With the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) undergoing a two-year renovation, the timing is seen as ideal to raise funds for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Anton Huang, chairman of the PPO, recently welcomed Margie Moran Floirendo, vice chairman of the CCP and president of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI), Nes Jardin, vice president of the PPOSI, and members of the media during a press conference for the upcoming fundraising concert, “Music, Movies, and Magic.”
“On behalf of my colleagues at the PPOSI, it is my great honor to welcome you as we look ahead to ‘Music, Movies, and Magic,’ our much-anticipated fundraising concert in support of the PPO,” said Huang. He expressed gratitude to the media for their role in sharing the event with the public, ensuring its success by bringing attention to the extraordinary talent of the PPO and the artists involved.
Scheduled for November 22, the concert will be a celebration of beloved musical masterpieces, with the PPO, led by maestro Gerard Salonga, performing classical and cinematic works – ranging from elegant waltzes to powerful film scores. The roster of performers includes Camille Lopez Molina, Lara Maigue, Arman Ferrer, Cris Villonco, Jonathan Velasco, and Diomedes Saraza Jr., with choreography by Alice Reyes’ Dance Philippines adding a dynamic visual element.
The event will also feature collaborations with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and other outstanding talents, promising a captivating program that reflects both local and international artistry. Huang emphasized the concert’s diverse mix of classical, operatic, and film music, which offers something for everyone and highlights the enduring power of music.
“We are immensely grateful to the CCP for partnering with us to produce this cultural event,” Huang added, recognising the CCP’s long-standing dedication to artistic excellence. He also extended thanks to the production team, led by director Alex Cortez, for their hard work and dedication in bringing the concert to life.
Nes Jardin, during the press conference, shared his enthusiasm for the film music selections, including themes from “Titanic” (“My Heart Will Go On”), “Gladiator” (“Now We Are Free”), “Cinema Paradiso” (Ennio Morricone’s Se), and “The Mission” (“Gabriel’s Oboe”). “Music plus movies equals sheer magic,” Jardin remarked, reflecting on how the concert will bring cinematic greats to life through the PPO and some of the Philippines’ most talented performers.
Jardin also acknowledged Senator Sonny Angara’s contribution to securing a P5 million grant for the event, with the help of the late Nedy Tantoco and Tootsie Angara. He expressed hope that the proceeds from “Music, Movies, and Magic” will exceed the grant, providing additional funds for PPO programs.
The concert’s set list, finalized by Alex Cortez, Gerard Salonga, and Jojo Velasco, will feature classical and cinematic favorites. Highlights include the Overture from The Great Waltz, “La Mamma Morta” from Philadelphia, and “Tonight” from West Side Story, performed with dancers from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. The second half will include Filipino favorites like “Iduyan Mo” from Agila and George Canseco’s “Paano Ba ang Mangarap” and “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan”, as well as a Michel Legrand medley performed by Cris Villonco and music from “Home Alone” as the finale.
