Chamber music took centerstage on November 23 at Black Box, Rockwell Proscenium Theater in Makati City, performed by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) in Resonant Spaces concert. The OFY musicians took turns essaying works from the late Renaissance to the contemporary period.
Conductor Gerard Salonga gives program notes.
Gerard Salonga, the young and dynamic conductor of OFY, said in welcome remarks that honing the skills of the musicians depended not alone on their performance, but more so on their ability to listen and interact among themselves.
He hit the nail on the head. Chamber music is built precisely on that important consideration. No matter how good the musicians play, it is only when rapport is established among themselves that great music-making is achieved.
Conductor Salonga’s annotation of the program helped the audience understand the pieces that ensured maximum attention. He did not meander but went straight to the point to ensure the listeners understand the pieces they were about to hear. Such an appreciation was expressed in the hearty applause given each piece.
In the opening number, a late Renaissance work by Giovanni Gabrieli, Sonata octavi toni, a composition for double brass choir, one admired the sensitivity of the musicians. Conjure two groups of brass choir that play alternately with equal verve! Antiphonal playing was a pure aural delight! The two brass choirs played eloquently to underscore the beauty of antiphonal—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, played by three musicians, 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 rousing applause, with crisp shouts of “Bravo!”
Such aural delight was 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, and keen musicality. From the majestic strains of Copland’s work and Strauss’ lyricism, to the elegance of Gounod, listening was momentous. It gave the audience keen appreciation of the young musicians’ ability to play with verve and youthful dynamism.
Jasper Andra conducting the brass ensemble
Wind ensemble with Franz Ramirez, conducting
Jasper Andra and Franz Ramirez, who trained the musicians, took turns conducting the works cited earlier.
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 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!
