PH Orchestra Groups to Perform in Asia in Resonance 2019 Gala Concert
Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda together with Japan Foundation Manila Director Hiroaki Uesugi organized a send-off reception for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO).
The groups are set to perform at the upcoming Asia in Resonance 2019 Gala Concert in Tokyo, Japan.
(L-R) Madame Ihoko Haneda, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Japan Foundation Manila Director Hiroaki Uesugi
During the send-off party, toasts were given to congratulate two of the country’s well-known orchestra groups on their journey to Japan for the said concert.
There were also performances from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Concert Master Dino Decena and Manila Symphony Orchestra led by Sara Maria Gonzales.
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Concert Master Dino Decena (L)
Some of the pieces played by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra are “Kalesa”, “Hana”, and a theme from Tonari no Totoro.
Meanwhile, Manila Symphony Orchestra played pieces such as the “Tifa’s Theme”, a theme song from Final Fantasy VII, and a Filipino piece composed by Antonio Molina entitled “Hating Gabi”.
Manila Symphony Orchestra
Also present at the reception were members of the Asian Eleven football team who participated in the JapaFun Camp: International Friendly Football Match, happened last June 22 in Fukushima, Japan.
Asian Eleven football team with Madame Ihoko Haneda, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Japan Foundation Manila Director Hiroaki Uesugi
Asia in Resonance 2019 Gala Concert is one of the various events and activities the Japan Foundation Asia Center (JFAC) organized to celebrate the cultural exchange between Japan and other countries in Southeast Asia. It is set to happen on July 1, 2019 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater Concert Hall, Tokyo, Japan.
IMAGE Japan Foundation Asia Center
It is a one-night only special concert featuring a multinational orchestra with musicians from 5 Southeast Asian countries that JFAC has supported through its ASEAN Orchestra Support Program. These include Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
IMAGE Japan Foundation Asia Center
Participating orchestras consist of the following:
- Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera
- Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra
- Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra
- Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
- Manila Symphony Orchestra
- Jakarta City Philharmonic
- Jakarta Sinfonietta
- Myanmar National Symphony Orchestra
With more than 80 members, the performance will be conducted by one of the most internationally acclaimed Japanese conductors Ken-ichiro Kobayashi.
For more information regarding Japan Foundation Asia Center’s Asia in Resonance 2019 line-up of events, visit their website at jfac.jp/en/culture.
Written by Deneca Ordinanza
