Orchestra of the Filipino Youth celebrates uniting power of chamber music

Ang Misyon and the Intramuros Administration presented Dialogue Without Words, a chamber concert by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) last May 14, 2026 at the Centro de Turismo, Intramuros, Manila.

Chamber music is more than just a performance, states the OFY on its Facebook page; it is a dialogue dedicated to the art of reconnection and understanding. Each instrument finds its voice and offers a response, and every silence becomes a shared moment of listening.

The orchestra performed the works of Bach, Rossini, Holst, and Williams, and explored how music can express what words often cannot. On the same FB post, they thanked conductor Maestro Franz Ramirez, who guided the program, and Maestro Gerard Salonga, for his “continued vision and dedication to nurturing young Filipino musicians.”

The OFY also thanked the Intramuros Administration for providing Centro de Turismo Intramuros as the venue, and looked forward to a performance in August 2026.

The OFY is the main performing arm of Ang Misyon, a non-profit organization supporting musically talented underprivileged youth. It was founded in 2012 by ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez III, First Philippine Holdings chairman Federico Lopez, and renowned concert pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz. The goal was to help create social change through orchestral music. Since then, Ang Misyon has helped over 1,000 scholars, providing orchestral training as well as instrument support, while also giving the young musicians opportunities to perform both in the Philippines and abroad. 

Under the baton of Gerard Salonga and the guidance of professional mentors, the OFY curriculum was designed for a high-quality youth orchestra, involving one-on-one lessons, workshops, and master classes to learn challenging pieces, from classical to pop music.

Ang Misyon’s goal is to introduce children to the world of music, and help them progress to professional levels. Commitment, discipline, and community are part of the training, so the young musicians can also be productive members of society.

The OFY has performed in countries such as Malaysia, United States and Qatar, the first Filipino symphony orchestra to perform at Katara Opera House. Local events include performances at  Cultural Center of the Philippines, concerts in Iloilo, Dumaguete and Batangas. They have also played for large public audiences around Metro Manila such as at the Power Plant Mall, Sun Life Amphitheater, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la Plaza Mall.

Scholars of the OFY also mentor younger musicians, sharing their learnings and experiences from Ang Misyon as their way of paying it forward.