Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The New Friends of Music Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over six decades. Founded in 1954 by a group of music enthusiasts, the orchestra has become one of the most respected and beloved ensembles in the Philippines. The founding members of the New Friends of Music Orchestra were a group of young musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to share their love of the genre with others. They began by organizing small concerts in their homes and eventually decided to form an orchestra. The group's first performance was held in the auditorium of the Philippine Women's University in Manila, and it was an instant success. Over the years, the New Friends of Music Orchestra has grown in size and reputation. Today, it is composed of over 60 musicians, including some of the most talented instrumentalists in the Philippines. The orchestra is led by its music director and conductor, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, who has been with the ensemble since 2009. One of the highlights of the New Friends of Music Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1974 Manila International Festival of Music and Dance. The festival was a major cultural event that brought together musicians and dancers from around the world. The New Friends of Music Orchestra was the only Filipino ensemble invited to perform, and its performance was a resounding success. The orchestra received a standing ovation from the audience and was praised by critics for its exceptional musicianship. In addition to its performance at the Manila International Festival of Music and Dance, the New Friends of Music Orchestra has also been recognized for its outstanding performances at other major events. In 2014, the orchestra was invited to perform at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The event was attended by some of the most prominent figures in Philippine culture, and the New Friends of Music Orchestra's performance was one of the highlights of the evening. The New Friends of Music Orchestra has also been recognized for its contributions to the development of classical music in the Philippines. In 2017, the orchestra was awarded the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining (Cultural Center of the Philippines Award for the Arts) for its outstanding achievements in the field of music. The award was a testament to the orchestra's dedication to promoting classical music and nurturing young talent. One of the New Friends of Music Orchestra's most notable achievements is its annual Young Artists Series. The series provides a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and gain valuable performance experience. The series has been instrumental in launching the careers of many young musicians, some of whom have gone on to become members of the orchestra. The New Friends of Music Orchestra's repertoire is diverse and includes works by some of the greatest composers in classical music history. The ensemble has performed works by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and many others. The orchestra is also committed to promoting the works of Filipino composers and has premiered many new works by local composers over the years. In addition to its regular performances, the New Friends of Music Orchestra is also involved in community outreach programs.

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