After its successful outreach concerts in Bacolod City earlier this year, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed in Antique, bringing music-filled evenings on June 30 in front of New Capitol in San Jose de Buenavista, and on July 1 at the Alex Liberman Sports Complex in Pandan.
The PPO outreach concerts were undertaken through the efforts of Cultural Center of the Philippines president Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso.
Program for both shows included Overture to La Gazza ladra (Gioacchino Rossini), Johann Strauss Jr.’s Annen Polka and Emperor Waltz, Selections from Les Miserables (arranged by Bob Lowden), Serenata (Leroy Anderson), Sunshine Samba (arranged by Bae Jong Hoon), Mga Katutubong Awitin (Lucio San Pedro), Loren ng Antique (Felipe De Leon Jr. / arranged by Herminigildo Ranera), Eraserheads Suite (Ryan Cayabyab), Teleserye Theme Song Medley (arranged by Jedrick Itugot), Regine Velasquez Hits (arranged by Orlando Dela Cruz), Aegis Hits (arranged by Jedrick Itugot) and Bohemian Rhapsody / Queen (Freddie Mercury/arranged by Herminigildo Ranera). Santhea Jane Atienza performed as a guest soloist.
Both concerts were conducted by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. A conductor, composer, arranger, performer and educator, Dr. Ranera is the associate conductor of the PPO. He is also currently a faculty member of the UST Conservatory of Music, where he is the conductor of the UST Symphony Orchestra and UST Wind Orchestra.
The PPO is a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Established in 1973, the PPO is regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region. It promotes music appreciation through outreach concerts in Metro Manila, and in different regions of the country such as Bacolod.
The PPO has performed internationally in Japan, Thailand, China, and various European countries. In June 2016, it made history as the first Philippine orchestra to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York City.
PPO’s outreach concerts in Antique were made possible with the support of Congresswoman Loren Legarda, Antique Provincial Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, San Jose de Buenavista Municipal Mayor Elmer C. Untaran, and Pandan Municipal Mayor Plaridel E. Sanchez VI.