Cebu's very own Cebu Classic Orchestra

CEBU, Philippines - A lot of things are happening in the Cebu arts scene and one of the things that the patrons of the arts, especially lovers of classical music, should look forward to is Cebu’s very own professional symphony orchestra.

The Cebu Classic Orchestra was formed last March by a group of Cebu-based classical musicians, most of whom are former members of the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) and Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP), while the others are second generation musicians trained by original members of the CYSO and PPP.

The group was organized mainly so that Cebu will eventually find its place in the world’s cultural map alongside cities like Boston, Tokyo, New York, and other cities that have their very own symphony orchestras. Through its performances in different venues and social events in Cebu, the group hopes to revive the popularity and appreciation for classical music.

The men responsible for organizing this young group are Reynaldo Abellana (former member of The San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra), Francis Roleth Balo (former member of The San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra, Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra), Marc Hamlet Mercado (former member and concert master of the Peace Philharmonic Philippines and Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra), Prof. Roberto G. del Rosario (Music Director/Conductor/Composer/Arranger of CYSO/PPP and Choir Director / Conductor for the USC Choristers, USPF Chorale and the Toledo Children’s Choir), and Mr. & Mrs. Renato Kintanar (proprietor of Helpmate Services and One World Montessori House).

The group had its first rehearsal last May 1 and, since then, they have been meeting at least once a week. The orchestra is set to debut on December 10 (3pm-Matinee and 8:00pm-Gala) at the Cebu Cultural Center in Lahug. Prof. Roberto del Rosario will take part as the musical director and conductor in the company of Madame Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, the renowned international pianist, as the soloist, with the special participation of Maria Kim Martinez, Engr. Jesus N. Alcordo, Dave Clark Sibonga, Kellie Go Ko, the Cebu Normal University Children’s Choir and Toledo Children’s Choir.

How it all began

The first generation Cebu Symphony Orchestra was established in 1980. In 1978, a request from the Cebu Classical Guitar Society for a string quintet to play with guitarist maestro Jose Valdez in a concert here in Cebu prompted Dr. Bonifacio Cabahug, Jr. to call on his friends for this occasion. The members of the ensemble were: Prof. Vicente Abellon, first violin; Dr. Bonifacio Cabahug Jr., second violin; Judge Condrado Seno, viola; Atty. Expedito Bugarin Sr., cello; and Mr. Reginaldo Flores, bass. Encouraged by the successful performance, they met regularly, and invited other musicians. Faced with the problem of lack of music materials and a teacher, they solicited the help of Mr. Teodoro Valencia, who was then the chairman of the Metro Manila Symphony Foundation, Inc., who responded favorably to their request for assistance. He sent Prof. Vince Gomez of Sta. Cruz, California, to train the group. After several weeks of intensive training, the Cebu Symphony Orchestra performed its gala concert on April 3, 1980, at the University of San Carlos Girls High School Auditorium with Ingrid Sala-Santamaria as the guest artist. Her piece was Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, by Edvard Grieg. A repeat performance was done the next day at Fuente Osmeña.

A few more concerts followed. One of which had Prof. Redentor Romero as the guest conductor. Due to lack of support, and the exodus of some members, the symphony did not survive, except for the string section which met regularly for several years (up to the year 2000). They adopted a new name: The Cebu Executive String Ensemble.

After 30 years of hibernation, a handful of the original members are still around but only four are still enjoying the sound of music and are actively participating in the activities of the present CSO - Virgilio Ylaya, Naila Ylaya-Beltran, Engr. Renato Y. Kintanar and Dr. Bonifacio B. Cabahug Jr. They are the link between the old and the newly rejuvenated CSO. Engr. Kintanar and Dr. Cabahug are in the process of organizing the Cebu Symphony Foundation, Incorporated, to serve as the financial arm of the CSO.

At this stage, the group is seeking the help of individuals, groups, foundations or business entities who are willing to sponsor the orchestra on its launching concert and for the duration while it is yet starting to generate its own resources. For queries and for additional information, you may communicate with:Reynaldo Abellana – 0939 913 9683 / 0933 698 5888; Prof. Roberto del Rosario – 0932 938 4669; Prof. Naila Beltran – 0932 939 7120 (FREEMAN)