Fil-Am orchestra concert in LA is a must-watch

THE FILIPINO American Symphony Orchestra, led by music director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder, rehearses for its “Handog ng FASO sa Pasko” concert in LA. Photo by Rick Gavino

LOS ANGELES—For many Filipino-Americans in the Los Angeles area, all roads this Saturday, Dec. 7, will lead to the White Memorial Church, where “Handog ng Faso sa Pasko,” a Christmas benefit concert of the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra, will be held. Faso, the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will evoke memories of wonderful Christmases spent back home.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will be given to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan through ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya. Led by a board of directors for the first time, Faso seeks to honor the bold vision of its founders, Roger and Cora Oriel, Lito Ocampo Cruz, Robert “Bob” Shroder, Andy Tecson and Angelito Molina, who dared to start an orchestra from scratch five years ago. More information about the concert at a church’s theatre, located at 1720 Cesar Chavez ave. in LA is available at www.fasofoundation.org.

Excerpts of our interview with Bob, Faso’s music director and conductor; Arlene Ferrolino, president; and Luis “Louie” Ramos, vice president and arranger:

You’ve been involved with previous Faso concerts. What makes this one special?

Bob (B): For the first time, we will be sharing the concert stage with 100 voices from our most respected professional Filipino singing groups here in LA. That will bring additional flavor and color to our music.

Most of all, the date is perfect to pay tribute and remember the 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Louie Ramos, whose father was a survivor of the Death March in Bataan, made a special musical arrangement for this segment. And, we cannot end the night without remembering our kababayans who died or were affected by the recent devastating typhoon Yolanda. We are playing an original composition by George Ramirez and Naomi Lewis that is dedicated to them.

Louie (L): I made an arrangement of Filipino-American patriotic songs that were mashed up together. The mash-up is truly a reflection of the Filipino-American, because the format depicts the love for both countries—our country of origin and the country we now live in.

This concert is very special because prestigious choirs will be singing together for the first time—Bridges, Harana Men’s Chorus, Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles, UP Concert Chorus Alumni of Los Angeles and UST Singers Alumni.

Youth group

What are you personally excited about among the numbers?

B: I am excited to see SOLA (Student Orchestra of Los Angeles), our growing youth group, perform. They are the future members of Faso. The last time I attended their rehearsal, they were just amazing.

L:  The one that I look forward to hearing is the Lucio San Pedro classic, “Simbang Gabi.” It’s quite rare that one gets to hear this piece performed by a symphony orchestra.

Arlene (A): All the joyous, hopeful and inspiring music that reminds me of the meaning of this holiday is what I look forward to the most. Add to that the distinct vocals of some of my favorite singers, Joey Albert, Sal Malaki, Gelo Francisco, Louise Marie Cornillez and Erwin Andaya—what a great Christmas present!

Why should the community support an institution like Faso?

A: Faso is committed to encouraging orchestral music and cultural diversity by developing and promoting Filipino-American artists through programs designed to educate and enrich the community.

What are your hopes for Faso to make sure it becomes a lasting, vibrant cultural institution?

A: I see Faso passing on to the next generation the beautiful music of the master Filipino composers and also the love and passion to perform it.

I envision more performances at different venues and more educational outreach programs in schools and community centers,  as well as making recordings, so that Faso’s music can be more widely circulated.

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