The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is bringing the joy of live orchestral music to the communities of Nueva Ecija and Dumaguete with its upcoming outreach concerts in the regions. These events aim to bring PPO’s brand of music to different regions, broadening its audience reach and making world-class orchestral music accessible outside the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex.
Under the baton of Resident Conductor Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the orchestra will present a vibrant program, with each concert highlighting a distinct theme. In Nueva Ecija, audiences will be swept into the festive spirit of the Christmas season through the PPO’s lively performances. Dubbed Himig ng Pasko, Alay sa Inyo, the PPO Nueva Ecija concert will feature home-grown performing groups such as the Voices of the City of Muñoz and the CLSU Maestro Singers with opera singer Gerphil Flores and soloist Giancarlo Gonzales. The concert will begin at 6:00pm on November 26 at the Science City Gymnasium in the Science City of Muñoz.
Flores is an award-winning classical crossover singer known for her captivating vocal artistry. She completed her Bachelor of Music, major in Voice, Cum Laude, at the University of the Philippines College of Music, and later continued her academic pursuits with studies in Art History at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She rose to international prominence as the 2nd runner-up on Asia’s Got Talent, and in 2015 received the Aliw Awards’ “Entertainer of the Year.” Since then, she has performed in numerous solo and collaborative concerts across Asia and North America.
Gonzales, the assistant principal cellist of the PPO, recently completed his Artist Diploma in Cello Performance at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he studied under Dr. Juliette Herlin and served as Principal Cellist of the TCU Symphony Orchestra, performing with the ensemble when it won First Place in the university division of The American Prize for Orchestral Performance. He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Memphis, In the Philippines, he has trained under respected mentors including Amador Tamayo and Herminia Ilano. A NAMCYA prizewinner and former member of the Asian Youth Orchestra, Gonzales has performed across Asia and appeared with major Philippine ensembles, including the PPO’s historic 2016 Carnegie Hall concert.
Following their performance in Nueva Ecija, the PPO will continue its outreach tour in Negros Oriental with a series of concerts at Silliman University, titled LEGACY: Music for Silliman’s Bicentennial, on December 11 at 7pm and December 12 at 2pm and 7pm. The Dumaguete program will serve as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Horace Silliman, an American philanthropist and industrialist who played a pivotal role in the founding of Silliman Institute, now Silliman University, on his birth anniversary.
Soprano Katrina Saga, with local talents soloists James Alkene Lamuna, Julia Faith Joaquin, and Joven Edward Aquisap will perform alongside the national orchestra.
Saga is a distinguished soprano and vocal specialist, a graduate of Silliman University’s College of Performing and Visual Arts, and an alumna of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, celebrated for her exceptional technique and artistry. Aquisap is PPO’s viola player and holds a Master of Music in Viola Performance and Chamber Music from the University of South Florida. Lamuna is a tenor with extensive performance experience in Dumeguete City, while Joaquin, a singing champion from Bohol, has gained national recognition as a finalist on It’s Showtime: Tawag ng Tanghalan.
Established in 1973, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra is the country’s leading orchestra, celebrated for its artistic excellence and commitment to fostering Filipino musical talent. Through concerts, outreach programs, and education initiatives, the PPO brings orchestral music to audiences nationwide.
The concert in Nueva Ecija is free and open to the public. Reserve your tickets for the Dumaguete concert through cac@su.edu.ph.
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