taking photos along with people in costume makes for very interesting souvenirs of this unique concert.

Ticket Prices: 

P2500 Orchestra Center

P2000 Orchestra Side

P1800 Loge Center

P1500 Loge Side

P500 Upper Balcony

For inquiries:

TicketNet 911-5555