Music for the City of Pines: UP Symphony Orchestra in Baguio

On December 2, 2022, the University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra (UPSO) will make its debut performance at the summer capital of the Philippines.

Tagged as the orchestra for the people or Orkestra ng Bayan, UPSO serves as the official system-wide orchestra for the University.

They maintain a roster of 65 members exclusively from the alumni, students, faculty, and staff of all UP campuses. They have been under the direction of Maestro Josefino Chino Toledo since their inception in August 2018.

In celebration of the city, UPSO will be joined by local Baguio talents: soprano Kay Balajadia and the "Pavarotti of Baguio," tenor Glenn Gaerlan. The orchestra will also feature its very own principal flute player, Raymond Sarreal, as a soloist.

The concert program will include Dmitri Shostakovich's Festive Overture, Ramon Tapales' Philippine Suite, Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No. 4, Cécile Chaminade's Flute Concertino, plus a selection of popular tunes and holiday music to spread the joy and cheer of the season.

UPSO's performance is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the elevation of UP Baguio as the 7th Constituent of the UP System. It also comes at the tail end of the investiture ceremonies of UP Baguio's chancellor, Dr. Corazon L. Abansi, scheduled on the morning of the same day. Dr. Abansi formally began her term on April 14, 2021, but had to delay her investiture due to pandemic concerns.

Catch UPSO at the Baguio Convention Center on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 5 pm! The concert is free, with limited seating available. Contact Elena at 0977-809-2139 for tickets and more information.