After a successful season opening concert of the Philippine Philharmonic under Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the national orchestra goes breezy and light in an evening of film music with Gerard Salonga on November 22, 2024, 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Theater for Performing Arts.
Billed as Music, Movies, Magic, the concert is a fundraising event of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI) now chaired by Anton Huang with Margie Moran Floirendo as president and Nes Jardin as vice-president.
Meet the press: Nes Jardin, vice president of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI), chairman Anton T. Huang, violinist Diomedes Saraza, director Alex Cortez, PPOSI president Margie Moran, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga,and soprano Camille Lopez Molina. Photo by Kiko Cabuena.
The choice of Gerard Salonga as guest conductor is just perfect as has worked with his sister Lea Salonga’s local and international concerts with highlights from film and Broadway music.
“I look forward to this meaningful concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, “ said Salonga in a video message during the October 1 presscon at Rustan’s. “Can’t wait working with a roster of super performers Diomedes Saraza Jr., Camille Lopez Molina, Anna Villonco, Lara Maigue, Antonio Fernandez Ferrer, Jonathan Velasco, The Philippine Madrigal Singers Music Studio and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Join us in an evening of Dvorak, Bernstein, Legrand, Cayabyab, among others.”
On top of honing his calling as conductor, Salonga was a film scorer. In 2006, he scored the musical soundtrack for the supernatural horror-thriller film, Ang Pamana which had its world premiere at the Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival.
Salonga has just conducted the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Victoria Theater in a concert called Classics at the Movies with Lara Maigue who also sang arias from Handel operas.
Salonga has also worked with Cecile Licad in a recording of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the South Denmark Philharmonic Orchestra.
Licad herself has wide connections with the movies. She is cousin of film scorer Nonong Buencamino and composer Willie Cruz and filmmaker Mike de Leon.
Licad along with Wynton Marsalis and his ensemble provided the live music for the 2010 silent, Louis by Dan Pritzker. The silent film with live music was based on the life of the legendary jazz icon Louis Armstrong.
CCP President Kay Tinga noted that the country is blessed with rich tapestry of cultural heritage encompassing everything from traditional folk arts to contemporary artistic forms that reflect the dynamic and creative spirit of Filipinos. “These expressions of creativity not only enrich our lives but also serve as a powerful means of communication and connection with diverse communities. This vibrant cultural landscape requires more than just passion. It requires collaboration, resources and especially, significant funding. Partnering with the private sector can pave the way for educational programs, artist residencies and community workshops. By working together, we can nurture emerging talent and ensure that the next generation of artists has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Join us as we continue to promote the very best of the Filipino talent with Music, Movies and Magic, a fundraising event for the national orchestra.”
PPOSI chair Anton Huang said the concert is a celebration of musical masterpieces seen and heard in the movies. “From the elegance of waltzes to the power of opera, from stirring Filipino classics to iconic film scores, this concert which has a worthy cause for Filipino musicians, this fundraising event promises to be an unforgettable journey through music. We are immensely grateful to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for co-producing this remarkable event with us.”
The line up of artists in the November 22 fundraising concert directed by Alexander Cotez includes Arman Ferrer, Lara Maigue, Camille Lopez-Molina, Cris Villonco, Diomedes Saraza, Jr., Jonathan Velasco, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Also present in the presscon were PPOSI president Margie Moran Floirendo and vice-president Nes Jardin.
“We all grew up humming songs and soundtrack from the movies,” said Jardin. “I am sure this concert will be a big hit on top of it raising substantial fund for the national orchestra.”
“The mix of classical, opera and film music in this concert will offer something for everyone showcasing the enduring power of music to move and inspire,” Huang concluded.
For inquiries on November 22 PPO concert, check out https://bit.ly/3Xs63A2.
