By Angelica Villanueva
As the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) prepares for its highly anticipated United Kingdom tour, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president Kaye Tinga expressed confidence that the group would not only showcase Filipino talent but also reinforce the country’s reputation for discipline, artistry, and excellence on the global stage.
In an interview with Manila Standard Life during the PPO’s send-off concert on April 24 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Tinga emphasized the importance of representing Filipino culture with pride and sophistication.
“It was really important for us to highlight the very best of Filipinos—not just the musicians but also our original compositions,” Tinga said.
“We want to show the world that we can go toe-to-toe with the best, and that even our original works can resonate with a mature, sophisticated audience like in the UK,” she continued.
PPO’s send-off concert featured an exquisitely curated repertoire that included works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Delius, and renowned Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching.
Tinga noted that Ching was commissioned to create a new work specifically for the UK tour.
The evening also showcased celebrated British pianist Mark Bebbington, who joined the orchestra to perform Delius’ “Piano Concerto in C Minor.” Bebbington, recognized as one of the UK’s most strikingly individual pianists, is slated to join the PPO in select performances during their UK tour.
At the heart of the PPO’s upcoming performances abroad is Ching’s “Il Maestro di Cappella,” a piece written specifically to open each concert of the tour. Ching, a distinguished graduate of Harvard, Cambridge, and the University of London, was appointed the PPO’s first composer-in-residence upon the invitation of Music Director and Principal Conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak. Known for blending historical Philippine musical elements with contemporary forms, Ching’s works have earned international acclaim in countries such as Germany, Spain, Romania, and Russia.
Tinga also shared that preparations for the tour officially began in late 2024, with intensified rehearsals from November to December. She then described the training as intense but fruitful, crediting the orchestra members’ shared ambition of performing for one of the world’s most discerning audiences for uniting the orchestra.
“They really put in double time for practices. You could feel them gel, working toward a common goal. The UK audience is very sophisticated, and we wanted to ensure we lived up to that standard,” added Tinga.
She noted that the tour’s logistics were complex, with the group navigating visa processes and high travel costs. The endeavor was made possible through the support of partners.
“Flying the orchestra there was not easy. It’s very expensive, but the experience and the exposure they will gain are priceless,” she stated.
Being selected by IMG Artists, one of the world’s leading agencies for classical musicians, is a milestone that Tinga believes signals the Philippines’ rising stature in global music.
“Usually, preparation for tours like this takes two years. The fact that the PPO was chosen speaks volumes about the level of talent and discipline we have,” Tinga explained.
More than just a performance series, she also sees the PPO’s UK tour as a critical opportunity to reshape perceptions about Filipino artists.
“We have many world-class singers, but an orchestra demands not just talent, it demands discipline, rigorous training, and years of hard work. We want the world to see that we are not just talented, but also disciplined, capable, and able to compete at the highest level,” she added.
Looking ahead, Tinga hinted at more international engagements for the PPO, emphasizing that this tour is only the beginning of broader plans to elevate Philippine classical music on the world stage.
“This is not just about the PPO, it’s also about the image of the Philippines. That we are trained, we are disciplined, and we are world-class,” said Tinga.
Asked about her message to the orchestra, Tinga didn’t hesitate to express her pride and confidence in the orchestra.
“We are very proud of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. I know with this UK tour, they will make the country proud and show the world what the Filipino musician is really all about,” she stated.