A playful ballet divertissement, nostalgic melodies, and experimental sounds—think orchestra with traditional Philippine instruments. This is just a glimpse of what can be expected from the UP Symphony Orchestra’s next online concert entitled Kayumangging Lahi.
Though seemingly a random mix of works, they are all tied together by a common thread: the celebration of Filipino creativity, talent, and culture. The concert will feature numbers borrowed from sarsuwelas (Jose Estella/Lucio San Pedro, and Bienvenido Lumbrera/Lucio San Pedro), well-loved serenades (Antonio Molina), and beloved works both old and new (Lucio San Pedro, Robin Estrada). The numbers all evoke the feeling of hearing music, reading words, or seeing art from our own country—the feeling of connecting with it on a very deep level that is hard to articulate. This concert is full of music that hits those precise feels for every Filipino.
The concert will also give a tip of the hat to the highly anticipated reopening of the Metropolitan Theater that is happening this year.
The UPSO proudly features its own members as soloists for this online production, namely its concertmaster Janine Samaniego, and trumpeter John Paulo Ramos. Viewers will also be treated to a performance of UP Tugtugang Musika Asyatika (UP TUGMA). This Independence month, the UPSO is taking the opportunity to celebrate our heritage, our talents, and our music.
Kayumangging Lahi is the fifth installment of the orchestra’s ongoing third concert season that began last October 2020. Their virtual hour-length productions include a mix of archive videos from past performances, and new, remotely recorded works. The season will conclude with a concert in July.
Watch the concert on the orchestra’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The premiere is set for Friday, June 18, 7pm, and will be available for viewing until June 25.