THE Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) electrified its listeners in a recent concert at the Rockwell Proscenium Theater, Makati city.
Conductor Gerard Salonga
Under the baton of dynamic conductor Gerard Salonga, the OFY performed two warhorse compositions of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Billed Triumphs of Tchaikovsky, the concert wowed the audience, and earned a standing ovation.
In the audience were members of the diplomatic corps, Singapore Ambassador Constance See and Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya.
At once, symphonic brilliance shone in the opening number, the Polonaise from Glazunov’s Chopiniana, Op. 46. It bore brilliant orchestral colors, marked by youthful exuberance, especially from the woodwind section.
In Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto that followed, violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. was soloist, a last-minute replacement for the soloist who was sick. The tandem forged between violinist Saraza and the orchestra was tight. It was made possible under the authoritative command of conductor Salonga, who stood with confident poise on the podium.
Saraza at once showed a dynamic stance, as he announced his entrance after a brief introduction played handsomely by the orchestra. With virtuosic dispatch, Saraza sang his lines brilliantly, until the orchestra played the main theme with majesty. Saraza held the audience in his palm, so to speak, as he struck his bow like a magic wand, and played the cadenza with virtuosity, to the fiery finale.
The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth
The OFY and violinist Saraza created the somber tone of the second movement, played in a most touching manner. In the final movement, Saraza showed again his virtuosity as he surged through the coda that concluded the performance brilliantly.
The OFY had shown its orchestral might, as it played with masterly dispatch that equaled the virtuosic might of Saraza. The audience burst into shouts of “bravos” and deafening applause at the end, which compelled violinist Saraza to play handsomely Paganini Caprice No. 5 as encore.
Another Tchaikovsky warhorse concluded the program: the Symphony No. 5. Here, the OFY was simply impressive, playing brilliantly! Admirable was the rapport forged, not only with the conductor but more so among themselves. This singular consideration, built on their individual capabilities, truly marked an understanding of how large ensemble playing should be done, all aimed at the delivery of a brilliant and full symphonic sound.
Throughout the four-movement work, instruments from different sections eloquently played their parts convincingly, bringing thus the rich orchestration of this symphonic masterpiece. This included that haunting solo passage of the French horn in the second movement. The soloist’s tone did not sound infantile. It was solid and singing!
With an intelligent and sensitive conductor on the podium, like Gerard Salonga, the OFY brilliantly played Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Fate, with aplomb and majesty. In the end, Salonga took time to acknowledge the musicians, by sections, with the entire orchestra receiving hearty applause in the end.
Composed of 69 musicians, the OFY is made up of talented youth, in their 20s, including an eight-year-old cello player. It was established through the auspices of Ang Misyon, Inc., in 2012, now chaired by Federico R. Lopez, chairman of First Philippine Holdings Inc. It provides scholarships to gifted children and youth from less privileged backgrounds.
Mabuhay, OFY!
