Oct. 26 2016, 11:03 p.m. – THE UST Woodwind Ensemble veered from their signature classical repertoire in “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” an all-original Philippine music (OPM) concert yesterday at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.

The concert opened with acclaimed musical director Gerard Salonga’s song arrangement titled “Songs from Home.”

It was followed by a number of homegrown hits including “Sana’y Maghintay Ang Walang Hanggan” by Filipino composer Willy Cruz, “Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan” by George Canseco and a medley of television network ABS-CBN’s telenovela soundtracks.

Song arrangements by Jedrick Itugot, an orchestral conducting student from the Conservatory of Music, such as “Halik” by Filipino composer Celso Abenoja were also rendered by the ensemble.

UST Symphony Orchestra principal cellist Glenn Aquias gave a heart-warming cello rendition of “Ikaw,” another notable composition of Canseco.

Soothing melody filled the auditorium when Demie Fresco, a The Voice Philippines Season 2 finalist, performed Regine Velasquez medleys and Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” which was the concert’s highlight.

“We chose Ryan Cayabyab’s ‘Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika’ as the title of this concert because we believe that it is one of the best compositions that highlights OPM,” Itugot said in an interview with the Varsitarian.

Originally a one-time concert, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” will have three encores following an invitation by Ballet Philippines. Details of the encore performances will be announced on the UST Woodwind Ensemble Facebook page. K. N. B. Adriano

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