The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) reprises the repertoire from its successful tour across the United Kingdom (UK) in CONCERT II: LE RETOUR, slated on September 19, 2025, at 7:30 pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.
Led by the commanding Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, Concert II: Le Retour features PPO’s rendition of Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1. The show sustains its beautiful momentum with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Diomedes Saraza, Jr., PPO’s very own guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence, performs the solo violin that had captivated hearts in the UK.
With Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite: Waltz, the PPO continues its excellent display of Filipino artistry in Concert II: Le Retour. Arguably among the most well-known orchestra pieces, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake: Waltz draws elements from the Russian and German folklore of a young princess transforming into a swan.
PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour concludes the night with an exhilarating rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5, op.67, C minor. Often interpreted as “fate knocking on the door,” the piece’s four-note opening motif has been referenced across musical genres as it elaborates on human perseverance in the face of adversity.
“The UK tour proved that Filipino musicians are truly world-class, and are on par with the very best orchestras in the world,” said Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Kaye C. Tinga proudly.
The conclusion of PPO’s remarkable tour in the UK is clear proof of Filipino artistry. Despite standing on unfamiliar stages, the orchestra relayed its unparalleled commitment to music to global audiences. PPO’s same brand of versatility, as presented in its repertoire in the UK, will be revisited in Concert II: Le Retour.
Witness PPO’s world-class renditions of British classics in Concert II: Le Retour on September 19, 2025, in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. PPO’s 41st concert season, dubbed Versatile, runs until April 2026. Tickets for PPO concerts are available at TicketWorld.
