Free the music, free the mind

Guess? Philharmonic Orchestra In Jeans has been one of the most awaited cutting-edge musical events for the past five years. A wonderful fusion of popular fashion with orchestral music for wider appreciation, Guess? Philharmonic In Jeans is a brainchild of Victor Siasat, the CEO and chairman of California Clothing, Inc.

The show presents Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in a way that deviates from common public notions of stuffy concert halls, hardcore classical pieces and black-tie outfits.

Guess? Philharmonic In Jeans has Liszt giving way to Linkin Park, Mozart taking a back seat to Miss Saigon and Beethoven playing second fiddle to bossa nova.

And as if that wasn’t radical enough, it’s the only show where all 75 MPO members trade in their tuxedos for Guess? shirts and jeans!

In 1998, Guess? Philharmonic Orchestra In Jeans debuted with Broadway hits and nostalgic movie themes. An even bigger spectacle took place for Guess? and the MPO when GMA 7 welcomed the new millennium. No less than the Philippines’ top divas Regine Velasquez and Kuh Ledesma headlined an awesome show where they rendered in their inimitable styles the hits of the ’80s.

Guess? Philharmonic In Jeans adapted a Latino theme in the year 2000 show which featured the formidable line-up of Verni Varga, Janno Gibbs, Bituin Escalante, Dingdong Avanzado and Ralion Alonso.

Next came Band Hits In Concert featuring the formidable ensemble of Jett Pangan, Joey Generoso, Anna Feji, Luke Mijares and Lani Misalucha. A year ago, MPO performed with Jaya, Kyla, Verni Varga and again Lani Misalucha for a Mardi Gras-inspired theme.

For 2003, the Guess? Philharmonic In Jeans series creates some serious noise under the concert Rock And Roll. The MPO and a select group of performers–Janno Gibbs, Jett Pangan, Jay-R, 604, Anna Fegi, Arnee Hidalgo, Najah Lorna Llames, AkaFellas and Montserrat Singers – will distill the spirit of rock icons past and present.

From the music of Elvis Presley to Evanescence, Falco to Billy Joel, Jerry Lee Lewis to Janet Jackson, Bon Jovi to the Beatles and, yes, even Destiny’s Child to Avril Lavigne, mall rats will be up for quality entertainment.

Then again, it’s not all clash and hum. In the spirit of the season, and as in years past, select Christmas tunes will also figure in the sixth Guess? Philharmonic In Jeans installment.

The series premiered on Nov. 27 at the Ayala Center Activity Area of Glorietta Mall under the stage direction of Andy Alviz and TV direction of Romy Veron.

The event goes at Festival Supermall at Filinvest, Alabang tonight. Sponsors of the entire mall series are Gloria’s Jean, Carl’s Jr., Sony-Ericsson, Mega Magazines & Publications and Espoir perfumes. Media partners are 88.3 Citi Lite, 89.1 Wave, 89.9 Magic, 99.5 RT and 108.5 K-lite.