UST SYMPHONY Orchestra delivered a repertoire of soft melodies during its Neo-centennial Concert at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) last Aug. 15.
Michael Jacinto, an alumnus of the University’s Conservatory of Music, conducted the orchestra. Two guest soloists Archimedes Lacorte, a faculty member of the Conservatory of Music, and Joseph Christian Panganiban, who is a part of the orchestra, played alto saxophone and bassoon, respectively.
The five-piece concert began with Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla, a piece by Mikhail Glinka. The piece highlighted all of the instruments in harmony as it started out with fast and mellow notes, tuning down to a smooth melody and ending with a triumphant blast.
The piece, along with the last performance composed by Ptoyr Tchaikovsky, was chosen by Jacinto.
Alexander Glazunov’s Concerto in E Flat featured Lacorte exuding jazz tones with the saxophone.
The piece was chosen by Lacorte for the melody highlighted his instrument as it was the “only piece that fits a concerto with a saxophone at the forefront.”
Panganiban showcased the bassoon with his solo performance of Andante E Rondo Ungarese Op. 35. The sound of violins filled the background as the piece transformed from a slow and mysterious rhythm to a lively epilogue.
Lacorte said it was an honor to perform with the Orchestra.
“It has always been my dream to play with the UST Orchestra,” he said.” I immediately grasped at this chance to grace the stage with them.”
Panganiban, also a graduate of the Conservatory, felt blessed to debut as a solo performer with the orchestra and to perform on stage with his former mentors in the University.
“This is my first performance as a soloist and I am thrilled that I got to perform it with the orchestra,” Panganiban said. “Coming back from my higher studies in Japan, it indeed feels great to perform side by side with the people who have taught me all I know about music.”
Panganiban, along with fellow Tomasino Bassoon Quartet members Derrick Atangan, Frenvee Andra, and Adolfo Mendoza, performed Cuatro Danzas Brasilieras. The piece is divided into four parts: Odeon, Lamento, Carinhoso, and Gaiola Aberta.
The concert ended with the UST Orchestra delivering an astonishing performance of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.
The concert marked Jacinto’s first performance as a conductor.
“I feel blessed that I got to open the group’s concert season with this momentous event,” he said.
