DECEMBER 19, 2016. Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center. The bleachers and the ground floor were loaded with Silaynons and guests who were invited to attend “A Christmas Concert” by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with the special participation of the Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed in Negros Occidental for the first time, in Silay and Victorias. It is the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific Region. It was established on May 15, 1973 as the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra and was initially intended to accompany performing artists at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
Mayor Mark Golez is so happy about the wonderful performance because it lifts up the feelings of the crowd with joy and gladness and it was an opportunity for our Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble to make music together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. For the young rondalla players, it was an inspiration to work with the group of professional musicians.
The masterpieces were played in the first part that include music from Franz Suppe, George Bizet, Johann Sebastian Bach, Aram Khachaturian, Geronimo Gimenez and Leroy Anderson. All the pieces from Light Cavalry Overture up to Christmas Festival were conducted by Yoshikazu Fukumura (music director and principal conductor). He is recognized as one of the famous maestros in Japan.
The Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble performed under the baton of Rondalla Master Jegger Anjao. The Silay Young Ambassadors of Culture played Philippine Medley No. 2, You Raised Me Up, and Pop Medley.
The parents were also invited to see the performance of their kids. There was also the banduria rendition “Czardas” by Nelson Quirit. This homegrown musician won second place in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists 2012 Banduria Solo Category B.
The second part was conducted by Herminigildo G. Ranera (associate conductor). He is a graduate from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in the field of Trombone and Theory. He gave life to Visayan Aires, Three Kings, 2015 Playlist, VST and Company, A New Day Has Come, and the popular Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kumukutikutitap.”
Original Pinoy music Christmas hits took center stage as Katrine Jamar V. Sunga and Frederick Angelo S. Maturan gave them life. Sunga is taking up Bachelor of Music, Major in Voice, at the Conservatory of Music of the UST under Maestra Gloria Dizon Coronel. Maturan is a student of the UST Conservatory of Music taking up Bachelor of Music in Musical Theater.
It was one special evening for “Dakbanwa sang Silay” with Silaynons witnessing the fantastic blend of sounds. Several times I heard the crowd shouting “Bravo!” for what they have experienced. Even the occupants at the bleachers were amazed. You could not see them moving while the baton was magically waved to produce something pleasing to the ears.
That Monday was really a gift... no rain, no traffic disturbance, no emergency, and everything inside the gym was in perfect timing... the flow of guests, the gyration of the ushers up to the presentation of the bouquet and leis. We saw Monsignor Guillermo Gaston and Vice Governor Bong Lacson as part of the eager crowd. The musicians have their dream after the performance - the unlimited taste for Silay chicken “inasal.”
That night could have been the best in all nights. The next day was a guided tour for the musicians... the Pope John Paul Tower, San Sebastian Cathedral, The Ruins, ancestral houses in Silay, the hometown delicacies of the Paris of Negros, the seafood of Balaring, and the Silay Christmas Village. We would like to thank Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Mayor Mark Golez, and Representative Albee Benitez for providing us the transportation for the tour.