A first for Side A & PPO

MANILA, Philippines - Side A, a five-piece band, will perform with the 40-piece orchestra together for one unforgettable night of music. Dubbed as Symphony of Hope, the concert also features Karylle as guest.

“This is the first time we’re performing our songs with a 40-piece orchestra,” explains musical director Naldy Gonzalez. “We’ve made a lot of adjustments in terms of musical arrangements and for sure they’re going to sound richer and fuller.”

“Actually, the whole concert itself will be a surprise,” muses bass player Ned Esguerra. “We have never played with that many players before. Just the sound of it will be a pleasant surprise to many, especially when they hear our songs presented in a different flavor and arrangement.”

“It’s a fusion of pop and classic music,” avers drummer Ernie Severino. “It’s very exciting to see how all this will come together.”

In addition to all the members of Side A contributing their musical ideas, the show has Naldy arranging the songs with Naldy Rodriguez and Agripino Diestro conducting the PPO. The repertoire features a collection of songs spanning Side A’s 20-year-long career, with the symphonic accompaniment of the country’s premier orchestra.

In a summer filled with easy, nostalgia-oriented commercial shows by foreign artists, Symphony of Hope promises to be a breath of fresh air. “I find it sad that these days, supporting Filipino artists and encouraging Pinoy artistry are being seen by many as a risk rather than a right,” shares organizer Waiyip Chong of Firebounce Productions, Inc. “That being said, we are very proud of this concert.

It is an all-Filipino production, staged by Filipinos for fellow Filipinos, and we hope people would come out, watch and enjoy homegrown music from our very own.”

Proceeds of the concert will go to indigent patients at National Children’s Hospital, under the auspices of the Philippine Balanghay Association.

Symphony of Hope  is produced by Firebounce Productions, Inc. and presented by CS/Origin, 2nd Ave., Sunsilk Summer Fresh, GBX, PCSO, Jollibee, Belo, Burlington, Bio Fresh Antimicrobial Socks, Hotel Rembrandt, Manila Bulletin, PDI, AIRMart Newsline, Focalcast, Odysseylive, Clickthecity, 99.5RT, 92.3 XFM, JAM88.3 and Mellow94.7.

For details, call 891-9999 or 892-0664.