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ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra
Radio orchestra
FoundedJuly 20, 2012; 14 years ago (2012-07-20)
LocationManila, Philippines
Music director
Gerard Salonga
Websitephilharmonic.abs-cbn.com

The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is a Filipino radio orchestra based in Manila. It was founded in 2012 with financial support from ABS-CBN Corporation and First Philippine Holdings Corporation. It is composed of 40 instrumentalists.[1][2] The orchestra's musical director and conductors are Thanapol Setabrahmana and Gerard Salonga.[3]

History

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The official debut of ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra was on July 20, 2012, in a concert held at the Dolphy theater. The orchestra played some classical pieces and some musical scores of Filipino films.[2] Its first major public debut was on the "Icons at the Arena" concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 16, 2012. The orchestra played some of the most recognized film scores of the American composer John Williams in its first solo concert, "The Magic of John Williams" on September 2, 2012, at the Meralco Theater.[4] In 2013, due to public demand, the orchestra repeated their concert "The Magic of John Williams" on February 23, held also at the Meralco Theatre.[5][6] The orchestra has played alongside Andrea Bocelli, Idina Menzel, Lea Salonga, Lisa Macuja, Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila, Joanna Ampil, Jose Mari Chan, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Pilita Corrales, Louie Ocampo, Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez, Rey Valera, Christian Bautista, Janella Salvador, Jona, and Xian Lim among many others. In 2019, the orchestra performed its last performance before the hiatus, in the Hyundai Hall of the Ateneo de Manila University.[7]

After a 5-year hiatus, the orchestra was restarted in 2024, with most of its former members and conductors.[8]

Film scores

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ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra has scored several films, including Debosyon (2013), Ignacio de Loyola (2016), and Ang Larawan (2017). The orchestra also provided the musical score for the Agila: The EKsperience attraction of Enchanted Kingdom.

References

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  1. Andoque, Neil Jason. "ABS-CBN Philharmonic performs for Kapamilyas". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  2. 1 2 Hila, Antonio C. (30 July 2012). "ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra to hold inaugural concert Aug. 18". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  3. Ching, Mark Angelo (24 July 2012). "ABS-CBN forms its own philharmonic orchestra". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  4. "ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates John Williams and the magic of his music!". Rod Magaru Show. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  5. "ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra to do a repeat of 'The Magic of John Williams'". ABS-CBN Corporation. 24 January 2013. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  6. Tanchanco, John Paul (24 January 2013). "Hollywood maestro featured in Philharmonic concert". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  7. Tariman, Pablo A. (2019-07-20). "ABS-CBN Philharmonic is back with a vengeance". VERA Files. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
  8. "Orchestra & Conductor". Film Concerts PH. Retrieved 2026-08-05.
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