Orchestrating Symphony

Who would have thought our own place would house an orchestra just like what we see in movies? For the past decades, Cebu has been an avenue for the culture and the arts to flourish in a way that it has placed itself on the map for a lot of things.

From 7 to 87

 In the field of music, we have so much innate talent within us that Rey Abellana together with his other colleagues formed the Cebu Symphony Orchestra or CSO.

Cebu used to have big orchestras like the Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP) and the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) which disbanded themselves because of unstable support and the need of the members to transfer for studies in their personal choice of instrument. Yet, some institutions offered music lessons to those interested.

It took Rey Abellana, a former member of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra; Francis Balo, a member of the same orchestra; Marc Hamlet Mercado from PPP; Professor Roberto Del Rosario, a renowned conductor and arranger;  and Renato Kintanar to build an 87 member orchestra.

                

“At first there were only 7 members who joined the practices every week,” says Abellana. “Yet, week after week, more Cebuano instrumentalists joined and committed themselves to the orchestra.” He said that the members are those who used to play for PPP and the CYSO. There are also some who used to be on-call members of the said group and advanced music students.

                

They started during March of this year bringing the original name of Cebu Classical Orchestra. The group later decided to change its name to Cebu Symphonic Orchestra during the month of July.

                

According to Leigh Cellano, who used to be the concert master of a certain junior youth ensemble says that being part of an orchestra is such a dream come true. “It was such an honor when  sir Rey said I could still join the group,” Cellano narrates. “It is hard to manage and build an orchestra but those men (Abellana and colleagues) were able to make it!” he added noting his inspiration to music.

                

For Marie Yntel Beltran, a classical singer and violinist, being part of CSO is a privilege for her. “I’m working with professional musicians and they are helping me to become a better violinist.” She also said that there are new pieces to learn and appreciate.

                 

Abellana said CSO’s goal is to develop local talents in music. They are trying to have a high standard that in a few years time, they will reach the same level as those musicians in Manila. As of now CSO is still starting as they will have their debut concert next month at the Cebu Cultural Center, Lahug.

                

“Cebu will definitely be expecting two to three major concerts in a year from us,” says Abellana. As a group they would want to showcase their type of music in a way that they would be able to bring back the appreciation of classical music.

                

As of now, CSO is being supported by various businessmen , the Cebu City government and the Cebu Provincial government. They practice once a week every Sunday in the halls of the City Hall.

               
In no time, this musical group composed of violins, clarinets, oboes, and more will be the pride of Cebu. Maybe it’s time for us Cebuanos to support our own talent by appreciating the type of music they are playing. Like CSO member Daniel Go wants to put it, “It made me love classical music again.” Maybe we can too, and believe in the talent of Cebuanos.

**Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 27, 2011