The University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO), dubbed “The Fighting Maroons in music,” will honor Filipino legends and other iconic heroes in its upcoming anniversary concert on August 31.
The UPSO concert, titled “Symphonic Superheroes,” promises to explore legendary characters through music.
The concert features Eliseo Pajaro’s Lam-Ang. Biag ni Lam-ang (The Life of Lam-ang) is an Ilocano epic poem believed to have originated in pre-colonial times. It tells the story of Lam-ang’s life from avenging his father’s murder to being eaten by the water monster Berkakan, to being reborn and living happily ever after with his love, Ines Kannoyan.
Also in the concert playlist is Alessandra Salvati’s Ifugao chants-inspired “Hudhud”, a collection of ancient chants that tell of their ancestral heroes, customary law, traditional and religious beliefs, and reflect the importance of rice cultivation. These chants are treated with respect and are used to accompany their dances and rituals.
The program line up also includes the Biblical characters Samson and Delilah (Saint-Saëns), Don Juan (Chopin), the Valkyries of Norse Mythology (Wagner), and Prometheus of the Greeks (Beethoven). UP artist and pianist Albert Tiu will be the featured performer.
The UPSO, composed exclusively of members from within the UP community’s colleges and campuses, is led by its musical director Professor Josefino Chino Toledo.
The official system-wide orchestra of the University of the Philippines, hosted by the College of Music in Diliman, is marking its first year anniversary since its founding on August 30, 2018.
Symphonic Superheroes will be on stage on August 31, 7PM, at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium at the College of Music in UP Diliman.
The University of the Philippines has displayed excellence not only in academic world rankings but also in the music arts with notable performances by the UP Singing Ambassadors, the UPLB Choral Ensemble, the UP Madrigal Singers, and the UP Concert Chorus.
SEND Happy Founding Day well wishes in the comments below for the UP Symphony Orchestra, showcasing Filipino artistry and world-class musical performances!
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