Chamber music took center stage on November 23 at the Black Box, Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Makati City, a concert by the musicians of the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) dubbed “Resonant Spaces.” Musicians from the said orchestra took turns in essaying works from the late Renaissance to the contemporary period.
Conductor Gerard Salonga gives notes on the program
Gerard Salonga, the young and dynamic conductor of OFY, welcomed the audience. In his remarks, he said that honing the skills of the musicians depended not alone in their playing but more so in their ability to listen and interact among themselves.
He hit the nail on the head. For precisely, chamber music is built on that important consideration. No matter how good the musicians play, it is only when rapport is made among themselves that great music-making is achieved.
Conductor Salonga’s announcement and annotation of the program enhanced the audience’s understanding of the pieces that ensured maximal attention. He did not meander but went straight to the point to ensure the listeners’ understanding of the pieces they were about to hear. Such an appreciation was expressed through their hearty applause at the end of each piece played.
In the opening number, a late Renaissance work by Giovanni Gabrieli, “Sonata octavi toni,” a composition for double brass choir, one admired the sensitivity the musicians infused in their playing. Conjure two groups of brass choir that play alternately with equal verve! Antiphonal playing was a pure aural delight! The two groups of brass choirs played eloquently to underscore the beauty of antiphonal or playing alternately done with equal vigor.
This was followed by a contrasting early 20th century composition of no less than the phenomenal German composer, Richard Strauss: “Solemn Entry of the Knights of the Order of St John,” scored for a brass quintet. One admired the ability of the composer who is hailed for his symphonic tone poems to score such a jubilant martial piece.
All the more, the audience’s attention was engaged in the next number, “Watercolor Sun,” a contemporary work by Ivan Trevino. Scored for a solitary marimba, it was played by four persons who went around the instrument as they struck the keys.
As the last note faded, a hearty applause burst from the audience that counted Federico Lopez, the founder of the OFY through the establishment of Ang Misyon, Inc., a non-profit that supports musically talented, less-fortunate youth.
Another highlight of the performance was Nebojsa Zivkovic’s “Trio per uno,” where three musicians shared playing, this time not on a marimba but on a drum, enriched with other percussion instruments. It was such a feat, watching the players go around and beat the drum! At the end, the audience gave a hearty applause, punctuated by crisp shouts of “Bravo!”
All the more, listening was such an aural delight in the engaging performance of Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” followed by another Strauss piece, “Serenade for 13 Winds, Op. 7” and the last two movements of Charles Gounod’s “Petite Symphonie No. 3.” The young musicians played with gusto, crowning their playing with a keen sense of musicality! From the majestic strains of Copland’s work and Strauss’ lyricism, to the elegance of Gounod, listening was momentous sparked by a keen appreciation of the young musicians’ ability to play with verve and youthful dynamism.
Brass ensemble with Jasper Andra, conducting
Wind ensemble with Franz Ramirez, conducting
Jasper Andra and Franz Ramirez, who trained the musicians, shared in conducting the works cited above.
Salonga conducted the last two extensive works, Edvard Grieg’s “Holberg Suite, Op.40” and Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony, Op. 4.” This time, the audience listened to OFY’s all-string ensemble. It was a magnificent moment, a pure aural delight, indeed, as the musicians played eloquently in tight rapport with each other.
One truly savored the velvety texture the ensemble had woven, silken and dynamic. Bear in mind that the string section is the backbone of the symphony orchestra. Truly, the OFY is gifted with these talented string players. And hearing previously the wind players display their equal proficiency, one could imagine the arresting symphonic sound the said orchestra could essay, that Manila music lovers should not miss.
At the center stood conductor Gerard Salonga, whose authoritative baton stamped the mark of excellence, expressed in the dynamic playing of the string ensemble that ensured wonderful listening. Truly, Conductor Salonga is for keeps! One commends this laudable task of Ang Misyon, Inc. as it affords scholarships to the less-privileged musicians of our country.
Bravi and mabuhay!
