The much-loved and most anticipated sunset concert at the Makiling is back, with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the country’s leading orchestra, serenading the crowds with classical music on May 5, 5:00pm at the Tanghalang Maria Makiling of the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna.
A rare experience of live orchestral music set against the majestic backdrop of sunset in the mountains, the concert features works by the great classical music masters such as Franz von Suppe’s Poet and Peasant Overture, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, KV550 Molto allegro, and Jean Baptiste Arban’s Carnival of Venice, among others. The concert will be conducted by PPO resident conductor, Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.
This year, the PPO will be joined by trumpet player Rhoxene Octaviano who will perform Nicollo Paganini’s Moto Perpetuo; banduria player Nikki Zen Obmasca performing George Frederic Handel’s Concerto in B flat, Op. 4 No. 6, HWV 294 Andante-Allegro, and harpist Jane Banta, playing Jose Santos’ Dalagang Pilipina, arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.
Dubbed “PPO Sunsets at Makiling,” the sunset concert is one of the CCP’s flagship outreach programs in the arts. It aims to bring the Philippine classical music, through the PPO, closer to audiences in Los Baños and other cities and towns outside Laguna.
Taking place at the open-air amphitheater overlooking the panoramic view of Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling during the summer month of May, the sunset concert is the perfect way to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends, while listening to the beautiful music.
An open theater located in the slopes of Mt. Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna, the Tanghalang Maria Makiling is a National Arts Center structure that can accommodate up to a thousand audiences complete with state of the art lights and sound system suitable for low, medium and large scale productions and performances.
Established in 1976 as a haven for young and aspiring artists, the National Arts Center is tucked away in mythical Mt. Makiling, Laguna. Its various buildings and facilities are scattered over 13.5 hectares of the Makiling Forest Reservation and also houses the Philippine High School for the Arts, a government-run secondary educational institution for gifted young artists. The NAC’s unique location offers a perfect vacation hideaway and its laid-back and contemplative atmosphere sets the mood to relax, unwind and recharge one’s energies.
Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., the concert is free and open to the public. Jeepneys to the National Arts Center will be available at the Baker Hall of the University of the Philippines Los Baños from 2p.m. onward on May 5, 2017. Fare is Php50 (one way).
