Filfest 2014 opens with marimbist Dena Fernandez and maestro Ruggero Barbieri

MANILA, Philippines -  Filfest and Insular Life opens its 2014 season with marimbist Dena Fernandez, maestro Ruggero Barbieri and the Manila Symphony Orchestra in a concert titled “Marimba” on May 31 at the Filfest Insular Life Auditorium.

Considered as the country’s premier marimbist, Fernandez is the first Filipino to obtain a degree majoring in marimba performance. Dena attended further coaching with Barry Dove, the principal percussionist of Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Gregg Zuber of Julliard School of Music.  She has performed in major concert halls in Spain and in the  US including Merkin Hall (Carnegie Hall) in New York.  For “Marimba,” she will perform the Philippine premiere of Jorge Sarmientos’s Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra.

 Conducting the country’s premier Manila Symphony Orchestra is maestro Ruggero Barbieri, the former music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. He will conduct the music of Grammy and Oscar-awarded movie music composer Nino Rota whose works include themes from The Godfather; films by Fellini and Zeffirelli come alive in this concert.

The concert is presented in partnership with City of Manila, San Miguel Corporation, Vivere Hotel, Contis, Rustan’s, Silver Secrets Inc.

For tickets, call 585-38-23 or SMS 0917-8177261, 0918-9419472.