PPO holds outreach concerts in Nueva Ecija and Dumaguete

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.

Follow the CCP and PPO official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert returns with KPop Demon Hunters, more K-Drama hits

The magic of Korean drama is set to return to the concert stage as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly present OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert, on October 25, 2025 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City - with two shows at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization - Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), SM Supermalls, VIU Philippines, and GMA.

Following the overwhelming success of its debut last year, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again bring drama, nostalgia, and well-loved soundtracks to life—this time, with even grander performances from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

At the heart of this concert is the PPO led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. Fresh from their successful UK tour, PPO will perform powerful and heart-stirring renditions of beloved K-Drama soundtracks. From the adrenaline-filled beats of Maggie Kang’s KPop Demon Hunters to the tender melodies of Crash Landing on You and the tear-jerking When Life Gives You Tangerines, the night hosts a journey through the emotions that made every K-Drama unforgettable.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert also features an exciting lineup of guest performers, including Korean singer-songwriter Hong Isaac and rising artist YEGNY, alongside Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian. These stars will add flair to the concert, bridging cultures through songs that celebrate both Korean and Filipino artistry.

Before the concert, KCC will also hold a K-OST and K-Show Production Workshop in partnership with GMA, gathering some of Korea’s leading music and show producers for a one-day creative exchange with Filipino professionals. The initiative aims to bring both industries closer and spark new opportunities for collaboration in storytelling and production.

This year’s concert also shines a spotlight on Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Gyeongju is bringing a piece of its charm to Manila through a promotional booth at the concert lobby, where guests can learn more about the city’s history and attractions. The space is complemented by a K-Drama merchandise display, offering fans an added layer of appreciation and a closer look at the cultural stories that inspire their favorite shows.

With a full house of K-drama fans, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again showcase that great stories know no borders—and that the universal language of music continues to unite hearts, one heartfelt soundtrack at a time.

OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available soon through smtickets.com. For more information, follow the official accounts of the CCP, KCC, and NCCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the Philippine arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Reliving K-Dramas at PPO's OST Symphony concert

Gaho, Julie Anne San Jose, Zephanie, and the Philiippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Korean dramas have undeniably been a lifeline to countless people forced to remain at their homes during the peak of the pandemic. It's no surprise then that series like Crash Landing on You (2019) and Squid Game (2021) have become global hits and pop culture phenomena.

The impact of these Korean dramas have never been more felt than at the recent OST Symphony K-Drama in Concert featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Fans of K-Dramas came in droves at the Metropolitan Theater for the matinee and evening performances of this concert presented by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines (KCC), The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO performed music from a selection of K-Dramas that brought the audience back to the times when they painstakingly watched (and most likely re-watched) each episode of these dramas. The K-Dramas ranged from recent favorites like Descendants of the Sun (2016), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), Love in the Moonlight (2016), King the Land (2023), Start-Up (2020), Itaewon Class (2020), The World of the Married (2020), and Mr. Sunshine (2018) to modern classics like My Love from the Star (2013), Hwang Jini (2006), Jewel in the Palace (2003), All In (2003), and Behind the White Tower (2007).

Since the event is in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippine and Korean Diplomatic Relations, the concert featured song numbers by Zephanie, singing Nagbago ang Daigdig from the recently concluded GMA primetime drama My Guardian Alien (2024), and Julie Anne San Jose, performing the English version of You are My Everything from the Philippine adaptation of the series Descendants of the Sun (2020).

Performing with no frills nor any gimmicks, both Zephanie and Julie Anne displayed their impressive range while not resorting to unnecessary vocal gymnastics as they were dutifully accompanied by the PPO's sweeping strings.

Gaho and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Korean singer/songwriter Gaho was definitely the main highlight of the night with him performing three numbers namely Yellow Light from King the Land, Running from Start-Up, and capping it up with his chart topper Start Over from Itaewon Class. The way Gaho engaged the audience to sing along provided some K-Pop moments to what had been a purely symphonic affair until he took to the stage.

Guest concertmaster, Korean violinist Kim Mi-Jung, along with PPO's principal cellist Gerry Gonzales and principal violist Joy Allan dela Cruz, had their share of the spotlight with respective solos that most likely merited the shuffling of some pieces to be played towards the end of the concert. The PPO top-billed the event so it was only fitting that some of the principals had their moments.

The encore performance with music from Goblin (2016), proved that the series remains as one of the most popular K-Dramas out there. As soon as clips of lead actor Gong Yoo was shown on the screen, there was a collective gush among the audience. It wouldn't be a surprise if a number of them binge watched the series once again after returning home from the concert.

K-Drama OST Concert to celebrate 75 years of Philippine-South Korea Diplomatic Relations

Earlier this month, the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Busan, South Korea also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two nations. Held at the Busan Eurasia Platform, Outdoor Plaza, the event saw performances by HORI7ON, Esay Bulanio, Zephanie, Zack Tabudlo, and SB19. It also featured the special appearance of Alas Pilipinas, the Philippine national women's volleyball team. A brief comment by Sisi Rondina onstage set the online world ablaze pitting volleyball and the A'TIN fans against each other. The non-controversy has cooled since then.

Gaho
photo from @ad_gaho at instagram

But the anniversary celebrations continue in Philippine shores this time around with a concert highlighting the music of K-Dramas that has swept the nation for more than two decades already.

The concert, entitled OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, happens on June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. The performance features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera. Also performing is South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho who topped the Korean charts with Start Over" (시작) from the OST of Itaewon Class Part 2. Two of the country's promising recording artists, Julie Anne San Jose and Zephanie, will also perform songs from Filipino adaptations of K-Dramas.

Julie Anne San Jose
photo from @myjaps at instagram

The concert is for free and one just needs to reserve seats (if there are still any available, through this site: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

Zephanie
photo from @zephanie at instagram

OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC).

Reprinted below is the press release for OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert.

OST SYMPHONY: K-DRAMA IN CONCERT CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE-KOREAN CULTURAL HARMONY

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean diplomatic relations, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Korean Cultural Center Philippines (KCC) present OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert, slated on Saturday, June 29, 2pm, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City.

Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will enchant audiences with unforgettable melodies from beloved South Korean and Filipino dramas and films. From tear-jerking ballads to heart-pounding themes, each piece promises to evoke cherished memories and emotions associated with iconic K-dramas such as My Love from the Star, Descendants of the Sun, and Crash Landing on You.

South Korean singer-songwriter Gaho will captivate listeners with his soulful renditions of K-drama OST favorites. Also, as part of the celebration, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan will perform music from Filipino adaptations of well-loved K-dramas.

Since March 3, 1949, the Philippines and the South Korean governments have maintained a multi-faceted relationship, underpinned by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields. It started when the Philippines - one of the first countries to respond to the United Nations' call for aid - sent its forces, the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), to support South Korea against the aggression of North Korea. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved to become a rich tapestry of diplomatic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in Philippine-South Korean relations, ushered in by Hallyu (Korean wave) and facilitated by the popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, cuisine, and language in the Philippines. Likewise, Filipino culture, including music, dance, and cuisine, enjoys a growing following in South Korea. These cultural exchanges and exposure also play a crucial role in enriching our societies, promoting mutual respect, inspiring artistic innovation, and broadening our horizons, ultimately enhancing our collective critical understanding,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Philippine-South Korean diplomatic and cultural relations with this extraordinary concert, showcasing the vibrant talents of both South Korean and Filipino artists, and building stronger ties through the universal language of music,” she added.

The OST Symphony: K-Drama in Concert exemplifies the power of music to transcend borders, fostering unity and mutual understanding among people from diverse nations.

The event is free to the public. To reserve seats, you may visit: bit.ly/ostsymphony.

For latest updates, follow the official CCP, NCCA, and KCC social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Explore the latest in the arts and culture scene by visiting the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

PPO, Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal go on tour to Iloilo and Capiz

The Cultural Center of the Philippines' outreach programs continue with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, along with singers Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal, flying to Iloilo and Capiz for a weekend of performances on January 19 & 21, 2024.

The PPO will grace the Dinagyang Festival celebrations with The Dinagyang Musical Concert happening on January 19, 7:00 PM at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City.

The next performance, Kumpas, Tunog kag Kiay sa Roxas City! happens on January 21, 2024 6:00 PM at Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, Roxas City in Capiz.

Both concerts, to be conducted by Herminigildo Ranera, will have the PPO perform classical music such as Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walküre, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C major K.314 (271k), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, Johann Strauss II's Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214, among others. Maigue and Magdangal, on the other hand will be accompanied by the PPO as they sing popular tunes, musical theater favorites, and Philippine songs including music from the Visayas.

Admission to both concerts are for free. More details can be seen at the press release reprinted below.

PPO GRACES ILOILO AND CAPIZ

ILONGGOS and Capiznons can look forward to magical nights of musical bliss as the Cultural Center of the Philippines brings the country's leading orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, to the city of Iloilo and the province of Capiz this January.

In time for the annual Dinagyang Festival, the PPO, under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, takes center stage in a one-night-only concert, billed The Dinagyang Musical Concert, on January 19, 7pm, at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City. The group then moves to Capiz for the Kumpas, Tunog kag Kiay sa Roxas City! outreach concert, slated on January 21, 6pm, at Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Photo ©Rodel Valiente

“As always, music enthusiasts can expect an extensive program repertoire from the PPO. We want to expand our reach to a bigger number of audiences and continue what our past CCP presidents have done in terms of doing outreach programs. Now that the CCP building is being rehabilitated for preservation and retrofitting, it is important to bring CCP to the various regions to make them feel that CCP is present. We are bringing the soul of the CCP to a greater number of people around the country," said CCP president ad interim Michelle Nikki Junia.

The concerts are made possible with the support of the City Government of Iloilo, the Provincial Government of Iloilo; the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.; the City Government of Roxas, the Provincial Government of Capiz, and Uswag Ilonggo.

The concerts consist of two parts: the first part features classical music such as Ride of the Valkyries, Oboe Concerto in C Major, Symphony no. 4 Allegro con Fuoco, Tristch Tratsch Polka, among others, while the second part spotlights contemporary music, OPM songs, and Broadway.

Soprano-songwriter Lara Maigue and singer-actor Gian Magdangal will serenade the crowds in both concerts, performing well-loved Filipino classics, Visayan songs, and other popular music.

Lara Maigue

Lara Maigue has performed with notable orchestras in a variety of performance halls in Asia and the Philippines over the years. Opera, Kundiman, jazz standards, Broadway, OPM, and her original compositions are among the songs in her arsenal. She recently rose to fame after her version of Mozart's “Queen of the Night” aria garnered over 30 million views on Instagram, following the success of her version of “The Flower Duet” with her mother (Nanette Moscardon), which garnered over 6 million views.

Gian Magdangal

A Filipino singer, performer, theater, and television actor, Gian Magdangal has worked in a variety of reputable theater shows and other productions. He reprised his role as Hector in the most recent staging of the musical Ang Huling El Bimbo, which undoubtedly continued to solidify his career in 2023.

The PPO concerts form part of the CCP’s outreach programs, with the mission to promote and preserve the best of Filipino arts and culture by embodying the values of katotohanan (truth), kagandahan (beauty), and kabutihan (goodness).

The CCP outreach program, under the CCP Office of the President, focuses on expanding the Center’s reach to the regions by showcasing the CCP brand of productions and shows in the country, while nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural workers, engaging the public to address art education and appreciation, and creating critical conversations and cultural exchanges among stakeholders to usher in national development, especially among the youths.

The concerts are free and open to the public.

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

Flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol to perform at PPO's concert at Samsung Performing Arts Center

Aiming to introduce the young (and the not so young) to the wonders of the orchestra and orchestral music, the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in the PPO Young People's Concert happening on July 7, 2023, 4:00 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

The concert will feature a trio of CCP music scholars namely flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, and pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol performing with the PPO under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera.

The program includes Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld Overture, the first two movements of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 314, Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18.

The three featured soloists have been making their mark in the music scene in recent years with Bacarol making a splash during the PPO's 50th Anniversary Jubilee Gala last May. Ong last shared the stage with the PPO at A French-Ship Concert held on July 2022. Rocas, on the other hand, has been performing as Assistant Principal Flute with the UP Symphony Orchestra.

The PPO Young People's Concert marks the orchestra's debut at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Admission to the concert is for free with tickets to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater main lobby on July 7, 2023 starting at 2:30 PM.

Soprano Mheco Manlangit, tenor Radnel Ofalsa, conductor Herminigildo Ranera at PPO season finale

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's Metamorphosis finally nears its completion with its season finale happening on April 28, 2023, 8:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater.

Conducting the season ending concert is the PPO's Resident and Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera whose composition, Lola Basyang Miniature Suite, makes its world premiere on this night.

Two of the country's most promising singers, soprano Mheco Joy Manlangit and tenor Radnel Del Rio Ofalsa, will be the concert's featured soloists performing various arias including L'espoir renaît dans mon âme from Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, Prendi, per me sei libero from Gaetano Donizetti’s L'elisir d’amore, Si, ritrovarla io giuro from Gioacchino Rossini’s La Cenerentola, Je dis que rien ne m’epouvante from Georges Bizet’s Carmen, and Quoi! vous m'aimez? from Donizetti’s La fille du regiment.

Other music to be performed at the concert includes Dmitri Shostakovich's Festive Overture, Op. 96 and Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, From the New World.

This concert caps the PPO's 38th performance season dubbed Metamorphosis that saw five conductors take to the podium in their quest to become the PPO's next Principal Conductor and Music Director.

PPO to perform outreach concert at UP Los Baños

The Cultural Center of the Philippines' outreach programs continue with the return of Sunsets at Makiling featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra happening on February 3, 2023, 5:30 PM at the EB Copeland Gym, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna.

The concert, conducted by PPO Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera, will also feature saxophonist Antonio Jesus Quilloy and soprano Pauline Therese Arejola.

Admission to the concert is for free with seats on a first come, first served basis. The performance will also be streamed live at the CCP's Facebook Page.

PPO to perform at Jaro Plaza Gym on January 14

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra adds another performance in celebration of the Dinagyang Festival this January 14, 2023, 7:00 PM at the Jaro Plaza Gym.

The PPO, conducted by Herminigildo Ranera will be joined by the Nightingales, tenor Jomel Garcia, soprano Amabelle Pamocol Castro, and local artists from Iloilo.

Admission to the concert is for free and open to the public. The event will also be live streamed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Facebook page.

PPO to perform in Guimaras and Iloilo

The Cultural Center of the Philippines brings the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra on tour in Guimaras and Iloilo to kick off 2023.

Under the baton of Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the PPO will perform a couple of outreach concerts first at the Guimaras Museum on January 11, 2023, 7:00 PM. Then on January 13, 2023, 6;30 PM, the PPO presents the Dinagyang Opening Salvo Concert at the Iloilo Convention Center as one of the opening events of the festival

The PPO will also be joined by The Nightingales, a soprano duo, in this tour. The Iloilo concert will see performances by tenor Jomel Garcia and soprano Amabelle Pamocol Castro.

Music to be performed will include classical favorites, selections from film and musical theater, kundiman, OPM, and a whole lot more.

Tickets are free and open to the public for both concerts. The performances will also be live streamed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Facebook page.

Trombone player Ricson Poonin performs at the CCP Special Concert Series

The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents trombonist Ricson Poonin for the second installment of the Special Concert Series 2022 happening on October 20, 202, 7:30 PM at the CCP's Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).

Ricson's program includes Joseph Guy Marie Roparts' Piece in E flat minor, Jacques Castérède's Sonatine for Trombone and Piano, Carolina Calvache's Trombonsillo, Vicente Marqueses' Milagros, Leopoldo Silos, Sr.'s Lagi Kitang Naalala, and the world premiere of Herminigildo Ranera's Pandemic Concert Piece for Trombone and Piano. Pianist Madeline Jane Banta will be the evening's collaborating artist.

The Pandemic Concert Piece was specifically composed by Ranera, Ricson's long time mentor, for this concert.

“Sir Hermie has been a big influence in my career,” Poonin said. “As my mentor, I would like to pay tribute to him by featuring his work here."

Trombonist Ricson Poonin 

Ricson is currently teaching trombone at St. Scholastica's College and at the University of Santo Tomas.

He also took part at the International Trombone Association's performance that set a Guinness Book of World Records for most number of trombone players performing at a single event at the Lincoln Center in New York.

A day prior to the concert, Ricson will conduct a Trombone Masterclass on October 19, 2022, 2:00 - 6:00 PM to be held also at CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. For inquiries on the Masterclass, email artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call at 8832-1125 local 160.

PPO Concert for the Youth premieres online edition

The Cultural Center of the Philippines brings back the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's music appreciation program, PPO Concert for the Youth, with an online edition premiering on August 31, 2022, 3:00 PM at the Facebook pages of the CCP and the PPO.

Created for the young and also for the newbies, this lecture-demo format concert aims to introduce audiences to the orchestra and the various instruments in it. This year welcomes sisters Alexa and Calista Kaufman who will serving as the program's narrators.

The concert will feature the PPO, conducted by Herminigildo Ranera, performaning symphonic arrangements of tunes from musicals such as Roger's and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music and Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady to name a few.

CCP presents first live performance in 2022 with PPO concert

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, through its Office of the President, presents its first live performance this 2022 with PPO Concert at the CCP Grounds happening on March 11, 2022, 6:00 PM at the CCP grounds/front lawn.

The free concert that is open to the public will see the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera, performing a variety of music ranging from classical, Broadway, kundiman, and Filipino hit songs.

Joining the PPO are some of the country's premier vocalists such as Lara Maigue, Bo Cerrudo, Robert and Isay Seña, and the Nightingales, composed of Bianca Lopez-Aguila and Bernadette Mamauag.

Covid-19 health protocols will be strictly observed at the event. All attendees must be fully vaccinated and must wear a face mask for the duration of the concert.

PPO Concert at the CCP Grounds is part of the CCP Office of the President’s Sining Handog program that aims to bring world-class productions to a wider Filipino audience. This also signals the start of the CCP’s transition towards reopening its doors and bringing back live performances. The concert will also be live-streamed at the CCP, CCP Office of the President and the PPO's Facebook pages.

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performs live at the Philippine Post Office

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will hold an outdoor concert at the Manila Central Post Office on December 3, 2021, 6:00 PM. This concert, billed as PPO at PPO, is the orchestra's first live performance with an audience since the pandemic began.

Joining the orchestra at the concert are young soprano Alexa Isobel Kaufman and the Nightingales, composed of Bianca Lopez and Bernadette Mamauag. Leading the orchestra is PPO's Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera. The event, hosted by Issa Litton, will also serve as the launch of the 2021 Christmas Commemorative Stamps.

For the safety of the audiences, strict health and safety protocols will be implemented during the event.

The concert can also be viewed live online at the CCP Office of the President Facebook page.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost), PPO at PPO, is part of the orchesra's outreach program under the CCP Office of the President.

Mariinsky Ballet stars add golden touch to Ballet Philippines' Swan Lake

Eugene Obille, Elena Evseeva, and Evgeny Ivanchenko
with Ballet Philippines' corps de ballet

Russian dancers from the Mariinsky Ballet added a golden touch to Ballet Philippines' latest production of Swan Lake, the company's opener for its milestone 50th anniversary season.

Having the Mariinsky Ballet's first soloist Elena Evseeva in the dual role of Odette/Odille and principal dancer Evgeny Ivanchenko as Siegfried for a very limited engagement meant that their two performance dates were hot ticket items with the opening gala night performance selling out two weeks before the show opened.

Those fortunate enough to secure their tickets were treated to a highly nuanced and lyrical performance of Evseeva as the White Swan Odette. And although she was not that technically daring, the attack she had as the Black Swan Odille was as fiery as her red hair. Never had I seen a ballerina remain in character while doing fouettés with her even accelerating her turns towards the latter half, raising her arms as if casting and putting the guests at the ball in Act III under her spell (and very likely commanding the orchestra to keep up with her).

She found a very capable partner in Ivanchenko considering that he was a late replacement for the injured Andrey Ermakov. The supported pirouettes in the White Swan Pas de deux felt very confident and fluid with Ivanchenko allowing Evseeva to do at most nine turns that never went off axis. There was an overall sense of security in technique while watching these two dance and it allowed me to see them in full character making me more engaged with the ballet's story.

Elena Evseeva strikes a pose
with Raoul Banzon and Rene Banzon

The tall and long limbed Russians may have literally towered over everyone else on stage but Ballet Philippines' stable of dancers raised their level to keep up with the guests' performances.
The cygnets in their popular Pas de quatre were impressive with their well matched lines that kept up with the fast tempo of the orchestra. Victor Maguad as the Jester with his explosive leaps and well centered turns proved that he is currently the technically strongest danseur in the company.

Probably the only thing that let me down with this production (aside from the happy Mariinsky ending that I never really liked) were the folk dances in the third act that lacked the punch and folk flavor that I came to expect from these.

Gigantic swans painting by set designer Eduardo Sicangco

Commendable also are the set design by Eduardo Sicangco and lighting design by Jennifer Tipton that truly worked in great tandem. The sets not only looked grand and textured but felt like it really had weight and was not really hollow. Every time the curtain went up to reveal a set was greeted by an appreciative applause from the audience. The subtle yet sublime lighting accentuated the grandeur of the sets and the intricate costumes by Salvador Bernal and James Reyes without resorting to flashy gimmicks.

The performances with Evseeva and Ivanchenko had the live music accompaniment provided by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herminigildo Ranera. This is the second time that the PPO has accompanied Ballet Philippines' production of Swan Lake in three years and it seemed that they have taken to heart the lessons they've learned during the previous production although they still have so much to learn.

To be honest, while a live orchestra at the ballet is considered a premium, it actually makes the dancers (and myself to a degree) anxious due to the difficulty of the orchestra to cater to the specific demands of the dancers. Accompanying for dance is a whole different ballgame wherein the requirements of the dancers especially in regards to tempo takes precedence. Having more knowledge in the language of ballet and how a dancer moves will enable conductors and musicians here accompany ballet productions more effectively.

Ivanchenko still gamely signed souvenir programs bearing Ermakov's bio

It is ironic that Philippine orchestras are more adept in accompanying opera productions that occur less frequently compared to ballet productions with live music. The country has three professional ballet companies that mount at least one or two productions with live orchestra per season while there are still no equivalent opera companies in here right now.

The Russians' time with Swan Lake may have already come to pass but the run resumes and wraps up this weekend, September 7 & 8, 2019 featuring the homegrown pairs of Denise Parungao and Eugene Obille, and Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad.

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.

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.