A night of music and arts in remembrance of the great senator

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. in cooperation with the University of the Philippines, pay tribute to the life and work of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara through an invitational concert on October 17, 2018, 7 pm at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Senator Angara was a champion of Philippine education, art and culture.  He held various positions in government service, including the presidency of the University of the Philippines from 1981 to 1987.

His affinity for the arts is clearly seen in his legislative work. A four-time Senator, he authored and helped established important laws related to cultural and the arts.  These laws include RA 7355 creating the National Living Treasures Award, RA 7356 creating the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), RA 8047 Book Publishing Industry Act, RA 8492 designating the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, RA 8626 National Museum Act of 1998, RA 9521 National Book Development Trust Fund and RA 10066 National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

 

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In 1985, he also established the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc (formerly PPSI, now PPOSI) with the purpose of improving the welfare of the orchestra members, providing uniforms and maintaining the upkeep of their musical instruments. Senator Angara set up gratuity funds for the retiring members of the PPO.  Six months before he passed away in May this year, Senator Angara awarded study grants to two PPO members that enabled one to attend a master class in the USA and the other to pursue a doctorate degree in Music at UP Diliman. 

The CCP, PPOSI and UP will present two commemorative sculptures created by Impy Pilapil and Ramon Orlina to the family of the late senator.

The tribute to Senator Angara features the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with PPO music director Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura as conductor.

National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon Santos will lead the orchestra in a performance of his composition “Awit ng Pagdiriwang" which he composed for the inaugural of Senator Angara as UP President in 1981. Soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Dondi Ong and the UP Singing Ambassadors, UP Concert Chorus, UP Cherubim & Seraphim will join the PPO in the rendition of the song.

Renowned pianist Raul Sunico, former CCP President and former Dean of the UST Conservatory of Music, will perform Gershwin’s Concerto in F with the PPO.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara passed away last May 13, 2018 at the age of 83.