Christmas Symphony Orchestra at SM City Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Witness another world-class performance by Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra and pianist Dr.Ingrid Sala-Santamaria in Christmas Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 28 in SM City Cebu.

As chair of the Salvador and Pilar Sala Foundation, Inc. (SPSFI), Santamaria spearheaded a ten-year Music Development program which produced the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) in 1995 evolving into the Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP) in 2000. The young and deserving music scholars who have graduated from this endeavor have since reaped honors nationally while SPSFI continues their training and performance initiatives, PPP being the only orchestra group south of Manila.

Among the honors received by Santamaria are: the Hall of Fame award from the Performing Arts League in Crestwood, Florida, USA; “Who is Who” in Asia documentary feature by NHK Television, Japan; “One of the 100 Most Notable Cebuanos of the Century” award; and from the French government; Chevalier, Ordre des Palmas Academiques; and Chevalier, Ordre du Merite Nationale.

The Orchestra was quietly formed last March 2011 by a group of Cebu-based classical musicians. It was founded by Reynaldo Abellana, also the group’s orchestra director, with a vision to revive the appreciation for classical music.

In October this year, Ingrid Sala-Santamaria and CPO did a spectacular performance at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at the SM Seaside Complex. The concert was for the benefit of the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra.

Watch Christmas Symphony Orchestra this Saturday, 5 p.m., at the Northwing Atrium in SM City Cebu. (PR)(FREEMAN)