CEBU, Philippines - Cebu holds the distinction as the only city having its own orchestra outside Metro Manila. It was organized by multi-awardee international pianist, Ingrid Sala Santamaria, chairperson of the Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation Inc. (SPSFI)
Established by the children of Salvador and Pilar Sala, it evolved on a ten year Music Development Program which began in 1991 to 2000.
The main objectives were to produce a group of highly qualified, committed and dedicated music tutors who would serve the community’s educational system and also provide performance opportunities for the young artists.
What started as the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) ultimately became the Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP). For over a decade, the orchestra performed beautiful classical music in different cities in the Visayas and in Manila at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Luneta Park and most importantly at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace.
Unfortunately due to shortage of funding by its major sponsors, the PPP and SPSFI had to be downsized, giving way to the establishment of the Peace Philharmonic Philippines Foundation.
After a decade of absence, former members of the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Peace Philharmonic Philippines have bonded together to finally realize a dream concert aptly called Symphony in Motion.
The highlight of the event will be the special participation of Ingrid Sala Santamaria.
The guest performers include Ariel Villaluz Perez, who taught Music theory and chamber Music classes to the students of the Foundation and likewise gave individual lessons for woodwind instruments. He is currently a Coordinator of the AB Music Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Southern Philippines.
Jeffrey Solares pursued his degree of Bachelor of Music at the St. Scholastica's College of Music under scholarship from the SSC Music Alumnae Association.
Upon the completion of his musical studies in Manila he was handpicked by the concert pianist Ingrid Sala-Santamaria to help develop and eventually lead the Cebu-based Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP) to a high level of musical achievement by consistently winning awards in different competitions.
Roberto “Obette” Giron del Rosario took the task of training the woodwinds, brasses and percussion section of the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO). He also handled the theory classes and chamber music and made the orchestral arrangements for the CYSO as SPSFI”s resident arranger.
Rodel Flores, a professional violinist and conductor who trained at the Vienna Music Academy in Austria was instrumental in training young students into performing as the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra. He currently resides in Tualatin, Oregon, and accepts students for violin instruction.
The reunion concert is scheduled on April 10, seven in the evening at SM Cinema 1. Proceeds will be for the benefit of the continuing music program of the foundation.
As of this writing sincere thanks go to special friends for their support. They include co-presentor SM City Cebu, Arts Council of Cebu, Maria Luisa Properties, PhilPacific Insurance Brokers and Managers, Aboitiz Foundation, Muntuerto Management and Development Corp, Juanito King Foundation, Cenapro Chemicals Corp. Julie’s Bakeshop, Agriworld Veterinary Philippines, BigStart Review and Training Center, Destination Specialists, Sibs Publishing House, Ywinbee Marketing, Gelato Eliseo, Foremost Water Works, and Insta Printers. Generous individuals include Carmen Martinez, Sue Gray, Mercil Binoya, Elvira Luym, Wilson & Melanie Ng, Dr. & Mrs. Rodolfo Abalos Sr., and Mr & Mrs Honorato Abella. Media partners are The FREEMAN, Cebu Daily News and Sun Star Daily.
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Cebuana International concert pianist, Ingrid Sala Santamaria has recently uploaded a four-part series entitled From Chopin to the Philippines, a 200th birthday Tribute on the Internet’s Youtube.
The selection quotes from existing Youtube entries by Santamaria featuring highlights from Chopin’s Ballades, Preludes, Sonata in B minor, and the Concerto No. 1 in E minor with accompaniment by the Peace Philharmonic Philippines String Quartet.
Santamaria was a graduate of her mother’s, Pilar Blanco Sala, school and thus establishes a direct link to Chopin himself via strong educational ties.
The multi-awarded pianist who is founding chair of Piano Teacher’s Guild of Cebu, Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra, Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation Inc. and the Peace Philharmonic Philippines will bring this Chopin tribute presentation electronically to selected and qualified schools, senior citizens, hospital groups and community organizations.