September, which is the founding month of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, ends the nine-month long 40th anniversary celebration  centered on the theme of remembrance (of the past 40 years), celebration and eager anticipation of the future.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) 27th concert season 2009-2010 opens with renowned American conductor Anthony Quartuccio featuring works by traditional classical masters Dvorak, Galindo, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Antonino Buenaventura.

The CCP resident companies, together with a stellar billing of performing arts talents will present a dazzling musical extravaganza in the CCP 40th Anniversary Gala event on September 8. Taking the lead on this occasion will be Conductor Laureate Oscar Yatco and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

On September 11, a special production dubbed as Seven Arts, One Imelda pays tribute to former First Lady Imelda Marcos, as founding chair of the CCP. The gala, which will highlight the virtuosity of the Filipino artists, will be directed by theater thespian Alex Cortez, concept/script by Floy Quintos and music direction by Josefino Chino Toledo and Ryan Cayabyab.

Internationally acclaimed artists Filipina pianist Cecile Licad and German cellist Alban Gerhardt will perform in two special concerts: Duo performance slated on September 15, and with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Oscar Yatco on September 16, 2009. Both concerts will be held at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) at 8:00 p.m.

On September 18, all CCP incumbent and former officers and employees will gather in a night of Tipanan at Gabi ng Parangal ng CCP Gawad SINAG at the CCP Main Theater. The event is a thank you-cum-recognition party (Pasasalamat, Pagkilala, Pag-alala at Pagsasaya) for CCP employees who have been or still are part of the Center for the past 40 years. The CCP Gawad SINAG (or Saludo sa Isang Natatanging Ambag o Gawa) also bestows due recognition to CCP employees who have made significant contributions to the development of the CCP as a national arts institution and in the implementation of its thrusts and mandate in culture and arts work.

Likewise, a multi-media and multi-sensory exhibit titled Daloy: 40 years, which chronicles the development of the CCP as a cultural institution, opens at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) on September 18, and will be on view up to November 8. The exhibit will be curated by CCP Thirteen Artists Awardees Don M. Salubayba and Claro Ramirez, Jr.

On September 24, a commemorative magazine titled Genesis, will be launched at the CCP Main Theater Lobby. Named after H.R. Ocampo's fiery mural and penned by some of the country's distinguished writers, the magazine provides the readers with information on the CCP's past and present programs and directions, honor significant personalities who contributed to the achievements of CCP, and activities marking the CCP's 40th anniversary. Photos are provided by the Camera Club of the Philippines and the Nayon Photographers Club.

Finally, the CCP Outreach and Exchange Division celebrates its 30th anniversary with a commemorative CD titled Lakbay Himig, a compilation of the best musical creations and performances by thirty of the country's most prominent musical artists, to be launched on September 30 at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.

For more information, please call the CCP Marketing Department at 832-1125 loc. 1800-1808; CCP Box Office at 832-3704, 832-1125 loc. 1409; or Ticketworld at 891-9999; or  visit the CCP website: www.culturalcenter.gov.ph