World Youth Orchestra plays Ching symphony / Other random notes

The celebrated composer Jeffrey Ching is finishing a symphony which will be played by the World Youth Orchestra in Berlin this year. When the WYO performed at the CCP two years ago, its program also included a work by Ching.

His most recent opus was the cello piece he expressedly wrote for Sergio Esmilla, Jr. who was then to be honored in a richly deserved tribute initiated by MCO Foundation director Armando Baltazar. Renato Luca interpreted Ching’s composition which was imaginatively built on the letters spelling out Esmilla’s name.

More than any other sponsoring entity, the MCO made the song recital of mezzo-soprano Grace Chan at the F. Santiago Hall a reality. Its help, which was much more than just financial, was typical of the MCO, Mr. Baltazar being gravely earnest about MCO’s role as patron of performing arts and artists. By the way, Chan’s recital, which was presented by Canadian Ambassador Robert Collete, was part of Francophonie’s world celebration.

Before the start of the recent private concert of the Justus Frantz Quartet at the residence of German Ambassador Herbert and Micheline Jess, the host requested the formidable violinist-conductor Oscar C. Yatco to stand up and be recognized for his significant promotion of classic music both in the Philippines and in Germany.

On the same occasion, Mr. Jess likewise singled out Fred Mendoza for his unceasing promotion of classic music in the country. Fred spares neither time nor effort in propelling Romantic Journey, the valiant venture of Reynaldo Reyes and Ingrid Santamaria. Music lovers may not fully realize the hazards that these two eminent pianists go through each time they bring classic music to the remotest regions while performing under the most primitive conditions, often on hurriedly improvised stages with almost broken-down pianos.

Among Lenten presentations worthy of mention are the 5th pre-Holy Week concert on Friday, April 4, in the San Agustin Church and Reflections on April 6 in the San Beda Abbey.

The audience at San Agustin Church will hear Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, this to be interpreted by soprano Rachelle Gerodias, mezzo-soprano Ana Guillen Feleo and the Motet Choir, with the PPO assisting under the baton of Ruggero Barbieri. Haydn’s Symphony 49, also known as La Passione, will open the program with the PPO under Barbieri.

Reflections will feature the Hiraya Men’s Choir and the San Beda College Chorale Actor-singer Audie Gemora and soprano Thea Tadiar will be special guest performers.

The indefatigable moving spirit behind the choral concert is young cultural entrepreneur Martin Lopez who is earmarking the proceeds for St. John Mary Vianney Seminary in San Carlos, Negros Occidental.

Martin’s enterprises demonstrate the Lopez family’s inherent love for music combined with civic-consciousness, Martin being the grandson of Don Vicente "Tiking" Lopez, Jr. of Jaro, Iloilo. The family’s Nelly Gardens in the golden days used to ring with music from the cello of "Tiking". I have a CD which proves "Tiking" is still a formidable cellist. He should come out of his self-imposed isolation and regale us with the luminous tones of his cello – soon!

Relatively new thespians Liesl Batucan and Joel Trinidad make Power Plays – on its last few days at the RCBC auditorium – worth seeing. Highly impressive, they compel attention even when pitted against Rep’s seasoned stalwarts Miguel Faustmann and Joy Virata.

Those who missed the recent duo recital of former prodigies – and now legends – Oscar C. Yatco, violinist-conductor, and Nena del Rosario Villanueva, pianist, will be delighted to hear them on a CD. Titled Celebration, it is produced by the (Lindy) Locsin Foundation.