Manila Symphony Orchestra's unveils 2019-2020 Season

Coming off the heels of a string of sold out/standing room only/repeat performances of Rush Hour Concerts at the Ayala Museum, the Manila Symphony Orchestra unveils its 2019-2020 season gala concerts.

This season, taking on the theme Live Music Lives features an international lineup of conductors and soloists who are a mix of new and familiar faces.

The season begins with The Music of Ryan Cayabyab, a tribute to the National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. Featuring conductor Jonathan Velasco and the Ateneo Chamber Singers, the concert will be a mix of folk songs arranged for orchestra, choral pieces with orchestra, and more. The season opener happens on June 9, 2019, 6:00 PM at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, inside the Ateneo De Manila University campus in Quezon City.

Cellist Matias Oliveira Pinto and soprano Andión Fernandez-Ching, along with conductor Marlon Chen top bill Double Concerto happening on September 1, 2019, 6:00 PM at the Powermac Center Spotlight, in Circuit, Makati.

Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra's first violinist Jeanna Rafaella Marquez steps up to the plate in Sibelius and Beethoven 5th on October 6, 2019, 6:00 PM at Areté, inside the Ateneo de Manila University. Tarmo Peltokoski leads the MSO in this performance.

Grammy nominated conductor Darrell Ang returns in Darrel Ang & Diomedes Saraza Jr. on November 16, 2019, 8:00 PM at the Meralco Theater. Concertmaster Diomedes Saraza, Jr. will be the evening's featured soloist.

The season wraps up on February 5, 2020, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Billed as Shostakovich, the finale concert will feature guitarist Jacob Cordover and conductor Marlon Chen.

Subscription packages for this season and various sponsorships can be availed by contacting the MSO via e-mail at info@manilasymphony.com or by calling 523-5712.

The Kundiman Party reflections

The Kundiman Party

Rarely does a theatrical production render me speechless right after the curtain call. That is what The Kundiman Party did, leaving me a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that may have made me appear a bit spaced out after the preview night performance at the PETA Theater Center. 

I've already gathered my thoughts since then and I would like to enumerate some of my takeaways as the production heads over to its second and final weekend.

What struck me the most about The Kundiman Party, masterfully written by Floy Quintos, was how it shed light on art being politicized and turned into a weapon. In the play, Maestra Adela, brilliantly portrayed by Shamaine Centenera-Buncamino, starts by making her student Antoinette (Miah Canton) relate to the kundiman through the context of a romantic relationship. But later on after relenting to pressure, Adela uses the kundiman to highlight pressing social and political issues. On the other side of the coin, Senator Juancho Villarama (Nonie Buencamino), opens up the idea of having the study of the kundiman part of the school curriculum which in turn could be used as propaganda and condition/suppress the minds of the people. For people to dismiss art as just some works with no value or consequence, The Kundiman Party shows how vital and essential art can be in shaping a society.

Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino and the cast of The Kundiman Party

Another thing that got through me in this play is the theme of making choices. These choices change the course of one's life but unfortunately, most choices entail making a sacrifice. Everyone in the play made choices like Adela who chose to leave the opera stage behind for a greater cause but at a great cost. Her circle of friends also made choices, Mitch (Missy Maramara/Jenny Jamora) chose to leave a cheating husband, Helen (Stella Cañete-Mendoza) chose to remain a grieving widow, and Mayen (Frances Makil-Ignacio) chose to still join rallies even if nothing seems to have changed. Idealistic Bobby (Boo Gabunada) chose to rebel against his father. Even Antoinette chose to sing, specifically the kundiman. In the end, they all had to make THE choice upon finding themselves with their backs on the wall.

These two themes did linger and would definitely stay with me for far longer as I soldier on in the arts and culture scene.

Let me commend pianist Gabriel Paguirigan as Ludwig whose brief lines always elicited laughter and also Rica Nepomuceno as Melissa whose couple of song numbers were among the most memorable in the play for hilarious reasons.

Boo Gabunada, Frances Makil-Ignacio, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera,
Rica Nepomuceno, and Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino

I finally understood the disbelief that friends and acquaintances from both the music and theater circles had whenever they find out that I failed to see the play when it was initially staged last year over at UP Diliman. This is a play that is a must see for everyone in the arts, culture, creative field out there. Do not let me be the one in disbelief upon learning that a creative was unable to see this masterpiece.

The Kundiman Party's remaining performances happen from May 30, 2019 up to June 2, 2019 at the PETA Theater Center.

Coro Jesu crowned Musica FEUROPA 11 champs

Coro Jesu, Musica FEUROPA 11 Champion

First time competitors Coro Jesu emerged as champions of Musica FEUROPA 11, choral competition held at the FEU Auditorium.

Coro Jesu

Conducted by Itchie Boy Montilla, the Makati based church choir bested five other finalists in a very much wide open field with no overwhelming favorites heading into the finals. The choir impressed the judges with their renditions Javier Busto and Matías Anton Mena's A Tu Lado, Ily Matthew Maniano's Daluyong, and Saunder Choi's El Vasto Mar, the commissioned competition piece. With this win, Coro Jesu brought home a cash prize of P100,000 and a trophy.

Himig Roseña, 1st Runner Up

Himig Roseña (1st Runner Up) and Salinlahi Serenata Singers (2nd Runner Up) found themselves among the top three after coming up short last year. They won P30,000 and P20,000 respectively as well as trophies.

Salinlahi Serenata Singers, 2nd Runner Up

The finals also marked the world premiere performance of Saunder Choi's El Vasto Mar, the competition piece commissioned for this year. My impression of this flowing work is that the soft repeated motifs in the upper registers at the opening is like a soft breeze skimming the gentle waves of the sea. And as the music thickens to involve more the lower registers, it is like plunging down towards the more turbulent currents beneath the surface. It then heads back to the seemingly calm surface of the sea as the repeated motifs are heard again.

It now remains to be seen if Coro Jesu will be back to defend its title or if Himig Roseña and Salinlahi Serenata Singers will join once again to equal or better their placements next year. How will these new winners fare if ever the past winning choirs join again next year? Well, that is a matter of Musica FEUROPA 12. But for now, I await to see how the choirs fare in other competitions (if they do join them) in the remainder of this year.

Himig ng Bayan: a refresher course on National Artists for Music

As part of the celebrations for the National Heritage Month, a Gala tribute for National Artists for Music was held earlier this month at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The show, billed as Himig ng Bayan, paid tribute to the fourteen National Artists for Music with performances that satisfactorily covered everyone namely Antonio Molina, Jovita Fuentes, Honorata "Atang" dela Rama, Antonino R. Buenaventura, Lucrecia Kasilag, Lucio D. San Pedro, Levi Celerio, Felipe Padilla de Leon, Jose Maceda, Ernani Joson Cuenco, Andrea O. Veneracion, Francisco Feliciano, Ramon P. Santos, and Raymundo Cipriano "Ryan" Cayabyab.

Of the fourteen, only two, Santos and Cayabyab still survive. And it was only fitting that they were in attendance that night.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Herminigildo Ranera opened the tribute with Buenaventura's Mindanao Sketches. Soprano Rachelle Gerodias performed Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal (by Cuenco and Celerio) and Kay Tamis ng Buhay (Padilla de Leon).

Violinist Coke Bolipata performed a movement from Lucrecia Kasilag's Violin Concerto No. 2 and Antonio Molina's Hatinggabi. Cayabyab's Pepe en Pilar performed by the PPO was an interesting choice considering the vast number of works that were available.

Tenor Cristiani Rebada then gave tribute to Fuentes through his performance of Ay, Kalisud before wrapping up the first half with Cuenco and Celerio's Kalesa wherein he was joined by dancers from Danspace Ballet School.

The second half began with Himig Sanghaya Chorale performing Maceda's Udlot-udlot, the only unfamiliar piece for me that night. The Philippine Madrigal Singers paid tribute to their founder Veneracion and composers Francisco Feliciano, Ramon Santos, and Lucio San Pedro with performances of Pokpok Alimpako and Pamugon (Feliciano), Tuksuhan (Santos), and Sa Mahal Kong Bayan (San Pedro).

Rebada returned onstage for a tribute to dela Rama and Abelardo with a rendition of the latter's Bituing Marikit. The popular Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (San Pedro/Celerio) was then performed by Gerodias with Danspace Ballet School dancers. The gala was capped by all the performers with Cayabyab's patriotic O Bayan Ko.

The show, directed by Dennis Marasigan, indeed covered a lot of ground although it just skimmed the surface regarding the enormous combined catalogue of the National Artists. What left me a bit wanting was that there were no recordings nor clips (if ever they exist at all) of Jovita Fuentes and Atang dela Rama. While the composers' respective legacies could go on indefinitely through performances of their works (especially those with existing scores), the vocalists like Fuentes and dela Rama do not enjoy this and their greatness could only be gathered through what were written about them. This made me appreciate more of the videos of Celerio making music with leaves.

The gala tribute served as a refresher course for me with some works coming back to me upon hearing them again after what seemed like ages. But there is still a lot of work to be done regarding making these works known to the general public. Prior to the show at the cocktails, I found myself conversing with two teenage girls who couldn't even name a single National Artist, not even Ryan Cayabyab.

I am all for tributes such as this but the real work is out of the theater and into the classrooms primarily. Exposing the young to these National Artists (not just limited to music) and their works do not only instill Pinoy Pride but they serve to encourage the creation of new works that take into major consideration Philippine sensibilities and aesthetics.

Celebrate Philippine Independence with songs in Reminiscences

Reignite the love for country with songs that have defined the Philippines with Ephesus Teatron Group, Inc.’s Reminiscences, a music showcase in celebration of 121 years of Philippine Independence happening on June 11 &12, 2019 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza.

Get to hear folk songs, kundimans and patriotic songs from various parts of the country like Bayan Ko, Bahay Kubo, Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Pamulinawen, Ili Ili Tulog Anay, Alerta Katipunan!, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuan Lupa, and more in this show.

Front row L to R: Red Nuestro and Onyl Torres
Back row L to R: Margarita Roco, Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, Terence Guillermo,
and Steven Hotchkiss

Performing these songs is the 6 member ensemble TRIBU, composed of some of the country’s top caliber vocalists namely Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, Margarita Roco, Steven Hotchkiss, Terence Guillermo, Red Nuestro, and Onyl Torres.

The extensive musical theater experience of these artists promises to give a new dimension to the music making the timeless songs more accessible to contemporary audiences.

Serving as the narrator and host is Jereny Domingo. Kim Dominic Sarmiento will be the evening's accompanying pianist. Musical arrangement is by Pipo Cifra and Sweet Buchanan.

Jeremy Domingo, Steven Hotchkiss, Terence Guillermo, Margarita Roco,
Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan, Onyl Torres, Red Nuestro, and Kim Dominic Sarmiento

Reminiscences will have performances on June 11, 2019, 7:00 PM and June 12, 2019, 3:00 & 7:00 PM at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati.

Lukáš Sommer, a storyteller with a guitar

Earlier this month, Czech guitarist/composer Lukáš Sommer had a weeklong tour that had him perform and also conduct masterclasses in and out of Metro Manila. 

As much as I want to be there in all of his stops, I could only catch the penultimate performance of his tour held at the Palm Grove, Rockwell Center in Makati.

Coincidentally, Lukáš' performance was also in line with the celebration of the Czech Republic Liberation Day. Before he got on to the stage, Czech Ambassador Jana Šedivá gave opening remarks and welcomed the guests that were mostly from the diplomatic corps. I was surprised to recognize only three from the usual music circle that night though. It made me wonder if the guitarists, other musicians, and enthusiasts were at his earlier performances instead.

The lack of music people got me initially worried since I know that Lukáš would perform his own compositions (mostly taken from his album Savana!). While music people may be receptive to unfamiliar, contemporary music , for others this music may not be their cup of tea.

But Lukáš cast away my worries earlier on with his opener which was Variation on Over the Rainbow. With just that piece, he has captivated his audience already. His brief introductions before playing the succeeding works prepared the audience to what they would hear. And Lukáš' skill, charm, showmanship, and of course, the quality of his music easily enthralled the listeners. 

Lukáš was such a story teller with the guitar thay by the end of each piece, it felt like I already knew a bit about his friends, children, ex-wife, and the places that he has been to as these were the subjects of the works that he played.

Seeing Lukáš perform live, with the guitar taps, finger snaps, tongue clicks, and even a slap to the face, and how he plays to and interacts with the audience, gave a whole new layer to the music that I didn't get to experience by just listening to his recordings.

Now that the Philippine audience already had a taste of Lukáš' guitar music, I fervently wish that someday, his orchestral works, especially one of the concertos recorded in his Three Concerts album, will be performed here by one of the orchestras in here.

Manila Symphony Orchestra repeats sold out performances at the Ayala Museum

Due to popular demand, the Manila Symphony Orchestra presents repeat performances of two of its most recent, sold out Rush Hour Concerts at the Ayala Museum.

Guitarist Noli Aurillo joins the MSO again at the repeat performance of Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue on May 25, 2019, 7:00 PM.

On the following night, video game music and more will be given the symphonic treatment at the repeat performance of Video Game Symphonic on May 26, 2019, 7:00 PM.

These couple of repeat performances will also be among the last to happen at the Ayala Museum before it closes on June 1, 2019 for a year long renovation.

15 choirs compete for Musica FEUROPA 11 title

Fifteen choirs from different parts of the country will sing it out for the Musica FEUROPA 11 title this May 25 & 26, 2019 at the FEU Auditorium, Far Eastern University Campus in Manila.

Co-presented by the FEU President's Committee on Culture and the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, Musica FEUROPA is an annual choral competition that aims to promote choral music and literature from the Philippines and the EU member states.

The competition begins on May 25, 2019, 10:00 AM with the Semifinals of the Teen Category. Previously known as the High School Category, this year sees its expansion to the Teen Category allowing for participants up to 19 years of age.

Later in the afternoon at 2:00 PM will be the Open Category Semifinals. The top three finishers from each category will then compete in a single pool at the Finals happening on May 26, 2019, 3:00 PM.

FEU Chorale

Teen Category Semifinalists

Eusebia Paz Arroyo Memorial National High School Youth Choir

Himig Roseña

Salinlahi Serenata Singers

School of the Holy Spirit Chorale

UST SHS Chorale

Open Category Semifinalists

Coro de Manila

Coro Jesu

De La Salle University Chorale

Ganap QCPU

Himig Rizalia

Holy Angel University Chorale

Technological Institute of the Philippines Chorale

The University of Manila Singing Ambassadors

The Voices of Cebu Chorale

Vox Animae

This year also sees the debut of a competition piece with Saunder Choi's El Vasto Mar to be performed by all the choirs making it to the Finals.

This new commissioned work features lyrics in Spanish lifted from Sampaguitas y Poesia Varias by Filipino poet Pedro Paterno. The words describe the stark juxtaposition of the wild waves above and the peaceful waters below of the seas, somehow mirroring the condition of the country during that time. The piece conveys how music serves as a universal language to promote unity, peace, and harmony among different nations.

Musica FEUROPA 11 team

Admission to the competition is free with tickets are available through Ticket2Me, a ticketing app that can be readily accessed through any desktop or mobile devices.

Musica FEUROPA 11 is presented by Far Eastern University through it's President's Committee on Culture, the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, and also by 98.7 DZFE.FM The Master's Touch and the Embassy of Germany.

Setting up the stage up north for the inaugural Candon Music Festival

The Philippine music scene has seen its share of music festivals ranging from the genre specific, gimmick themed, and to those that are destination driven. But never have I encountered a music festival in here that was born out of a classical music program. That is until now with the entry of the Candon Music Festival, bringing the music festival scene up north this May 23-25, 2019 at the Bagani Campo Concert Grounds in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

The seeds of the Candon Music Festival was first planted when young cellist Christian Geo Molina (one of the program's success stories) proposed to Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, the idea of mounting a music festival fronted by classical musicians. This proposal, that initially seemed farfetched to Cayabyab, was then backed by Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director Jeffrey Solares and retired Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Jorge Joy Sababan. Cayabyab realized that this was a serious endeavor. Now, Cayabyab has signed up as the Festival Director with the lineup expanding to include other mainstream artists that will share the stage with the classical music acts including Candon's homegrown music groups.

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and Congressman Eric Singson

Familiar names and faces make up the classical music acts that are part of this festival with the Manila Symphony Orchestra leading the line up. The Philippine Cello ensemble is made up of the MSO and MSJO cello section including Geo Molina. Tenor Ronan Ferrer sang the role of Crisostomo Ibarra during the 2017 staging of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra may not be part of the music festival but the principals of the brass section will be there as members of Pinoy Brass as well as PPO percussionist Aimee Mina dela Cruz who will play the marimba. Aimee's husband, violist Joy Allan dela Cruz, is one of the special guests at the festival. Also performing is Kabataang Gitarista, made up of exceptional musicians from the CCP's music education/arts training program which I think is very apt considering the roots of the festival.

Kristine Singson-Meehan and Eric Singson greet
Ryan Cayabyab a (belated) Happy Birthday

Each night of the festival starts at 6:00 PM starting with the classical music acts and will go on until midnight. Admission is for free with tickets available at partner establishments and government agencies with limited number of passes available on site.

Here is the Candon Music Festival line up per day:

May 23, 2019

Banda ni Kleggy

Deck of Cards

Imago

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Noel Cabangon

Philippine Cello Ensemble

Ronan Ferrer

Spongecola.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Philippine Cello Ensemble

Ronan Ferrer

May 24, 2019

6Cyclemind

Candon City Chamber Orchestra

Candon City Children’s Choir

Candon City Chorale

Gloc9

Gracenote

Moonstar 88

Pinoy Brass

Tila Baliw

Candon City Chamber Orchestra

Candon City Children's Choir

Candon City Chorale

Pinoy Brass

May 25, 2019

Aimee Mina dela Cruz

Cardona Youth Symphony Band

Davey Langit

DJ Patty Tiu

Jammers

Kabataang Gitarista

Orange & Lemons

Rivermaya

Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

Aimee Mina dela Cruz

Cardona Youth Symphony Band

Kabataang Gitarista

Special guests include Regina Garabiles, soprano Jedessa Calacday, pianist Melissa Nartatez, violist Joy Allan de la Cruz, and DJ Lester Paul M. Vano.

Organizers and artists of Candon Music Festival

The Candon Music Festival is a collaboration of Congressman Eric D. Singson with the provincial government headed by Governor Ryan Singson, the City of Candon headed by Mayor Ericson Singson, and Project Manager Kristine Singson-Meehan with the Council for Culture, Arts and Tourism of the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur.

Young artists in post Mother's Day music tribute at the Ayala Museum

Why limit Mother's Day celebrations to a single weekend while there is always a reason to celebrate one of the most important women in our lives? One such celebration is Musical Bouquets for Mother, a music filled tribute to mothers happening on May 23, 2019, 6:30 PM at the Ayala Museum in Makati.

See five young, promising artists, namely violinist Emmanuel John Villarin, sopranos Marielle Tuason and Angelina Benipayo, and pianists Paul Casiano and Ricardo Abapo Jr. perform pieces by Beethoven, Kerns, Gershwin, Sarasate, Ponce, Buencamino, and Chopin.

Musical Bouquets for Mother is presented by Cultural Arts Events Organizer and the Ayala Museum's Youth in Motion with 98.7 DZFE.FM, the Master's Touch and Lyric Piano. Tickets are available at TicketWorld outlets or through CAEO by contacting 782-1763, (0918) 347-3027, or (0920) 954-0053.

The Kundiman Party returns at the PETA Theater Center

Friends and acquaintances from the theater and music scene were in disbelief upon learning that I failed to see The Kundiman Party when it had its initial (later, extended) run last year.

Written by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos, and produced by the UP Playwright's Theater, this play was the talk of the town as the plot that deals with the millennials' discontentment with the current socio-political affairs, as well as the kundiman art songs woven in it, resonated well with audiences.

Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino

Now, as the country moves forward (for better or for worse) after the midterm national and local elections, The Kundiman Party makes its much awaited for a limited run this May 24-Jube 2, 2019 at a new venue, the PETA Theater Center as part of its Stage of the Nation Season.

Rica Nepomuceno

Leading the cast is Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino who returns to reprise the role of the reclusive voice teacher Maestra Adela. Joining her are the returning Titas namely Frances Makil-Ignacio, Stella Cañete, Jenny Jamora, and Missy Maramara. Also returning are Miah Canton and Rica Nepomuceno, portraying singers from different eras trying to find their voice in these times.

Miah Canton

A trio of new additions join the party in this run starting with pianist Gabriel Paguirigan, who has won countless competitions and has performed and competed numerous times here and abroad. This will be his first ever acting role which is also the major reason why I absolutely cannot miss this year's staging.

Playwright Floy Quintos

Also joining the cast is Boo Gabunada who was last seen in Mula Sa Buwan and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Rounding up the new additions is seasoned actor Nonie Buencamino as Senator Juancho Valderama, who will have a square off scene with his wife Shamaine.

The kundimans to be performed in the play will feature piano arrangements by National Artist for Music, Ryan Cayabyab with additional scoring by Krina Cayabyab. These kundimans include Bituing Marikit, Kundiman ng Luha, Mutya ng Pasig, and Nasaan Ka Irog by Nicanor Abelardo and Madaling Araw, Pakiusap, and Pilipinas Kong Mahal by Francisco Santiago.

The cast and creative team of The Kundiman Party

The creative team of The Kundiman Party is composed of Floy Quintos (playwright), Dexter M. Santos (director), Mitoy Sta. Ana (production designer), Krina Cayabyab (musical designer), Meliton Roxas (lights designer), Nour Houshmand (assistant director), Io Balanon (technical director), and Steven Tansiongco (video and graphics designer).

The Kundiman Party runs from May 24, 2019 up to June 2, 2019 at the PETA Theater Center.

PPO's Symphonic Sunsets concert delights jam packed UPLB grounds

Yoshikazu Fukumura conducts the Philippine Philharominic Orchestra

The most recent Symphonic Sunsets @Makiling had a change in venue with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performing at the UPLB Freedom Park in Los Baños, Laguna this time around.

The shift to a more accessible venue at the University of the Phililpines Los Baños grounds did bring out a sizable crowd that stretched far back as my eye could see. It is always a delight for me to be in the midst of an audience outside of the typical CCP crowd as it gives me the chance to see a different reaction and feedback to the performances.

The UPLB audience

The UPLB audience reacted more to the upper half of the program with Ranera conducting medleys and mash ups of familiar and popular tunes. Some couldn't contain themselves and started to hum/sing along with the recognizable tunes from Overture on Philippine Folk Songs arranged by George Bernard Green, Selections from Les Misérables arranged by Bob Lowden, Eraserheads Suite arranged by Ryan Cayabyab, Bohemian Rhapsody/Queen Medley arranged by Herminigildo Ranera. Pipo Cifra's Terre e Luna (Earth and Moon), a symphonic mashup of two recent, massive local hits, Mundo and Buwan, and an encore of The Avengers theme by Alan Silvestri proved to be very popular with the crowd. This half of the program also gave the audience an introduction to the orchestra and the various instruments in it through a lecture/demo by Ranera.

Herminigildo Ranera conducts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

The audience's unfamiliarity with Yoshikazu Fukumura's more traditional/classical line up, comprised of Gioacchino Rossini's Overture to La Gazza ladra, Johann Strauss Jr.'s Annen Polka and Emperor Waltz, Arturo Marquez' Danzon No. 2, Frederick Loewe's My Fair Lady Selection, and an encore of Leroy Anderson's Serenata, led to a more muted but still appreciative applause. The outdoor setup didn't give an opportunity to showcase Fukumuras deft touch in bringing out the nuances and dynamics from the PPO as evidenced by their season concerts earlier this year. It would be great if the UPLB audience can also get to experience how electrifying an orchestra performance under Fukimura could be inside a theater with great acoustics.

It remains to be seen if PPO's performance at the UPLB campus will be a regular occurrence but based on the very impressive audience turn out, I wouldn't be surprised to see if it does especially with UP President Danilo Concepción's opening remarks that already proposed some changes to make succeeding concerts more inclusive.

The Symphonic Sunsets @Makiling was presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the University of the Philippines and Philippine High School for the Arts.

Come May 18, 2019, 5:00 PM, back at the Tanghalang Maria Makiling at the National Arts Center in Makiling this time, the Manila Symphony Orchestra gets to participate for the first time at Symphonic Sunsets @Makiling. To be conducted by Jeffrey Solares, the MSO will perform a varied program with music ranging from classics, movies, OPM, and more.