THE historic province of Cavite takes center stage in the latest outreach concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. In celebration of the Reina de Cavite, the PPO brings its brand of music through a live concert in Cavite on November 24, 7pm at the Montano Hall Gymnasium in Cavite City.

Billed Harana at Pasasalamat para sa Reina de Cavite, the concert features Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture, Camille Saint-Saens’s Dance Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, Georges Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2: Farandole and Michel Legrand’s Medley, Leroy Anderson’s Season’s Greetings and Magic Slide, National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s Kumukutikutitap; Jose Mari Chan Christmas Medley, Fr. Manuel Francisco’s Ina at Reyna; Julian Felipe’s Reina de Cavite and Vicente Rubi/National Artist Levi Celerio’s Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, among other musical pieces. The Nightingales perform as a guest artist.  Led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, audiences can catch the PPO perform light classics, Original Pilipino Music, and movie themes. 

A few hours away from Metro Manila, Cavite has been one of the most accessible tourist destinations for short trips and weekend getaway. 

Known as one of the eight provinces that led the Philippine Revolution, the province is home to many historical and cultural places such as the Bacoor Church and Imus Cathedral. For over 300 years, the province played an important role in both the country’s colonial past and eventual fight for independence, earning it the title “Historical Capital of the Philippines”. It became the cradle of the Philippine Revolution, which led to the renouncement of Spanish colonial control, finally culminating in the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit.

Every year, Caviteños joyously celebrate the fiesta of the Reina de Cavite, Nuestra Señora dela Soledad de Porta Vaga, honoring her as the queen and patroness of the province. Recognized as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines, it holds historical significance as the oldest dated painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the country. With a rich heritage spanning 356 years, the Virgen dela Soledad, also known as the Virgen del Mil Milagros, is celebrated for the countless miracles attributed to her. The festivities reflect a deep connection to religious traditions and culture, fostering a sense of community and devotion among the people of Cavite.

The Cavite concert is free and open to the public, and presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the City Government of Cavite through the Office of Mayor Denver Reyes Chua.  

The PPO concert forms part of the CCP’s outreach programs, with the mission to promote and preserve the best of Filipino arts and culture by embodying the values of katotohanan (truth), kagandahan (beauty) and kabutihan (goodness).

The CCP outreach program, under the CCP Office of the President, focuses on expanding the Center’s reach to the regions by showcasing the CCP brand of productions and shows in the country, while nurturing the next generation of artists and cultural workers, engaging the publics to address art education and appreciation, and creating critical conversations and cultural exchanges among stakeholders to usher in national development, especially among the youths.  

Established in 1973 as an accompaniment for the performing artists at the CCP Theater, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra has become the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. It has performed with world’s renowned conductors including Mendi Rodan, Piero Gamba, Enrique Batis, Sebastian Bereau, and Nicholas Koch, as well as performed with the best foreign and Filipino artists such as Van Cliburn, Renata Tebaldi, Judith Engel, Anthony Camden, David Benoit, Cecile Licad, Raul Sunico, and Lea Salonga.  

The PPO toured Europe in 2001 and participated in the Asia Orchestra Week in September 2002 held at the Tokyo Opera City Hall upon the invitation of the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras. It performed at Bangkok’s National Theater in September 2004 upon the invitation of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vandhana of Thailand. In June 2016, PPO made history when it became the first Filipino orchestra to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Catch the other outreach concerts celebrating the PPO’s 50th anniversary this year in Kalibo, Aklan on November 29, Nueva Ecija on December 9, and Bulacan on December 18.  

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