Tag: Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

PPO’s 42nd Concert Season Celebrates Music Across Time and Borders

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) proudly stages their highly anticipated 42nd Concert Season, titled MODULATIO, running from September 2026 through April 2027. The new season brings together world‑renowned soloists and exceptional Filipino talents for a series of breathtaking orchestral performances, with the anticipated return to the newly-rehabilitated Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for its finale concert.

While celebrating the orchestra’s 53 years, Modulatio presents the PPO as a musical chameleon traversing through centuries. Led by Maestro Nowak, the PPO also cements its reputation of being the nation’s premier orchestra in its 42nd concert season.

The season kicks off on September 25, 2026 with CONCERT I – DA CAPO in a program blending beloved classics and sweeping orchestral masterpieces, setting a high‑energy tone for the months ahead. Featured works are Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s “What Happens in Every Classical Piece Explained in 15 Minutes” (Sinfoniettina on G-C for Mozart Orchestra) and the Asian premiere of Austrian composer Carl Czerny’s Symphony No. 6.  Spanish virtuoso Martin Garcia Garcia showcases his dynamic artistry in performing German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.5, op. 73, E flat Major “Emperor.”

Come October 16, the next concert installment, billed as CONCERT II – ELEGANCE, will feature Filipino composer Redentor Romero’s Philippine Portraits and Polish composer Zygmunt Noskowski’s The Steppe. Filipino classical pedal harpist Vien Ignacio takes center stage, bringing refined Asian flair to British-German composer Georg Friedrich Händel’s Harp Concerto in B-flat Major.

CONCERT III – BOLERO on November 6 will feature French composer Claude Debussy’s Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune, and French composer Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and Bolero. Filipino violinist Kaycee Galano returns to perform classical string selections, showcasing the richness and versatility of Filipino artistry alongside full orchestral accompaniment with French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto no.3, op.61, B minor.

The PPO will perform German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Symphony no.3, op. 55, E flat Major “Eroica” in CONCERT IV – DESTINY on December 4.  Acclaimed Italian concert pianist Mario Galeani delivers festive favorites and timeless concertos with German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 4, op.58, G Major, wrapping the year in warmth and virtuosity.

Ushering the New Year on January 15, 2027, the PPO will premiere Filipino composer Jerry Dadap’s Symphony no. 5 in CONCERT V – GENESIS and Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s Journey to the Alps and Victor’s Meditation from the Opera Frankenstein. Internationally renowned Russian-American pianist Natasha Paremski graces Manila with her signature intensity and precision, performing Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 3, op.30, D minor.

The PPO will take on Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich in CONCERT VI – RESILIENCE on February 12, featuring Festive Overture, op.96 and Symphony no. 5, op.47. Home-grown violin luminary Diomedes Saraza Jr. performs iconic violin concertos, bridging local pride with world-class excellence with Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no. 1, op.99.

CONCERT VII – VISIONS on March 12 will present the Philippine premiere orchestra in a performance of German composer Robert Schumann’s Manfred Overture and French composer Cesar Franck’s Symphony in D minor. Korean violin sensation Ju-Young Baek brings lyrical depth and technical brilliance, presenting works from the Romantic and modern eras through Polish composer Karol Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto no. 1, op.35.

Capping the concert season, the PPO will come home to Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), following the rehabilitation of the center’s Main Building. The grand finale, CONCERT VIII – AL FINE, on April 16, 2027 will feature soloists and chorus in Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s completion of the Lacrimosa, Sanctus, Benedictus and Osanna fragments from Mozart’s unfinished Requiem, K626 (Sussmayr version) and French composer Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, op.14. Ukrainian violinist Dmytro Udovychenko closes the season with electrifying virtuosity, promising a memorable conclusion to the concert season with English composer Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto, op.61, B minor.

A Season of Unity and Excellence

“Our 42nd season is a celebration of Filipino talent, global artistry, and the power of music to connect us. Through the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, we bring the world to Manila and Filipino artistry to the forefront of the international stage,” said Kaye C. Tinga, the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the country’s premier symphony orchestra under the Cultural Center of the Philippines, has been advancing orchestral music since 1973, performing locally and touring internationally to critical acclaim.

Concerts I, III, IV, and V will take place at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, while Concerts II, VI and VII will be held at The Metropolitan Theater. The season finale, Concert VIII, will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

For more updates on PPO’s 42nd concert season, visit the CCP’s official website (culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the CCP’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) for more information.

September 10, 2026
Triumph, Thanksgiving, and timeless classics in PPO Concert IV this November

After a series of performances showcasing technical mastery and global artistry, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its 41st season with CONCERT IV: TRIUMPH AND THANKSGIVING on November 14, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

With the passionate Maestro Grzegorz Nowak at the helm, PPO’s Concert IV promises an evening of sweeping emotions and classical brilliance, highlighting the timeless works of master composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Modest Mussorgsky.

A timeless repertoire for the world-class orchestra

The November concert opens with the drama of Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, one of the composer’s most celebrated operas. The opera follows the legendary character Don Juan as he seduces women while roaming around Spain with his trusted servant Leporello. Their daring escapades are set to Mozart’s enthralling music.

As it balances sharp wit with the impending consequences of Don Juan’s actions, Don Giovanni Overture displays Mozart’s ingenious ability to weave contrasting elements into one captivating piece.

The program continues with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73. Titled Emperor, this monumental piece embodies the German composer’s interpretation of heroism, as seen through his student and patron Archduke Rudolf. Composed in 1809 when Vienna was under siege by the French, the “Emperor” ultimately shows the triumph of the human soul.

PPO’s Concert IV: Triumph and Thanksgiving concludes the night with Sergej Gorchakov’s orchestral arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The composition vividly takes its listeners on a walk through a gallery, inviting them to reflect on the works of Viktor Hartmann. The Russian painter and architect who had died young was a dear friend to Mussorgsky.

Originally written as a piano suite, Gorchakov’s lush orchestration beautifully transforms Pictures at an Exhibition into a gallery of sound.

Bringing classical elegance to life on the piano

Coming back to the country to bring to life the classic masterpieces, internationally recognized pianist Mark Bebbington will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73.

A certified champion of British music, Bebbington has emerged as one of Britain’s innovative pianists. He had also toured with the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. His prowess in performances and recordings promises to illuminate Mozart and Beethoven’s majestic passages.

Carrying musical sensitivity, Bebbington previously joined the PPO in its nine-concert tour across the United Kingdom. He was declared a “hidden gem” by the orchestra’s concertmaster and artist-in-residence violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr.

Offering gratitude with melodies

In revisiting a classical repertoire, the PPO underscores its own evolution as a dynamic and world-class ensemble in its 41st concert season. The fourth installment bears the theme “Triumph and Thanksgiving,” reflecting the celebration of artistic excellence and appreciation.

Through Concert IV, the PPO also offers heartfelt gratitude to its audiences who continue to support the orchestra’s mission of bringing classical music closer to every Filipino. Slated on November 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, expect an evening of enchanting melodies with the nation’s premier orchestra.

Tickets for PPO concerts are priced at Php3,000, Php2,500, Php2,000, and Php1,500, available at TicketWorld. For an exclusive 20 percent discount, be a PPO subscriber. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880 to purchase a PPO’s 41st concert season subscription.

For more updates on the PPO and its upcoming performances, visit the CCP’s website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/). You may also follow the CCP’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

November 6, 2025
PPO Stages Outreach Concert in Kalibo

AKLANONS can look forward to an unforgettable night of music as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) serenades them live in concert on November 29, 2023, 7pm, at the Aklan Provincial Capitol, in front of the Godofredo P. Ramos Park, in Kalibo, Aklan.

Billed Hala Bira PPO sa Kalibo, audiences can catch the PPO, led by Dr. Herminigildo G. Ranera, perform familiar tunes like Mikhail Glinka’s “Russian and Ludmilla Overture”, Johannes Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 5”, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, Camille Sains Saens’ “Danse Bacchanale” from the opera Samson et Dalila, Selections from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music”, and Ernani Cuenco’s “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal”. Surprise numbers are included in the repertoire especially programmed for the Aklanon audience.

“Asia’s Golden Girl” and three-time Aliw Award winner soprano Gerphil Flores-Libana and classically-trained tenor and musical theatre actor Arman Ferrer will be the guest performers in the Aklan concert.

Known for their colorful Ati-Atihan Festival, the Mother of all Filipino festivals, Aklanons shout “hala bira” which means “let’s go crazy!” or “let’s party!”. It is also an expression of joy and excitement during the celebration Aklanons boast on a vibrant and artistically inclined culture, especially in music, with well-developed courtship songs or kundiman, wedding hymns, and funeral rituals.. They are also widely known for their creativity and skilled craftsmanship evident in their traditional arts and crafts.

Everyone is invited to attend and experience this free concert presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the Local Government of Aklan through the Office of Mayor Juris Sucro.

Hala Bira PPO sa Kalibo is part of the CCP’s Outreach Program in its 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.

Established in 1973 as an accompaniment for the performing artists at the CCP , the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra has become the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. It has performed with world’s renowned conductors including Mendi Rodan, Piero Gamba, Enrique Batis, Sebastian Bereau, and Nicholas Koch, as well as performed with the best foreign and Filipino artists such as Van Cliburn, Renata Tebaldi, Judith Engel, Anthony Camden, David Benoit, Cecile Licad, Raul Sunico, and Lea Salonga.

The PPO toured Europe in 2001 and participated in the Asia Orchestra Week in September 2002 held at the Tokyo Opera City Hall upon the invitation of the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras. It performed at Bangkok’s National Theater in September 2004 upon the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vandhana of Thailand. In June 2016, PPO made history when it became the first Filipino orchestra to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the PPO will be in Nueva Ecija on December 9, and Bulacan on December 18 for its next outreach concerts.

Visit the CCP website (culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.

November 29, 2023
PPO Reaches Its Final Metamorphosis

Maestro Herminigildo Ranera takes the dais and performs with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for the finale concert of its 38th concert season on April 28, 2023, 8pm, at the CCP Live at the Metropolitan Theater.

The PPO resident and associate conductor is a multi-awarded musician who won top prizes at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 1982 and 1983 for his performances in the Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba (Chamber Music) categories. He won second place at the 1983 League of Filipino Composers Competition for Young Composers. He has performed with various orchestras here and abroad, including the UST Symphony Orchestra, the Manila Philharmonic, the Philippine Pops Orchestra, the CSULB Symphony Orchestra, the Chia Yi Wind Orchestra, San Miguel Philharmonic, Transylvania Philharmonic Orchestra in Club, Romania, and the Philippine Pop Orchestra, among others. He has collaborated with his mentor, Fr. Manuel P. Maramba, O.S.B. in various CCP productions. He was the musical director and conductor of the Philippine Opera Companies’ OPERA NOW in 2005, the conductor of the world premiere of three Filipino Operas and Zarzuela. Founder of the Philippine Band Association (PHILBANDA), Dr. Ranera is currently the board member of the Asia-Pacific Band Directors Association and the adviser of Band Conductors League of the Philippines.

The PPO, under his baton, will premiere his very own music “Lola Basyang Miniature Suite,” alongside with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, Christoph Willibald Gluck’s L’espoir renait dans mon ame from Orphee et Eurydice, and Gaetano Donizetti’s Prendi, per me sei libero from L’elisir d’amore.

The CCP resident orchestra continues its repertoire for its Concert VIII with Gioacchino Rossini’s Si, ritrovarla io giuro from La Cenerentola, Georges Bizet’s Je dis que rien ne m’epouvante from Carmen, and Gaetano Donizetti’s Quio! Vous m’aimez? from La fille du regiment, and Antonin Dvorak Symphony no. 9, op.95, E minor (“from the New World”).

The PPO shares the stage with young talented singers, soprano Mheco Joy Manlangit and tenor Radnel Del Rio Ofalsa.

A winner of multiple vocal competitions locally and internationally, Manlangit won first prize and the Audience Choice at the 2018 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and second Prize at the 2017 Singapore International Festival of Music Competition. She has played various notable roles such as Maria Clara in CCP’s Noli Me Tangere the Opera, Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, and Lady Billows in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring. She is the current choir director of the Hudson Montessori School, and an active performing artist in New York and Manila.

Ofalsa, meanwhile, bagged the first prize in two National Vocal Competitions, the 2018 Jovita Fuentes Vocal Competition, and the Best Interpretation of the Competition Piece at the 2017 NAMCYA Senior Voice Category. He was an Encouragement Award winner at the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition in San Francisco District. He has performed at the CCP’s 50th Gala Concert, NAMCYA’s 45th Anniversary Concert, Paco Park Presents, UST Christmas Gala Concerts, NCCA’s Musikapuluan, the Friends of the Philippines Society USA Inc.’s Modern Day Filipino Heroes Concert, and the Mannes Sounds Festival.

Dubbed Metamorphosis, the 38th concert series serves as the battleground for the five shortlisted conductors vying for the musical director position. Watch out who will be named the PPO musical director.

Ticket prices for concerts are: Php 1,500, Php 1,200, Php 800 and Php 500. For inquiries and tickets, call CCP Box Office at 8832-3704 or email customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Follow the official social media accounts of CCP in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates.

March 29, 2023
PPO Celebrates Women’s Month with Guest Conductor Dr. Shangkuan-Cheng

In celebration of the National Women’s Month, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng on March 17, 2023, Friday, 8pm, at the CCP @ The Metropolitan Theater.

The seventh installment of the 38th concert season, the program features pieces by female composers such as Marie Jocelyn Marfil’s Pyagsawitan “Wedding and Harvest,” National Artist for Music Lucrecia R. Kasilag’s “Festival” from Philippines Scenes, and Denise Santos’s The Light of Extreme Darkness.

The PPO will also play Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music, accompanied by a 16-voice choir, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony Number 7 in A Major, Op. 92.

Guest conductor Dr. Shangkuan-Cheng is the incumbent president of the Philippine Choral Directors Association, and the artistic director of the Las Piñas International Bamboo Organ Festival. She is an associate professor at the University of the Philippines College of Music, teaching conducting for both graduate and undergraduate music students. She is currently the Philippine representative to the Asia Pacific Choral Council and the Asia Choral Association.

Shangkuan-Cheng has a degree in music from the University of the Philippines, a master’s from the Yale School of Music and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a doctorate degree in musical arts from the University of Michigan. Conductor Shangkuan-Cheng has performed with various international orchestras in South Africa, Germany, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Spain, Vietnam, Portugal, and Singapore.

She has gained numerous awards including the Phyllis Curtin Career Entry Award from the Yale School of Music, the Margot Fassler Award and the Hugh Giles Prize from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music for her conducting, first prize at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Graduate Conducting Competition. She participated as a fellow at the Levi Barbour Fellowship from the University of Michigan.

Tickets for the concert are priced at Php1,500, Php1,200, Php800, and Php500. For tickets and inquiries, call the CCP Box Office 8832-3704 or email customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for latest updates.

March 8, 2023
PPO’s Metamorphosis Continues with its Concert Series IV

The search for the next conductor and music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra continues with its Concert Series VI, slated on February 24, 2023, 8pm, at the CCP Live at Met Theater.

Maestro Haoran Li steps on the dais for the sixth installment of the PPO’s 38th concert season, dubbed Metamorphosis. The Chinese conductor was the assistant conductor of China Philharmonic Orchestra from 2019 to 2020, and the National Center for the Performing Arts Beijing, China in 2018. For the 2022-2023 season, he led concerts with La Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, Romanian Radio National Orchestra, Lasi Philharmonic Orchestra, Banatul Philharmonic Orchestra of Timioara, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra.

Under Maestro Li’s baton, the PPO will perform Antonino Buenaventura’s By the Hillside, Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto Op. 47, D minor, featuring violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr.

First place winner at the 2002 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Violin Category, Saraza Jr. is currently the concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He plays on a 1972 French violin made by Eugene Guinot and Rene Morel, given by Standard Insurance Company.

He has performed with the PPO in their concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York. His recent performances include: a recital tour in New York, Chicago and Wisconsin with pianist Victor Asuncion; with the International Sejong soloists for the 33rd Macao International Music Festival at the Macao Cultural Centre and in New York City in 2017.

He was also the concertmaster of PREDIS Children Orchestra, member of PREDIS chamber orchestra, and became the youngest member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra at age 13. He received both Music degrees, both undergraduate and masters, from the Juilliard School. During his time at the Juilliard School, Saraza was the recipient of the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship, Ruth Katzman Scholarship, Juilliard Alumni scholarship and the C.V. Starr Scholarship. He also served as assistant concertmaster of Juilliard Orchestra and Juilliard Lab Orchestra.

In 2015, Saraza was accepted to pursue Master of Musical Arts degree from Yale University, where he became the concertmaster of Yale Philharmonia, violin faculty of Yale secondary lesson division, and was the first Filipino recipient of Yale’s highly-esteemed Broadus Erle Prize 2016 for being the best violinist of the year and the Alumni Association Prize 2017 for high scholastic achievement and community work outside Yale University.

He was a graduate professor of St. Scholastica’s College and violin faculty of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, in cooperation with Standard Insurance’s Pursuit for Excellence program.

For inquiries and tickets, call CCP Box Office at 8832-3704 or email customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Visit the CCP website or follow the official social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for latest updates.

February 9, 2023
Pianist Albert Tiu is Guest Soloist for the PPO’s 5th Concert Series

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes the year 2023 with pianist Albert Tiu as guest soloist on January 27, 8 pm at the Metropolitan Theater. Japanese-American conductor Shizuo Kuwahara leads the orchestra.

Born in Cebu, Philippines, Albert Tiu has been described as “an artist of uncommon abilities” by American Record Guide. He has performed as soloist with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Hamburg Symphony, Finnish Radio Symphony, Gstaad Festival Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, Baden-Baden Philharmonic, Calgary Philharmonic, Winnipeg Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Michigan Chamber Symphony, Johannesburg Philharmonic, Cape Town Philharmonic, Guangzhou Symphony, Philippine Philharmonic and Juilliard Symphony, among other orchestras.

Recently promoted to Head of Piano Studies at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, Professor Tiu studied with Jerome Lowenthal at the Juilliard School, with Michael Lewin at Boston Conservatory, and with Nita Abrogar-Quinto and Nelly Castro in the Philippines. A recipient of Juilliard’s William Petschek Award and a prizewinner of competitions in Calgary (Honens), Helsinki (Maj Lind) and Santander (Paloma O’Shea), he won the First Prize and two concerto prizes in the 1996 UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa.

Maestro Shizuo Kuwahara is a principal guest conductor of The Mariinsky Theatre, Russia. He is also the First Prize winner of the prestigious Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition, he received prizes from the Malko International Conducting Competition, Ionel Perlea International Conducting Competition, Tokyo International Music Competition for Conducting, the Prokofiev International Conducting Competition and Fitelberg International Competition.

His conducting career ascended rapidly after winning the Solti Competition, leading to conducting invitations from Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchesters Saarbrücken, Polish Chamber Orchestra, L’Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice, and Frankfurt Museumsorchester. With the invitation from Valery Gergiev, Kuwahara made a sensational debut at The Mariinsky Theatre with the production of Verdi’s La Traviata in 2018, which resulted in a long-term relationship with the company.

For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409, or check out Ticketworld (https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph), or visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates.

January 17, 2023
PPO Presents Handel’s Messiah This December

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the Yuletide Season with Handel’s Messiah at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) on December 16, 2022, 8pm.

The classical concert features a mammoth choral ensemble composed of 200 singers from various Philippine choirs, performing the complete movement of the English oratorio which traces the story of Jesus Christ, under the baton of PPO guest conductor Mark Anthony Carpio.

“It is a tribute to George Frideric Handel’s genius. Even after 280 years since it was first heard in 1742 in Dublin, music lovers all over the world are still in awe when they hear this magnificent choral piece. This music which has transcended time should be experienced first-hand by Filipinos as interpreted by Filipino musicians,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.

Floirendo shared that the idea for a grand Handel’s Messiah came from the late CCP president Baltazar Endriga some years back. “It is just timely that we are finally mounting this masterwork as our way of celebrating the return of live music at the CCP. It is also a fitting musical offering to thank the Messiah that we all survived the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

Messiah has been described as a “grand musical entertainment” during its first few performances during Handel’s time. But the composer said entertainment was not what he had in mind when he composed it. “I want listeners to feel my message and become better people.”

Considered one of the greatest Christmas classical music ever composed, Messiah is naturally a big challenge for conductor Carpio. He has conducted selected movements from the choral piece mostly the first part, the Advent and Christmas portion ending with the Hallelujah Chorus before, but this will be the first time Carpio is doing the complete movements with an orchestra lasting more than two hours with him as the only conductor.

“I believe the challenge in this massive work lies not only in its duration (more than two hours) but in making sure the choir and orchestra understand this magnificent and probably one of the world’s most popular choral works,” said Carpio.

The 200-member grand chorus will be composed of current members and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Sing Philippines Youth Choir, Male Ensemble Philippines, and Musika Filipina. Completing the grand chorus are: Coro Cantabile, DLSU Chorale, Lighter Side Movement, Novo Concertante Manila, Pansol Choir, Philippine Vocal Ensemble and Song Weavers Philippines.

Featured soloists for December 16 Handel’s Messiah are soprano Stefanie Quintin, tenor Ervin Lumauag, bass-baritone Enrico Lagasca and mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariel Mariposa.

This December, Handel’s Messiah will once more re-assert itself as the greatest classical treat ever composed for the Christmas season. The concert is one of the grand events that the CCP is mounting before it closes the Main Building for rehabilitation in 2023.

For ticket inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409, or check out Ticketworld (https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph), or visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for latest updates.

November 25, 2022
Rudolf Golez & Noam Zur in PPO Concert This November 11

Pianist Rudolf P. Golez will be the featured soloist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra season concert on November 11, 8PM at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila.

For the concert, Golez will perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Other works to be featured in the concert are Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Nicanor Abelardo’s Cinderella Overture, and Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

Golez concertizes mainly in the Philippines and the United States and looks forward to gain exposure in the concert stage of the capitals in Europe even as he carries out his responsibilities as Dean of the Liceo Conservatory of Music in Cagayan de Oro. He also endeavors to record his life’s repertoire in a CD and may include instructional material for his students. In 2021, he finished his Doctoral program in piano performance at the Philippine Women’s University.

The concert is the third offering in the PPO’s 38th concert season entitled “Metamorphosis” and continues the PPO search for its new Music Director.

Metamorphosis features 8 outstanding conductors, five of whom are shortlisted for the Music Director position.

Guest conductor Maestro Noam Zur takes the helm of the PPO for this concert. Since 2017, he was the principal conductor and artistic director of the State Symphony Orchestra of Salta, Argentina. He has over 20 years of professional and conducting experience during which he developed an expansive repertoire in opera, ballet and symphony. He is also a composer and arranger, having recorded his own works in “Funkhausorchester des WDR Köln” in August 2016 which he conducted as well.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the new normal protocol of the CCP will still be implemented. Everyone is advised to wear a facemask upon entering the premises and bring a vaccination card/certificate (e-copies are allowed). Find out more about CCP’s new normal protocol here: https://bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol2022

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.

November 10, 2022
‘Tricks and Musical Treats: A PPO Family Concert’ Returns at the CCP

The CCP’s most-loved Halloween event, Tricks and Musical Treats: A PPO Family Concert, returns on October 30, 2022, 4pm, at the TanghalangNicanorAbelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Dubbed as “A Tuneful Fiesta at Filharmonia,” this year’s family concert features 10-year-old pianist Ella Gabrielle Gaw and 7-year-old marimba player Gioia Francesco M. De la Cruz, who will perform with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro HerminigildoRanera. The show will be hosted by theater actress-director LieslBatucan-del Rosario.

After two online editions in 2020 and 2021, the PPO Family Concert continues its tradition to introduce orchestral instruments and develop appreciation for classical music among children in a fun, and creative way.

Pre-concert event includes an instrument petting zoo, where children can touch and play selected music instruments of the orchestra slated at 2pm. It aims to highlight how enjoyable and wonderful it is to play a musical instrument at a young age.

Taking the Filipino-based theme, the show hopes to incorporate cultural values on kalinga (nurturing), kultura (culture), and kalikasan (nature).

Everyone is invited and encouraged to wear their best Filipino-inspired costumes for the Halloween concert. Kids in their best costumes will win prizes.

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

October 24, 2022