Peace Philharmonic Holds Reunion Concert Cebu: Symphony In Motion

CEBU, Philippines - The Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation, Inc., the Asian Academy of Music, and the Peace Philharmonic Philippines Foundation, Inc. are proud to present what deserves to be dubbed as the musical event of the year—the "Cebu: Symphony in Motion" this April 10, 2010 at the Cinema One of SM City Cebu.

A reunion concert of the former members of the Peace Philharmonic Philippines (formerly Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra), "Cebu: Symphony in Motion" promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical event that will deliver an unforgettable evening of classical music from the masters, in the hopes of educating and inspiring young and budding musicians and artists in Cebu and neighboring towns and provinces.

The concert also pays tribute to the inimitable contributions of the Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation, or SPFI, in the discovery and development of musical talents in Cebu and elsewhere in the Visayas.

SPFI was launched in October 10, 1989 by the children of Salvador Sala and Pilar Blanco mainly for the implementation of socially-oriented projects which emanate from and will continue to honor the contributions of Salvador Sala in the field of education, and of Pilar Blanco, who founded the Battig Piano School, in the field of music.

The foundation's chairman is Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, and its president is Susan Sala.

From SPFI came a 10-year music development program, which lasted from 1990-2000 and which produced the pride of Cebu, the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (which later became Peace Philharmonic Philippines). The fame and recognition that the Orchestra brought to Cebu had been unequivocal and unmatched. For one, Cebu became the only city that held the distinction of having its own orchestra outside Metro Manila.

According to Susan Sala in a presscon recently held at the Mooon Cafe in IT Park, for the program they brought in prestigious teachers and musicians from here and foreign countries like US and Japan to mold amateur players, many of whom they discovered through public school music programs, into world-class musicians.

Their training was intensive as it was extensive during the development program period. Concerts were held every year, wherein they would work on different repertoires from different composers—from Baroque, Classical, Romantic up to 20th century music.

The concerts also featured famous guest conductors and soloists from Manila, Japan, Germany, Spain and many other countries.

Foundation friend and supporter, businessman Bunny Pages recalled attending some of their concerts staged in prestigious venues like the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Luneta Park and the Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace.

There would also be summer camps, which were month-long trainings that spelled theory classes, orchestra or chamber rehearsals, and lessons on solo music performances, which were capped with weekly recitals.

Those trainings came to fruition through the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra, under the watchful supervision of no less Cebuano music icon, mentor and pianist, Madam Ingrid Sala - Santamaria. The orchestra ultimately became the Peace Philharmonic Philippines, the only known orchestra in the Visayas and Mindanao. For more than a decade, the orchestra not only performed beautiful classical music, but also spread goodwill nationwide.

Apart from the orchestra, the progam also produced several professional musicians and music teachers.

Among its roster of distinguished alumni are Dennis Gregory Sugarol, conductor and founder of the multi-awarded choral groups Mandaue Children's Choir and Cebu Chamber Singers; Gerry Varona who is a violinist on scholarship with the Louisiana State University; Giovanni Tabada, a double bass player now connected with the Royal Conservatory in Holland; sisters Hazel Magdadaro-Sanchez, now president of the Asian Academy of Music, and her sister Louella Magdadaro-Go, who had played with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

There are also several others who are actively teaching music in such foreign countries as Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.

One such alumnus is Franz Lanzaderas, who now teaches violin in Brunei. He said that his PPP experience definitely helped define his career path. "I had the opportunity to work with some of the world's renowned musicians and of course, the undying support provided by Mdme. Ingrid Sala Santamaria, Mdme. Susan Sala and the CYSO faculty molded each one of us to become good and competitive musicians."

Nevertheless, even with the magnanimous contributions of the Foundation to the development of regional musical talents, as well as the promotion of our rich cultural heritage through their public performances, still financial realities forced the foundation to downsize its operations due to the eventual lack of funding from sponsors and support from the community, admitted Susan Sala.

With that, the foundation's scholarships have to be consequently cut down, but the topnotch education continues.

"What makes us continue the education is seeing the students enjoying and playing music," said Sala.

We will be witnessing this anew, with an ample dose of nostalgia, as present students and alumni join forces for tomorrow's concert.

Santamaria will perform with the PPP Orchestra, to be conducted by some of the country's top-caliber musical mentors and musicians, namely Prof. Ariel Perez, Prof. Roberto del Rosario, and Prof. Jeffrey Solares, who all have had been lent their expertise, time and skills to the foundation through the years.

Catch the concert this Saturday at SM Cinema 1, April 10, 2010 beginning 7pm. Tickets are priced at P300 only. For inquiries, call tel. no. 231-1341 or you may visit PPPFI’s headquarters at 415 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City.