PPO's 35th Concert Season Begins for 2017-2018

Press Announcement:

THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will hold its 35th Concert Season for 2017-2018 under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater at 8:00pm.  

Billed as “Romancing the Classics”, the season opens on September 15, 2017 with pianist Yury Shadrin as soloist. The programme includes G. Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims Overture, F. Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat, and S. Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 in E minor. As a soloist with orchestras, as well as in solo recitals, Russian-born pianist Yury Shadrin is widely known through South America, Asia, and the United States as a formidable young talent.

Noted cellist Ray Wang is the next soloist in the PPO’s concert on October 13. Programme consists of W.A. Mozart’s Symphony No. 32 in G, E. Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor, and I. Stravinsky’s Petrushka (Complete Ballet). Ray Wang has performed throughout the musical centers and festivals in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. He is a founding member of the Hong Kong Virtuosi, Canzone Trio and New Art String Quartet in Hong Kong

Filipino saxophonist Tots Tolentino performs on November 17 with the PPO under the baton of Filipino conductor Gerard Salonga. The program features G. Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, J. Williams’ Catch me if you can escapades and A. Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor “From the New World”. Tots Tolentino is said to be the most distinct and influential sax sound in the Philippines today.  He currently heads the Jazz Studies program at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, spreading the gospel of jazz to today’s youth.

Come December 15, Uruguayan guitarist Eduardo Fernández performs with the PPO. The program includes C. Debussy’s La Mer, J. Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un Gentilhombre, M. Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales and Bolero.  Recognized as one of today’s leading guitarists, Eduardo Fernández is active as a teacher, as well as being very much in demand for masterclasses and lectures all around the world. He has written a major book on guitar technique, a book on Bach’s lute music, and many articles in leading guitar publications.

Welcoming the New Year is Filipino trombone player Ricson Poonin as he performs with the PPO under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera on January 19, 2018.  Program is comprised of M.P.Maramba OSB’s Symphony Ode ''La Naval'', F. David’s Trombone Concertino in E-flat, and P. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.6 in B minor ''Pathetique''.  A member of the PPO, Ricson earned his Master of Music in trombone performance and received the James Winship Lewis Memorial Prize Performance Award at the Peabody Conservatory. He actively performs as the principal trombonist of the Peabody Concert Orchestra and the co-principal trombonist of the Peabody Symphony Orchestra.

Greek conductor Stefanos Tsialis will lead the Orchestra on February 16 with an exciting program consisting of N. Skalkottas’ 5 Greek Dances, B. Smetana’s Sarka from ''My Country'' and D. Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5.  Stefanos Tsialis has been the chief conductor and artistic director of the Athens State Orchestra since 2014. He has worked with over 70 orchestras in many EU countries as well as in Canada, Cuba, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and the USA.

Filipino pianists Raul Sunico and Ingrid Santamaria perform with PPO under the helm of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura on March 16. The program includes T. Takemitsu’s Requiem for String Orchestra, F. Mendelssohn’s Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra in A-flat and F. Schubert’s Symphony No.9 in C ''The Great''.  Sunico is one of the 1986 Outstanding Young Men Awardees for Arts and Music, and he has performed with many of the most prestigious Orchestras in the world. He has earned international recognition not only as a concert pianist, but also as a composer-arranger and promoter in the world of Philippine music.  Ingrid was a regular piano soloist in Concert at the Park, a nationally televised cultural program broadcast from Manila’s Rizal Park, since its initial concert in 1978 up to 1986. She received various honors, among them, the Hall of Fame award from the Performing Arts League in Crestwood, Florida, USA; "Who is Who" in Asia documentary feature by NHK Television, Japan; "One of the 100 Most Notable Cebuanos of the Century" award; and from the French government; Chevalier, Ordre des Palmas Academiques; and Chevalier, Ordre du Merite Nationale.

The PPO concert series closes on April 13, 2018 with Filipino trumpet player Raymund De Leon. The program consists of F. Delius’ A Walk to the Paradise Garden, J. Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, and M. de Falla’s El Sombrero de Tres Picos (Complete Ballet). Raymund De Leon has won three First Prize awards in the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in Manila, Philippines. Raymond has performed and toured in Europe, U.S.A., and Asia with international orchestra players and competed in international music competitions.

For inquiries and reservations, call the CCP Box Office (832-3704), TicketWorld (891-9999) or visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.

Pinay Pianist Hila Performs with PPO Under Maestro Fukumura

Press Update:

FILIPINA pianist Hiyas A. Hila performs with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura in a matinee concert on June 11, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).  

The program consists of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s works, including the Overture from the opera Cosi fan tutte and Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 “Jupiter”. Hiyas will render Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23 in A major (K.488).

Hiyas Hila performs regularly as a solo, orchestral and chamber music artist. She has been featured in concerts in the United States, Spain and the Philippines. Her orchestral appearances include performances with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, and the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra.

Hiyas earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Minnesota School of Music, with Lydia Artymiw as her teacher, and her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance, with Mack McCray as her mentor, from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. A graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), she attended the University of the Philippines College of Music for two years, where she was a consistent university scholar before she moved to the United States. Her previous piano teachers were Regalado Jose, Leonor Kilayko, Ariel Dechosa and Cecile Basilio-Roxas. She has played in masterclasses given by Blanca Uribe, Faina Luzshtak, Roman Rudnytsky, Russel Brandon, Reynaldo Reyes, Ariel Dechosa, Boris Slutsky, Julian Martin, and Albert Tiu.

Dr. Hila received several scholarships and fellowship awards such as the Sergei Barsukov Scholarship for Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Grant, the University of Minnesota Centennial Piano Fellowship, U.P. Concert Chorus Alumni Foundation, Inc. Scholarship, Cecile B. Licad Scholarship, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Scholarship Grant, and the Sonny B. Reyes Foundation grant.

She garnered top prizes in several piano competitions including the 2005 University of Minnesota Concerto Competition; the 2006 and 2007 Elinor Bell Piano Competitions in Minneapolis; 2006 Schubert Club Piano Competition (Graduate Division) in St. Paul, Minnesota. In Manila, she won the 1995 Category B and 1992 Category A-2 NAMCYA piano competitions; 1995 Piano Concerto Competitions sponsored by the Piano Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines; 1991 Lyric Piano Competition, and 1991 Rosario Picazo Piano Competition.

Dr. Hila currently teaches piano, chamber music and piano ensemble at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, California and at Saint Brigid Catholic School in San Francisco, California. She previously taught applied piano and class piano at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Tickets are P1000, P800, P500 and P200.

For inquiries, please contact the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or 832-1125 local 1409.

Nature and Music in PPO SUNSETS AT MAKILING

BRING picnic baskets and enjoy the sunset at the mountaintop venue as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the country’s premier orchestra, serenades the public with classical strains from beloved operas on May 6, 2017, 5:00pm at the Tanghalang Maria Makiling of the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna.  The event, presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., is free to the public.  

Entitled PPO Sunsets at Makiling, the program includes overtures, arias and ensemble pieces from well-known operas including Verdi’s “La Traviata”, Bizet’s “Carmen”, De Leon’s “Noli Me Tangere,” among others. The concert’s Music Director and Vocal Coach is international Filipino Baritone Andrew Fernando.

PPO Sunsets at Makiling is one of the CCP’s flagship outreach programs in the arts that bring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) to audiences in Los Baños and other cities and towns outside Laguna for a rare experience of live orchestral music. Set in the beautiful backdrop of sunset in the mountains, the concert features light popular works written by the great Classical Music Masters. This year, the PPO will be joined by young talented opera singers in a performance of excerpts from well-loved operas.

Conducted by PPO Associate Conductor Herminigildo Ranera, the well-attended annual concert brings opera closer to its audience as it features up and coming opera singers including soprano Nerissa De Juan, mezzo soprano Ma. Krissan Manikan, tenor Lorenz Lapresca, and baritones Belford Mabunga and Joseleo Logdat.

An open theater located in the slopes of Mt. Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna, the Tanghalang Maria Makiling is a National Arts Center structure that can accommodate up to a thousand audiences complete with state of the art lights and sound system suitable for low, medium and large scale productions and performances.

Established in 1976 as a haven for young and aspiring artists, the National Arts Center is tucked away in mythical Mt. Makiling, Laguna. Its various buildings and facilities are scattered over 13.5 hectares of the Makiling Forest Reservation and also houses the Philippine High School for the Arts, a government-run secondary educational institution for gifted young artists. The NAC's unique location offers a perfect vacation hideaway and its laid-back and contemplative atmosphere sets the mood to relax, unwind and recharge one's energies.

Jeepneys to the National Arts Center will be available at the Baker Hall of the University of the Philippines Los Baños from 2:00 PM onward on May 6, 2017. Fare is Php50 (one way).

Ochanine Returns for PPO February Concert

Press Update:

FORMER Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra music director Olivier Ochanine conducts the PPO on February 17, 2017 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 8:00 pm.

Program for the concert features P.I. Tchaikovsky’s “March Slave”, J. Haydn’s “Symphony No. 88 in G” and D. Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 10”.  

Olivier Ochanine is the 1st Prize Winner of the 2015 Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in Budapest, Hungary, in which he surpassed nearly 120 other conductors from 23 countries; the prize leads to further performances in Europe.  In addition, he is winner of the prestigious The American Prize (2015) in the Professional Orchestra Conducting division.  Olivier is also 2nd Prize Winner in the 2015 London Classical Soloists International Conducting Competition, where he conducted the orchestra in various Beethoven symphonies.  Regularly praised for his charisma on and off the podium as well as for his breadth of orchestral repertoire, Olivier was the youngest Music Director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in the orchestra’s history.

A native of Paris, Olivier Ochanine began music studies in France.  He continued music studies in the United States, and expanded his focus to orchestral conducting, taking up graduate studies and attending master classes with some of the best conducting mentors.  He obtained his Master’s Degree in Conducting from the University of Southern California (USC), where he was given the Conducting Department Award in 2003.  In 2009, he began his Doctoral Studies in Orchestral Conducting at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music under Mark Gibson. A flutist and bassist, Olivier earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kentucky. He has also played as bassist for the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra.

Olivier’s term with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra started with the 2010-2011 performance season. Under his leadership, the orchestra has performed numerous Philippine premieres. In the Philippines, Olivier is an active clinician, leading chamber music masterclasses at schools; he has also led conducting masterclasses for the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  As part of his outreach mission, Olivier serves as head visiting conductor for the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth, a program geared toward talented youth that stem from severely unfortunate financial backgrounds.

For inquires, please call the CCP Marketing Department (832-1125 local 1806), the CCP Box Office (832-3704) or Ticketworld at National Bookstore (891-9999).

Odin Rathnam in Olivier Ochanine's final PPO Season Concert as Music Director April 22

Press Update:

OUTGOING Music Director Olivier Ochanine features a thrilling line-up of orchestral music with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in its concert season ending on April 22, 2016.  The concert features American violinist Odin Rathnam as guest soloist on the Korngold Violin Concerto at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 8:00 pm.

The evening’s concert program also features Massenet’s Scènes de Féerie, Enesco’s Romanian Rhapsody No.1 and Ginastera’s Estancia Ballet Suite.  The Ginastera suite will be a preview of the Carnegie Hall performance by the Philippine Philharmonic which Ochanine has put together for June 18.

Ochanine has been Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic since April 2010, when he took the helm as the youngest Music Director at the age of 30. Under his leadership, the orchestra has repeatedly brought to Manila audiences new listening experiences with countless Philippine premieres. With the upcoming tour, Ochanine hopes that the PPO can bring national pride to the multitudes of Filipinos on both US coasts who will get to witness the historic first performance by a Filipino orchestra in the country.

September Opens PPO's 2015-2016 Concert Season

Press Announcement:

THE Cultural Center of the Philippines announces the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2015-2016 Concert Season billed as Reveries under the baton of its Music Director, Olivier Ochanine.

Maestro Ochanine opens the season on September 11 with Malaysian pianist Claudia Yang as guest artist, who is recognized and esteemed by the world renowned Chinese magazine, “China Voice” of New York, as “The Global Chinese of the Year 1999. The concert also features Piano Concerto No. 1 by Chopin and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.

German conductor Henrik Schaefer leads the Orchestra on October 9, performing the music of Emilie Mayer’s Ouverture to Faust Op.46, Mozart’s Symphony No.40 and Schumann’s Symphony No.3.

On November 3, the PPO features a prominent French Hornist in collaboration with Maestro Olivier Ochanine. The work and soloist will be announced shortly. Program also includes Poulenc's Les Biches and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.3 `Scottish’.

The Orchestra performs with Japanese conductor Yoshikazu Fukumura on December 8 featuring Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Faure's Pelleas et Mélisande Suite, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.2 “Little Russian”.

On January 22, 2016, the PPO performs with Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna. Program includes Haydn’s Symphony No.94 and Beethoven's monumental and memorable Symphony No 3, "Eroica".

Maestro Olivier Ochanine returns with guest artists soprano Denise Beck and baritone Thomas Sturm onFebruary 19. The program is part of The Carl Nielsen Project and features Nielsen’s Maskarade Overture, some of Nielsen’s most beloved songs and Nielsen’s Symphony No.3 “Sinfonia Espansiva”.

Soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Korean baritone Byeong In Park perform with Maestro Ochanine and the PPO on March 18, also featuring the Philippine Madrigal Singers. The program showcases the winner of the 2015 Composition Competition (announced by December) and features the Philippine premiere of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem.

Maestro Olivier Ochanine leads the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in its concert season ending on April 22, 2016 with American violinist Odin Rathnam. The evening’s concert program features an eclectic and exciting programme with Nielsen’s Violin Concerto, Massenet’s Scenes de Feeries, Enesco’s Romanian Rhapsody No.1 and Ginastera’s Estancia Ballet Suite.

All concerts will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) at 8:00 pm.

For inquires and subscription, please call the CCP Marketing Department (832-1125 loc. 1806), the CCP Box Office (832-3704) or Ticketworld at National Bookstore (891-9999)

Search For New PPO Music Director Extended until July 15

Press Announcment:

THE deadline for applications for a music director and principal conductor for the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ resident orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) has been extended until July 15, 2015.

The new conductor will take over from Maestro Olivier Ochanine who will be concluding his tenure by April 30, 2016. 

A Search Committee will be formed by CCP management to screen candidates for the position.

The CCP will announce the PPO’s new music director in January 2016. 

The new director will hold the post for the next 3 years, starting in June 2016.

The new PPO director must exemplify solid musicianship, strong sense of leadership, artistic discipline and respect of peers, extensive program repertoire and orchestral rapport.

He will be responsible for the preparation and implementation of the PPO’s thrusts, programs, concert season, training of musicians and other related activities. He is expected to conduct at least twenty performances per year, including the regular PPO season, Outreach tours, Young People’s concert and other special events of CCP.  He will also be in charge of a Development Program for members of the PPO and ensure that the level of musicianship and artistic quality meet the highest standards.

CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Chris Millado said: “As we conduct this search for the new music director, we are also thankful for the contribution of outgoing conductor Maestro Olivier Ochanine. Through the five years he has been with the orchestra, he has taken the effort to make the orchestra and its music closer to its audiences especially the young people. He has made time to listen and immerse himself in the local music scene and this has made his tenure with the PPO a special one. This is a quality that I hope the next music director shall also possess --- a commitment to excellence and the desire to share this excellence with the broadest publics.”

Interested conductors are requested to submit their application packet by July 15, 2015.  Required documents are the following: curriculum vitae with photo, letter of intent stating the applicant’s vision for the PPO, symphonic repertoire, sample souvenir program of performances, press releases, link to performances on YouTube, referrals from other orchestras, photocopy of the first page of passport (for foreigners only) and letter of endorsement.

The application packet may be emailed to mdppo2016@yahoo.com.ph or mailed to the PPO Search Committee, PPO, Lower Basement, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, 1300 Philippines.

Information on the PPO may be obtained from the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph

Clarion Chamber Ensemble Goes Bold, Brash and Beautiful at CCP on March 22

Press Announcement:

THE Clarion Chamber Ensemble takes centerstage on Sunday, March 22, 2015, 6:00pm at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to present its first concert in the 2015 season entitled The Bold, The Brash, and The Beautiful.

The program features the works of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and German composer Paul Hindemith whose present day reputations attest to their massive contribution to the bold and brash ideas of 20th century classical music. Clarion performs Shostakovich’s 1923 bold statement of youth, the “Trio No. 1 in C minor” for Piano, Violin and Cello op. 8. From the pen of Paul Hindemith comes the brash electricity of his 1948 “Septet” for Woodwind Quintet, Trumpet and Bass Clarinet.

The beguiling beauty of the evening can be found in German organist/composer Joseph Rheinberger’s “Nonet in E-flat Major” op. 139 for String Trio, Double bass and Woodwind Quintet, which surrenders its spirit to old world romantic charm in a vivid and imaginative Clarion performance. Clarion Chamber Ensemble performs the smoldering and lavish “Verano Porteno” of Argentine Tango Master Astor Piazzolla. Verano Porteno is also known as “Summer” from Piazzolla’s famous Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. The Bold, The Brash, and The Beautiful is a production by Clarion Chamber Ensemble and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and co-presented by 98.7 DZFE The Masters Touch.

Tickets are Php.500 for all seats, Php.250 for Seniors and Students with a valid I.D.  All seating is on a first come first served basis. For more information, please call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704, Ticketworld (891-9999) or contact Clarion Chamber Ensemble at 890-8840 or through Facebook.com/clarionchamber.ensemble.

CCP Orchestra and Band Festival 2014 Set for July 1 to 6

Press Release:

Orchestras and symphonic bands were presented at the press conference of the 2014 Orchestra and Band Festival held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Little Theater Lobby recently. CCP vice president & artistic director Chris Millado gave the opening remarks followed by performances by the UST Wind Orchestra.

The Orchestra and Band Festival will be held on July 1-6, 2014 at the CCP Main and Little Theaters featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, UP Symphony Orchestra, Bulacan State University Symphonic Band, Malindig Institute Band of Marinduque, UST Wind Orchestra, Bukidnon State University Band, St. Louis University Band of Baguio, De la Salle Santiago Zobel Symphonic Band, Kapisanan Banda II of Pulong Buhangin (Sta. Maria, Bulacan), Cardona 5, Banda Kabyaw of Nueva Ecija, Banda 88 Sta. Maria Bulacan, Philbanda Wind Orchestra, Philippine Army Band, Philippine Navy Band, Philippine Air Force Band, Philippine Coast Guard Symphonic Band, and the Presidential Security Group Band. It seeks to provide opportunities for the many performing groups that are deserving of the proper exposure, and at the same time treat the local audiences to a rich variety of symphonic sounds emanating from the various groups around the country. (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)