Christmas concert at The Pen
MANILA, Philippines - The 2012 edition of “Christmas Concert at The Pen,” which takes place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 at The Pensinsula Manila, features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) under the baton of Maestro Ruggero Barbieri.
Now based in his native Italy as both a musical director and orchestral teacher, Maestro Barbieri will be flying in to Manila specifically for this event.
Along with the PPO, which is all set to render much-loved Christmas carols, the cast of “Christmas Concert at the Pen” 2012 includes Arthur Espiritu, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers, the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, soprano Karina Balajadia and the principal clarinet player of the PPO, Ariel Sta. Ana.
The first formally-planned concert was held on June 4, 1983. It was a free concert conducted by Professor Sergio Esmilla, one of the country’s renowned conductors. A staggering 1,500 people sat, stood and occupied the third floor gallery, the second floor upper lobby, The Lobby and the even staircases. Now on its 29th year, the concert will have the lofty three-tiered The Peninsula Manila Lobby resounding once more with the glorious sounds of Christmas as the PPO and the crème de la crème of Philippine classical music bring to life the music of the holiday season to a sounding crescendo.
The Peninsula Manila General Manager Sonja Vodusek says, “Since the concert is quite popular and we do not accept reservations, it would be wise to come early to secure a good seat. The show starts at 5 p.m.”
“Christmas Concert at The Pen” is presented by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI), Philippine Tatler and Citibank, with the cooperation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Cover charge is P750 (exclusive of taxes) with 25 percent of the proceeds benefiting Father Al’s Children’s Foundation Inc., the funding arm of the Sisters of Mary in the Philippines who run Boystown and Girlstown, a non-stock, non-profit, non-paying, live-in secondary institution caring for 12,000 high school boys and girls from all over the Philippines.
