On November 22, 2024, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI) presented a night to remember — Music, Movies, Magic — at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
In her opening message, CCP President Kaye C. Tinga expressed, "What makes movie music so special is how, with every note, every movement, and melody, it draws us deeper into the world that cinema creates."
This special concert celebrated the powerful connection between music and film, featuring some of the most iconic songs and melodies that have shaped beloved movies through the years.
With the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra playing under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga, and featuring talented guest artists like Arman Ferrer, Camille Lopez-Molina, Cris Villonco, Diomedes Saraza Jr., Jonathan Velasco, Lara Maigue, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, the night was a true celebration of the arts.
The show wasn’t just about entertainment—it was also a way to support the growth and development of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and its outreach programs, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral music in the Philippines.
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MUSIC, MOVIES, MAGIC OPENS WITH A BURST OF JOY
The evening kicked off with the Carnival Overture Op. 92 by Antonín Dvorák, performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
This lively, celebratory piece set the tone for the night, capturing the fun and energy of a carnival with its upbeat rhythms.
As the music swirled around the theater, the backdrop displayed scenes from Jack the Giant Killer (1962), enhancing the sense of adventure and excitement.
The orchestra’s vibrant performance immediately drew the audience in, and from that point on, it was clear that the night would be filled with magic.
A POWERFUL BLEND OF OPERA, VIOLIN, AND BROADWAY
The night’s first highlight came with opera singer Camille Lopez-Molina’s breathtaking performance of "La Mamma Morta" from Andrea Chénier by Umberto Giordano.
Her rich, powerful voice conveyed the deep sorrow of the character, leaving the audience visibly moved.
Many were overcome with emotion, their hearts stirred by her stunning, dramatic aria.
The performance set the bar high for the evening’s other musical moments.
Next, Diomedes Saraza Jr. took the stage with a delicate violin solo of "Thaïs: Meditation" by Jules Massenet.
This piece, often associated with the epic Hollywood blockbuster Titanic, is known for its haunting, reflective quality.
Saraza’s playing was nothing short of mesmerizing, his violin singing with an emotional depth that filled the theater with nostalgia and longing.
The performance provided a moment of serene beauty that contrasted with the earlier excitement, leaving the audience in quiet awe.
The energy in the theater picked up again with the West Side Story: Tonight Quintet, featuring Arman Ferrer, Lara Maigue, Camille Lopez-Molina, Jonathan Velasco, and Gary Fabricante.
This Broadway classic, composed by Leonard Bernstein, was given a fresh, dynamic twist with the addition of dancers from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.
The lively choreography brought an exciting visual element to the piece, blending music, movement, and emotion.
The audience couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement, their applause filling the theater as the performers delivered a high-energy rendition of this iconic number.
A TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO CINEMA AND MUSIC
Part two of the show shifted gears with a tribute to Filipino classics, beginning with "Bato Sa Buhangin," the theme song from the 1976 film of the same name starring Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos.
This dramatic, sweeping piece captured the heart of Filipino cinema with its powerful orchestration and deeply emotional tone.
It was a moment of national pride, and the audience responded with appreciation, many recalling the film’s significance in the history of Philippine cinema.
Following that, the Philippine Madrigal Singers performed "Iduyan Mo," a beautiful, nostalgic Filipino song that touched the hearts of everyone in the room.
The Madrigals’ flawless harmonies brought an added layer of tenderness to the piece, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
Their performance was a gentle reminder of the rich emotional depth found in Filipino music.
ENDING ON HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSICS
As the night drew to a close, the orchestra performed three holiday songs from Home Alone—"Somewhere in My Memory," "Star of Bethlehem," and "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas."
These iconic Christmas songs are known for their heartwarming, joyful spirit, and they were the perfect way to end the evening.
"Somewhere in My Memory" filled the theater with a sense of childhood wonder, while "Star of Bethlehem" brought a more reflective, peaceful moment.
The final song, "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas," left everyone with a smile on their face, as if the holiday season had come a little earlier this year.
The music’s warmth and cheer made it clear that Christmas was just around the corner.
A TRULY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE
Overall, Music, Movies, Magic lived up to its name.
From start to finish, the show was a true celebration of the power of music to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create connections.
Whether through the grandeur of the orchestra, the soaring voices of the soloists, or the graceful movements of the dancers, every element of the night worked together to bring the magic of film music to life.
It wasn’t just a concert—it was a journey through some of the most unforgettable moments in cinema, all wrapped up in the beauty of live performance.
For those in the audience, the experience was nothing short of enchanting.
The music transported everyone to different worlds, whether it was the joyful excitement of a carnival, the heart-wrenching beauty of a violin solo, or the nostalgic warmth of holiday tunes.
Music, Movies, Magic was a night that reminded all the guests of the lasting power of music and its ability to make even the most familiar films feel new and magical again.
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