Correspondents: Paul Angelo Salvahan, Xyrel James Canonoy

Students and teachers from Pasay City National Science High School attended the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) opening concert of its 40th season, titled “Fiesta!” on September 27, 2024, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The concert, conducted by Grzegorz Nowak, showcased a program blending Filipino and classical Western compositions, drawing a large and diverse audience.

The evening opened with Jeffrey Ching’s “Fiesta Contrapuntistica (Fantasía sobre la Marcha Nacional Filipina),” a newly commissioned work by the PPO’s composer-in-residence. The composition, which integrates themes from the Philippine National Anthem into a complex contrapuntal structure, was received with high praise, reflecting a unique celebration of Filipino heritage through orchestral music.

Following Ching’s work, renowned violinist Shlomo Mintz performed Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto no.1, op.26 in G minor, accompanied by the PPO. The concerto, consisting of three movements—Allegro moderato, Adagio, and Allegro energico—showcased Mintz’s technical prowess and emotional interpretation, earning prolonged applause from the audience.

After a brief intermission, the concert resumed with Richard Strauss’ “Ein Heldenleben, op.40,” a dramatic tone poem that chronicles the life and struggles of a hero. The PPO’s performance, led by Nowak, captured the grandeur and complexity of Strauss’ composition, delivering a powerful and evocative rendition.

The concert concluded at 10 p.m., marking a successful start to the PPO’s 40th Concert Season.

PPO’s 4th decade will continue with a series of performances throughout the year, celebrating both Filipino and international works in its commitment to elevating the country’s classical music scene.