A Magical Evening with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
A Tribute Concert to Senator Edgardo Angara
The illustrious Senator Edgardo Javier Angara, who established the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. in 1985, was recently accorded a special tribute by the PPO that he created, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines. Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society president Nedy Tantoco headed this invitational concert, with Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura as conductor. Two commemorative sculptures by famed artists Ramon Orlina and Impy Pilapil were presented by the organizers to the family of the late Senator, represented by his genteel wife, Gloria Angara and dashing son, Senator Sonny Angara.
Internationally acclaimed pianist and former CCP president Raul Sunico rendered Gershwin’s Concerto in F, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. It was significant that National Artist for music, Dr. Ramon P. Santos conducted the PPO with his composition “Awit ng Pagdiriwang”, as this was composed by the artist for the inauguration of Senator Angara as president of the University of the Philippines. The three choirs who joined the Philippine Philharmonic were: The UP Concert Chorus (Jai Sabas Aracama), UP Singing Ambassador’s (Ed Manguiat), and UP Cherubims (Elena Mirano).
Senator Edgardo Angara has carved out a place for himself in the history of music as a steadfast and generous supporter for both the PPO and the programs of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His leadership was unparalleled; he was president of the Senate of the Philippines, Chairman of the Philippine National Bank; Secretary of Agriculture, senator from 1987-1998 and 2017-2018 and special envoy to the European Union in 2017-2018. Senator Angara’s work to revive a sense of nationhood and social cohesion, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts granted him the “Dangal ng Haraya” award, NCCA’s highest distinction given to an individual for his significant contribution to arts and culture. Also notable was Senator Angara’s concern for the welfare of the PPO members with gratuity funds for retiring members; six months before he passed, he awarded two grants to two PPO members to attend a master class in the US and a doctorate degree in music at UP. As patron of the arts and culture, he kept alive public appreciation for music, and performing arts.