Violinist KayCee galano returns to PPO stage in Concert III: Bolero

Eight years after delivering a mindblowing performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Main Theater stage, Filipino violinist KayCee Galano makes her long overdue return engagement with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra this November 6, 2026, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Under the baton of PPO Music Director/Principal Conductor Grzegorz Nowak, Galano is set to perform Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61. Back in 2018, then 17-year old Galano brought the house down after her remarkable take on Max Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor, Op. 26 as well as her showstopping encore of John Newton's Amazing Grace.

KayCee Galano

The concert, billed as Bolero and the third installment of the PPO's 42nd concert season also includes performances of Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un faune, and Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and his oh so popular Bolero making this evening an all French music affair.

Tickets for PPO's Concert III: Bolero are available at TicketWorld. Exclusive deals and discounts can be availed by being a PPO subscriber through contacting salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or calling the CCP Box Office at +63 931-033-0880.

Italian violinist Andrea Obiso headlines PPO season finale concert

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra would like to inform our audience that, due to unforeseen health issues, violinist Andrea Obiso will be unable to join us for PPO Concert VII: Finale on April 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. We wish him a swift recovery and thank you for your kind understanding.

In his place, violinist Diomedes Saraza, Jr., PPO concertmaster and artist-in-residence, will perform as soloist, playing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. The concert will also feature Concerto for Orchestra, a commissioned work by composer Jeffrey Ching, and Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite no.1, conducted by Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

Please stay tuned for further updates. We appreciate your continued support. and look forward to seeing you at the finale of the PPO’s 40th concert season.

Originally scheduled for the December concert, Andrea Obiso finally makes his much awaited Philippine debut as he wraps up the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 40th concert season on April 11, 2025m 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Billed as Finale, the season ending concert sees Obiso take on Camille Saint-Saëns' Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61 with a 1741 crafted Joseph Guarneri del Gesù violin.

The concert also marks the debut of Jeffrey Ching's Concerto for Orchestra. This newly commissioned work by the PPO's first ever composer-in-residence is dedicated to Ching's friend and colleague, the late Brazilian cellist Matias de Oliveira Pinto. A frequent collaborator, of Ching, de Oliveira Pinto had performed in the Philippines a handful of times.

Those who felt upset that Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1 got scrapped at last month's concert need to fret no more, as this piece eventually closes out the PPO's 40th concert season that has seen its share of switches (as well as some remarkable fortes).

Andrea Obiso

But the closing of the 40th season doesn't mean that the PPO and music director/principal conductor Grzegorz Nowak can rest on their laurels just yet. Already on the horizon is the orchestra's upcoming UK tour that will be preceded by a send off concert happening just a couple of weeks later.

Reprinted below is the press release for the PPO's Concert VII: Finale.

A Jeffrey Ching classic and soloist Andrea Obiso in PPO Concert VII: FINALE

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) masterfully closes its 40th concert season, dubbed Forte, featuring internationally acclaimed soloist Andrea Obiso and a new concerto from Jeffrey Ching, on April 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

PPO Concert VII: Finale will be an evening of compelling orchestral works under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

Another classic from PPO’s first composer-in-residence Jeffrey Ching

The PPO Concert VII: Finale commences with composer Jeffrey Ching’s “Concerto for Orchestra,” a newly commissioned work by the orchestra. At the invitation of Maestro Nowak, Ching became the PPO’s first composer-in-residence.

Studying music, Sinology, and Philosophy at Harvard, Cambridge, and London, Ching was the composer-in-residence at the Tongyeong International Music Festival (2010), the Singapore International Festival of Music (2016), and the Mendigorría International Music Festival in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2023.

One of his operas, “Before Brabant,” was first staged at the Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2013. Under the direction of multi-nominated Alberto Rodriguez, it received premier animation and lighting effects. It was showcased at the CCP Children’s Biennale in Manila in November 2024.

Armed by his fondness for historical narratives, Ching wrote over 300 compositions. In 2010, his opera “Das Waisenkind” won the Theater Erfurt Audience Prize in Germany. It was also nominated for the Kyoto Prize as it blended Eastern and Western traditions through music.

Renowned soloist Andrea Obiso graces PPO Concert VII: Finale

Italian violinist Andrea Obiso joins PPO Concert VII: Finale for a night of dreamy melodies. Since 2020, he has served as Concertmaster of the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. He has also performed with top orchestras, including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and the Bayerische Rundfunk Symphonie Orchester.

Obiso toured extensively across Europe, Asia, and the USA as a distinguished soloist. With technical skills helmed by masters Boris Belkin and Midori Goto, his repertoire spans over 30 violin concertos.

Playing a Joseph Guarneri del Gesù violin crafted in 1741, Obiso carries 284 years of musical history with him in each performance.

For PPO Concert VII: Finale, Obiso interprets Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Violin Concerto No. 3”. Saint-Saëns was already 45 years old when he finished writing the composition. Integrating virtuosity in three parts, he demonstrated refined musicality in the piece. The violin is immediately put into action with his luminous writing. Slowly, Violin Concerto No. 3 ascends to a solo recitative, perfectly sustaining the orchestra’s momentum.

The staccato rhythm of Saint-Saëns’ piece continues PPO Concert VII: Finale with Spanish flavor through Georges Bizet’s “Carmen Suite”. Derived from Bizet’s operatic masterpiece of the same title, the atmospheric composition includes five instrumental sections describing a gypsy woman and her fiery love for freedom. Bizet’s Carmen Suite closes the curtains of PPO Concert VII: Finale with its score bursting with passion.

PPO Concert VII: Finale marks a remarkable beginning for the orchestra. The momentous closing of the orchestra’s 40th season brings another milestone as PPO gears for a nine-concert tour in the United Kingdom in May.

Join the PPO for a night of soaring melodies on April 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. Now available at TicketWorld, tickets are priced at Php 3,000, Php 2,500, Php 2,000, and Php 1,500. Enjoy up to 20 percent discount as a PPO Subscriber. For more information, email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880.

Follow the CCP and PPO’s official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts for updates on the orchestra’s future concerts and performances. For more information on world-class masterclasses, workshops, performances, and other events, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. joins PPO's 39th season finale concert

Violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. joins Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for a festive finish to the orchestra's Switch season happening this April 19, 2024, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

With Maestro Grzergorz Nowak conducting, this season closing concert sees Sarasa do double duty as the featured soloist in Lucrecia Kasilag's Violin Concerto No. 1 and Camille Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28. The concert, billed as Fête Française, wraps up with Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485.

Diomedes Saraza Jr.

PPO's 39th concert season Switch saw the Cultural Center of the Philippines' resident orchestra welcome Maestro Grzergorz Nowak as its new music director and principal conductor. It also marked the move to Samsung Performing Arts Theater while the CCP Main Building undergoes a several years long major rehabilitation.

Reprinted below is the press release for the PPO's 39th concert season closing performance.

Last 'Switch' for PPO's 39th concert season

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the country’s primary orchestra, will take its last ‘Switch’ for its 39th concert season on April 19, 7:30pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

For its finale concert, the resident orchestra of the Cultural Center of the Philippines will feature violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. as its guest soloist.

Saraza Jr. is an active concert violinist, chamber musician, and avid educator. The former Manila Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, Saraza is a well-established musical artist that has taken part in many international solo performances with different orchestras such as the Mannes Orchestra, New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. His extensive solo and chamber performances include prestigious venues that span from Philippines’ Cultural Center of the Philippines, New York’s Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, to Russia’s Tchaikovsky’s Concert Hall among others.

For its final concert, PPO music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak will take the baton, leading the national orchestra in a night of Fete Francaise. The concert program includes: National Artist Lucresia Kasilag's Violin Concerto No. 1, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28, and Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.

An instrumental in developing Philippine music and culture, the National Artist for Music was recognized for including indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral productions. She has written more than 350 musical compositions that range from folksongs to opera to orchestral pieces. She was the founding mother of the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center for research and theatrical presentations and actively involved herself with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company.

Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer, organist, conductor and pianist of the Romantic era. A child prodigy, he was already giving public concerts as a pianist and organist at a young age. One of his best-known works is the Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, op. 28. composed in 1863, it was dedicated to Pablo de Sarasate, a Spanish virtuoso violinist, who frequently programmed it in his concert engagements, thus making it popular enough that other French composers made arrangements of it.

Completing the concert finale’s program is Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, a classic piece which is said to pay homage to masters Mozart and Haydn. Schubert deeply admired Mozart. His composition is frequently said to resemble the prolific and influential composer.

Ranked among the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music, Schubert and his work continues to be admired and widely performed. He was a composer during the late Classical and early Romantic eras. He has composed symphonies, masses, and piano works and is best remembered for his “lieder."

Tickets to PPO Concert VIII: Fete Francaise are priced at Php3,000 (Orchestra Center), Php2,000 (Orchestra Side), Php2,500 (Loge Center), Php1,500 (Loge Side), and Php800 (Balcony 1).

The PPO concert season is made possible with partners SSI Group, Inc., TBWA\SMP, Ascott Bonifacio Global City, and Lyf Malate Manila.

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila to wrap up CCP Met Opera in HD Season 7

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, together with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas, present the finale of CCP Met Opera in HD Season 7 with the screening of Camille Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila on February 7, 2023, 5:30 PM at Greenbelt 3, Makati.

This new staging of Samson et Dalila, the first new Met production of the opera in 20 years reunites Elīna Garanča and Roberto Alagna in the title roles. Co-stars include Laurent Naouri as the High Priest of Dagon, Elchin Azizov as the Philistine king Abimélech, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy as the Old Hebrew.

Tony Award–winning director Darko Tresnjak (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder) makes his Met debut with this staging of this opera, the first new production in 20 years. Sir Mark Elder conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

Tickets are priced at P450 each. Students and viewers 35 years and below can avail discounted tickets priced at P100 each.

Manila Pianos Artist Series presents violinist Leila Neynes, cellist John Paolo Anorico, and pianist Brian Berino in recital

The Manila Pianos Artist Series presents violinist Leila Neynes, cellist John Paolo Anorico, and pianist Brian Berino in Synergy, a chamber music recital happening on January 15, 2023, 6:00 PM at the Manila Pianos Showroom located at Paseo de Magallanes, Makati.

This recital features solo and duo performances of Impromptu G flat Major Op. 90 No. 3 D 899 by Franz Schubert, the Allegro from Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring" by Ludwig van Beethoven, Le cygne/The Swan from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns, Caprice No. 1, Op. 25 by Alfredo Piatti, Caprice No. 2 in A minor, Op. 22 by Pierre Rode, Concert Étude Op. 40, No. 3 "Toccatina" by Nikolai Kapustin, and Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla.

The recital will be capped by a performance of Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49.

Tickets are priced at P800. Discounted tickets at P500 are available for seniors, PWDs, and students. Reservations can be made via GCash payment to 0917-4158876 under the name of Richard S. After paying, send confirmation, along with payer's name and number of tickets to the same number. Reserved tickets can be claimed at the gate on the day of the performance.

Manila Pianos presents cellist Kyong-min Nam, pianist Dingdong Fiel in recital

Manila Pianos Artist Series presents cellist Kyong-min Nam and pianist Dingdong Fiel in a recital premiering online on April 2, 2022, 7:30 PM.

This recital, billed as Spring, sees the newlyweds perform Antonio Vivaldi's Cello Sonata in E minor No. 5, RV 40 and Camille Saint-Säens' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33.

PPO chamber music concert series resumes on June 25

After skipping a month, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chamber Music Concert Series returns with bassoonist Adolfo Mendoza and pianist Mary Anne Espina premiering online on June 25, 2021, 8:00 PM at the PPO Facebook page and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ YouTube channel.

The duo of Mendoza and Espina will perform Camille Saint-Saëns' Bassoon Sonata in G major, Op. 168 and Carl Maria von Weber’s Andante e Rondo ongarese, Op 35.

One can still catch up with the previous five episodes of the PPO’s Chamber Music Concert Series that are available to view at the PPO Facebook page and the CCP’s YouTube channel.

NAMCYA winner Joshua Ethan Dakanay in ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra concert

Barely a couple of weeks after the educational Evening with Beethoven, the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra presents its latest installment of their Classical Concert Series happening this April 26, 2019, 6:45 PM at the ABS-CBN's Studio 4.

For this evening, the orchestra, along with conductor Joshua Dos Santos, welcomes Joshua Ethan Dakanay as their guest soloist.

Dakanay won the 1st Prize at the 2018 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Junior Strings Category. He will be the featured soloist at Camille Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33.

Also part of the evening's program are Claude Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune/Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "From the New World".

Admission to the concert is free. Seats are limited so do contact Joji Cardones at (02) 415-2272 extension 2407 or (0998) 969-7329 to ensure one's seat.

Special Concert Series III: Raymond De Leon

Trumpeter Raymond de Leon

Featuring:

Raymond de Leon, trumpet

Raul Sunico, piano

Programme:

Oskar Böhme Trumpet Concerto in F minor, Op. 18

Jean-Baptiste Arban Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s Norma

Jeno Hubay Scènes de la Csárda No.4 Hejre Kati, Op.32

Vladimir Peskin Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C minor

Camille Saint-Saëns Le Cyne 

Vittorio Monti Csárdás

US based trumpeter Raymond de Leon’s guest stint during the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert performing Arutiunian’s trumpet concerto back in December 2012 made such a splash that a solo concert featuring him seemed inevitable. Important family matters led to the postponement of the concert, but after a lengthy delay, Raymond’s concert did finally happen at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

Raymond de Leon, accompanied by pianist Raul Sunico, prepared a mix of unfamiliar and rarely played trumpet concertos that included Oskar Böhme’s Trumpet Concerto in F minor, Op. 18 and Vladimir Peskin’s Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C minor, and some transcriptions for the trumpet like Jean-Baptiste Arban’s Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s Norma and Jeno Hubay Scènes de la Csárda No.4 Hejre Kati, Op.32, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Le Cyne and Vittorio Monti’s Csárdás.

The couple of trumpet concertos he performed expanded my horizons as I only know Hummel, Haydn and the Arutiunian that he did before. There were a handful of times while listening to the piano parts when I wondered how the actual orchestration would’ve sounded in these pieces. It also made me note that I couldn’t recall ever hearing a trumpet sonata before. The trumpet transcriptions of the popular tunes Saint-Saëns’ Le Cyne and Monti’s Csárdás gave me more insight on the timbre, range, scope and limitations of the trumpet. The trumpet has a penetrating sound but Raymond was able to make it sound so tender during his two encores which was Sa Ugoy ng Duyan by Lucio San Pedro and the Canadian Brass arrangement of Amazing Grace.

One thing that I noticed throughout the concert was that he was gasping for breath through his mouth. The quick gasps, especially in between the tricky phrases, were audible even from where I was seated inside the Little Theater. A possible explanation came to light after the show during the meet and greet. Seeing Raymond up close made me notice his reddened nose which made me suspect that he could’ve been suffering from a nasty cold. I could only imagine how difficult it was for him to get through the whole concert where breathing is so essential. And for that, Raymond deserves and extra pat on the back for a job well done.

PPO IV: Fukumura, Wang & Saint-Saëns

Conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura and cellist Ray Wang

Featuring:

Ray Wang, cello

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Yoshikazu Fukumura, conductor

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Camille Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33

Manuel De Falla El sombrero de tres picos

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra welcomed returning guest conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura from Japan in the orchestra’s concert entitled Fukumura, Wang & Saint-Saëns held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Fukumura, one of the very entertaining guest conductors in recent years was joined by cellist Ray Wang in this concert that had lots of character.

The concert started with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 which is not one of the most memorable among the composer’s nine symphonies. For me, Beethoven’s even numbered symphonies, with the exception of the sixth, somehow pale in comparison with the odd numbered ones. But Fukumura, remarkably, was able to enliven this piece up especially during the third movement scherzo. This movement is notable as it was in this symphony that Beethoven forever broke away from the usual minuet that has been the norm for third movements since the days of Haydn.

Next up was Camille Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33 featuring cellist Ray Wang. It pleased me that this concerto straddled right in the middle for it was not as depressingly dramatic as Elgar and not as syrupy cheerful as Haydn. The piece started with just the briefest of introduction before the cello boldly asserts itself through arresting, furious triplets that were handled deftly by Wang. The one continuous movement instead of the typical three with pauses in between might’ve left an impression on others that this was a very long piece. But for me, it just breezed by, and before I knew it, Wang was already making his bows.

The second half with Manuel de Falla’s El sombrero de tres picos elevated the concert several notches higher. The Spanish dances were really brought to life by the exuberant conducting of Fukumura. One wouldn’t suspect that he wasn’t physically on top form during that night (he was even in pain) but his performance at the podium didn’t betray any hint of discomfort from him. In hindsight, it was only his unusual gait entering the stage (at one point he looked like he almost tripped) was his only misstep throughout that night. The Spanish flavor proved to be a huge hit among the audience and Fukumura gave more of that during the encore which was the Intermedio from the zarzwela La boda de Luis Alonso by Gerónimo Giménez.

During his previous guest conducting stint for the Fukumura Conducts Brahms cocnert, Fukumura disappointed concert goers who wanted to see him after the performance. Thankfully, he and Wang came to the lobby this time and both were showered with praise and congratulations by the very satisfied audience.

Philippine premiere of Sarmientos' marimba concerto opens Filfest's 2014 Season

May 31, 2014, 8:00 PM

Insular Life Auditorium

Insular Life Tower

Filinvest, Alabang

Featuring:

Dena Fernandez, marimba

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Ruggero Barbieri, conductor

Programme:

Giacomo Puccini La tregenda from Le Villi

Joaquín Turina Orgía from Danzas fantásticas, Op. 22

Jorge Sarmientos Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 20

Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, From the New World

Camille Saint-Saëns Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, Op. 47

Nino Rota Symphonic Suite

Arturo Márquez Danzón No. 2

Nicanor Abelardo Mutya ng Pasig

The Filfest Cultural Foundation and Insular Life opens its 2014 season with the Philippine debut performance of a marimba concerto featuring marimbist Dena Fernandez and the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ruggero Barbieri happening on May 31, 2014, 8:00 PM at the Corporate Centre Auditorium of Insular Life Tower in Filinvest, Alabang.

The marimba concerto to be premiered in this concert was composed by Guatemala’s National Artist Jorge Sarmientos, considered as one of the most important composers hailing from South America. Aside from the marimba concerto, the evening’s program also includes Giacomo Puccini’s La tregenda from Le Villi, Joaquín Turina’s Orgía from Danzas fantásticas, Op. 22, Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, From the New World, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah, Op. 47, Nino Rota’s Symphonic Suite, Arturo Márquez’ Danzón No. 2, Nicanor Abelardo’s Mutya ng Pasig.

This concert is presented by Filfest Cultural Foundation and Insular Life in cooperation with San Miguel Corporation, Rustan’s, Vivere Hotel, Contis and Philippine Italian Association.

Ticket prices:

P1000 Orchestra Center

P800 Orchestra Side

For inquiries:

Marie (0917) 817-7261, (0918) 941-9472, 585-3823

US based trumpeter Raymond de Leon performs at CCP’s Special Concert Series

Trumpeter Raymond de Leon

January 29, 2014, 7:30 PM Performance

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

January 30-31, 2014, 1:30 & 3:30 PM Workshop/Masterclass

Silangan Hall

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Raymond de Leon, trumpet

Raul Sunico, piano

Programme:

Oskar Böhme Trumpet Concerto in F minor, Op. 18

Jean-Baptiste Arban Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s Norma

Jeno Hubay Scènes de la Csárda No.4 Hejre Kati, Op.32

Vladimir Peskin Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C minor

Camille Saint-Saëns Le Cyne 

Vittorio Monti Csárdás

Award winning trumpet player Raymond de Leon had a successful performance as the featured guest of the PPO during their De Leon and Arutiunian concert back in 2012. De Leon now returns for a solo concert this time, as one of the featured artists of the CCP Special Concert Series. The concert, originally scheduled for last September 2013, will now happen on January 29, 2014, 7:30 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

De Leon will be performing Oskar Böhme’s Trumpet Concerto in F minor, Op. 18, Jean-Baptiste Arban’s Variations on a Theme from Bellini’s Norma, Jeno Hubay’s Scènes de la Csárda No.4 Hejre Kati, Op.32, Vladimir Peskin’s Trumpet Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Le Cyne , and Vittorio Monti’s Csárdás. Accompanying him in this concert is pianist Raul Sunico.

After the concert, on January 30 and 31, Raymond will give a trumpet masterclass at 1:30 PM and workshop at 3:30 PM at the CCP’s Silangan Hall. Participants are requested to come and bring their trumpets for the trumpet choir.

A three-time first prize winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), Raymond was a semi-finalist in the 1st Calvia International Trumpet Competition in Mallorca, Spain in 2003. He won Third Prize in the International Trumpet Guild Solo Trumpet Competition in New Jersey in 2006 and won First Prize in the Seattle Philharmonic Don Bushell Concerto Competition in 2011. This led to his debut with the Seattle Philharmonic on March 2012, playing the Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto. Raymond has performed and toured in Europe, U.S.A., and Asia with international orchestra players and competed in international music competitions.

He studied at the University of Santo Tomas where he became a recipient of the Benavidez Award, twice, for International Excellence in Music. He also worked as a recording artist with Global Recording Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga.

He served and performed as a soloist in the U.S. Army with the 56th Army Band stationed at Joint Base Lewis - McChord in Washington. Raymond’s successful stint with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performing the Arutiunian trumpet concerto as soloist of the fourth PPO season concert in December 2012 drew raves from the audience and critics.

Ticket prices:

P800 Orchestra Center

P600 Orchestra Side

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For performance inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

For workshop inquiries:

CCP Artist Training Division 832-1125 local 1604/1605, ccp.artist.training@gmail.com

Japanese conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura returns to conduct PPO December concert

Conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura

December 13, 2013, 8:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Ray Wang, cello

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Yoshikazu Fukumura, conductor

Programme:

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Camille Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33

Manuel De Falla El sombrero de tres picos

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes back Japanese conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura as he leads the orchestra in a concert featuring cellist Ray Wang this December 13, 2013, 8:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

The evening, billed as Fukumura, Wang & Saint-Saëns will feature Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33 and Manuel De Falla's El sombrero de tres picos (Three Cornered Hat).

Fukumura, who conducted the PPO back in November 2012 during the concert PPO III: Fukumura Conducts Brahms, is recognized as one of the famous maestros in Japan. He is the former music director of the Tokyo Ballet, Kyoto Municipal Symphony, and Nagoya Philharmonic. He has also conducted the Japan Philharmonic, New Japan Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Yomiuri Japan Symphony, Osaka Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, Gunma Symphony, Sapporo Symphony, Kyushu Symphony, and other well-acclaimed performances abroad, including Europe, Latin America, and in Asia. He was assigned as the first chief conductor of ASEAN Symphony Orchestra - consisting of 80 musicians carefully selected from some of the ASEAN countries, at the 17th ASEAN summit in Hanoi in October 2010 as supported by the Nippon Foundation.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Ticket prices:

P1500 Orchestra Center

P1200 Orchestra Side

P800 Extreme Orchestra Side

P500 Balcony I Center

P400 Balcony I Side

P300 Balcony II

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

CCP Marketing Department 832-1125 local 1806

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Cellist Ray Wang to conduct masterclass at the CCP

Cellist Ray Wang

December 11, 2013, 2:00 PM

Silangan Hall

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Renowned Hong Kong based cellist Ray Wang will conduct a masterclass for young emerging cellists on December 11, 2013, 2:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Silangan Hall.

Ray Wang is a faculty member of the Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts. He has performed throughout the musical centers and festivals in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. His performances have taken him also to Chicago, Cremona, Florence, London, Luxembourg, New York, Saarbrucken, Segovia and Vancouver. He is an active chamber musician and is founding member of the Hong Kong Virtuosi, Canzone Trio and the New Arts String Quartet in Hong Kong. His students have enjoyed a wide range of successful careers in music, and have won top prizes in such cello competitions as the 1994 International Heran Violoncello Competition, the 2001 Hong Kong Competition for Young Asian Musicians, the 2002 International Tchaikovsky Violin Competition as well as the National Cello Competition of China in 1997, 2000 and 2004.

For inquiries:

CCP Artist Training Division 832-1125 local 1605, ccp.artist.training@gmail.com

Japanese violinist Kazuhiro Takagi in solo concert at the CCP

December 10, 2013, 7:30 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

Featuring:

Kazuhiro Takagi, violin

Greg Zuniega, piano

Programme:

Johann Sebastian Bach Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005

Karol Szymanowski Three Myths for violin and piano, Op. 30

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42

Camille Saint-Saëns Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75

The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Japanese violinist Kazuhiro Takagi as he performs in a solo concert billed as Takagi in Concert: A Violin Recital on December 10, 2013, 7:30 PM at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

Along with collaborating pianist Greg Zuniega, Takagi will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005, Karol Szymanowski’s Three Myths for violin and piano, Op. 30, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op.42 and Camille Saint-Saëns Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75.

Born in Osaka, Japan, Kazuhiro Takagi started violin lessons at the age of six where he studied under Takayoshi Wanami, Yuko Mori, Eduard Wulfson and Eduard Schmieder. He later left for France to study at the Conservatoire National Superieur Musique de Lyon where he graduated with the highest grades in 1994. He furthered his training at Southern Methodist University in 1995 and Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts in 2000 via Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. His major awards include a prize at the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition in Brussels (1997), 3rd prize at the Geneva International Music Competition (1998), and the 1st prize as the first violinist of the Eusia String Quartet at the Fischoff National Music Competition in Indiana State, USA (2001). He also obtained the National Arts Festival New Artist Award sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Osaka Cultural Festival Grand Prize (2005) and the Recorded Work Award, Audio Category at the 19th Music Pen Club Japan (2007).

Violinist Kazuhiro Takagi

Takagi had been a soloist of the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, Osaka Symphony Orchestra, Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and Wuerttembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen in Germany. He served as concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago conducted by Daniel Barenboim and a solo concertmaster of the Wuerttembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen in Germany, Kazuhiro Takagi had also been a concertmaster of the touring Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (2007-2012) as well as a solo concertmaster of the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra (2006-2013). He is currently a member of the Nagaokakyo Chamber Ensemble in Kyoto, concertmaster of the Dallas Chamber Symphony Orchestra (USA), member of Izumi Sinfonietta Osaka, and leader of Lilis Chamber Orchestra. He also performs as a violinist of "A Hundred Birds", a house music orchestra band, and "tokyo.panda.", a hip-hop chamber group.

Kazuhiro Takagi was the guest concertmaster of the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo that had a concert during the Japan-Philippines Friendship Contemporary Music Festival that was held at the CCP earlier this year. Watching the concert, I felt that Takagi really stood out from the rest of the violin section of the orchestra. This upcoming concert is the perfect opportunity for those who wants to see Takagi perform at a chamber music setting showcasing more of his virtuosity with the violin.

Ticket prices:

P800 Orchestra Center

P600 Orchestra Side

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

MCO Foundation Young Artists Series 2013: Jeline Oliva

Violinist Jeline Oliva

Featuring:

Maria Jelina Llorin Oliva, violin

Mary Anne Espina, piano

Programme:

Tomaso Vitali Chaconne in G minor

Ludwig van Beethoven Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 Spring

Ernesto Vallejo Habanera Filipina No. 2

Angel Peña Philippine Serenade

Potenciano Gregorio Sr. Sarung Banggi

Niccolò Paganini Caprice No. 20 in D major

Camille Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 

Pablo de Sarasate Introduction et Tarantelle, Op.43

Violinist Jeline Oliva showed not just tremendous growth and maturity but also grace under pressure when she opened the MCO Foundation’s Young Artists Series 2013 at the Ayala Museum. Jeline played on the violin accompanied by pianist Mary Anne Espina a bunch of difficult pieces that would’ve given college level music students a difficult time.

It had been over a year since I last saw Jeline perform on stage so I was really curious to see how much she has grown since then. I noticed right away during her opening piece, Tomaso Vitali’s Chaconne in G minor that she has developed more presence on stage. If she had butterflies prior to her concert, then no one in the audience knew. After this, she performed Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Opus 24 or more popularly known as Spring. I think that the lightness and freshness of this piece was a good fit for a young violinist such as Jeline. In a normal recital/concert, this piece would’ve been the finale piece but this was how she just ended up the first half.

The second half had Jeline playing pieces by Filipino composers that weren’t included in the earlier version of the programme: Ernesto Vallejo’s Habanera Filipina No. 2, Angel Peña’s Philippine Serenade and Potenciano Gregorio Sr.’s Sarung Banggi giving the concert a much welcomed local flavor. And then it was time for Jeline to be on her own when she performed Niccolò Paganini’s Caprice No. 20 in D major. For most members of the audience, Jeline’s final two pieces were the most highly anticipated of the evening: Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 and Pablo de Sarasate’s Introduction et Tarantelle, Op.43. Jeline was going through the Saint-Saëns well until she entered the capriccioso in which her shoulder rest slipped from her violin. But she showed calmness and great presence of mind, and quickly put the shoulder rest back into place without letting panic get in her way. And she was able to recover quickly from this very brief interruption and resumed playing like it never happened at all. But I had to note that it was during these two pieces also when I noticed signs that she was getting tired and weary. It was understandably so because she ended up performing for around two hours which is quite long for a concert that is supposed to be featuring young artists who are still on the rise.

One cannot deny that Jeline has improved tremendously since her Pilipinas Got Talent days. I just wish to see her play pieces that are lighter and fun, featuring less drama and tension, so that she can remind everyone that despite being a music prodigy, she is still a teenager.