By Tito Mike
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- After getting advised to disband, the members of what was Cagayan de Oro’s first city orchestra have banded together and decided to continue on their own to spread the gospel of classical and orchestral music.
Previously known as the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, almost all of its former members voted to stay together and now resurrected as the Metropolitan Kagay-an Orchestra (MKO). They bought their own instruments, and are now raising funds from their performances to buy a double bass. Meanwhile, they are making do with an electric bass guitar.
Organized in 2018 as the first city orchestra in Mindanao under the baton of Maestro Horst-Hans Bäcker, it was originally conceived to be a way for talented but less privileged children to blossom under the mentorship of Bäcker and other world class musicians with scholarships and instruments provided by generous sponsors.
In a nod towards its long-run sustainability, the group even sought to professionalize its management with the creation of the Association of Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra (ACDOSO) in October last year. President Krenz Banzon Sabanal said the professionalization of the orchestra management includes operations, personnel management, development, marketing, community engagement, financial management, and artistic planning.
Among its objectives are fostering Orchestral Music in Cagayan de Oro, providing an avenue for talented musicians, conducting Educational Programs and Workshops, Collaborating with Art Organizations, Charitable activities, and promoting Tourism and Economic Development.
The group seeks to attain this through increased access to music education for youth and adults in the community; enhance cultural experiences for community members through live performances; nurturing local talent by creating opportunities for their growth, and fostering a sense of community pride and engagement.
Symphony of Distant Worlds
For its first project, ACDOSO performed the first CDO Toy Show Symphony Orchestra mini concert, The Symphony of Distant Worlds, held October 21, 2023 at The Atrium of Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. The mini concert transported guests to the worlds of Genshin Impact and Avengers through their performance.
Sabanal, a protégé of Prof. Horst-Hans Bäcker, has successfully hurdled his Senior Recital conducting the then Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, Conservatory Choir, Liceo High School Glee Club, and Volunteer Choristers.
Xmas Concert in the Park
This was followed by a free Christmas concert on December 17, 2023 at the Kiosko Kagawasan in historic Plaza Divisoria, when the group entertained Kagay-anons with 15 well-loved Christmas carols. The concert featured Chief Conductor Horst-Hans Bäcker and his co-conductors Krenz Banzon Sabanal, Olfie Hope Reyes, Kyle Christian Manamtam, and Zion Preach Tumanda.
Keeping the Faith
However, when Backer was retired in March 2024, the project was discontinued by its major sponsors. Almost all members voted to stay together and are now pursuing self-sufficiency with a series of performances starting Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Rodelsa Hall with their special Christmas concert.
Dubbed Maayong Pasko, Tagbalay, the concert aims to bring orchestral music closer to Kagay-anons, featuring some of the world’s best-loved Christmas carols and Filipino favorites.
Performing with MKO are mezzo soprano Normann Bel Sarmiento-Casiño, mezzo soprano Sweeney Banac, soprano Hanh Felicity Agawin, pianist Raqy Dugaduga, and WLKMAN Band. Conducting the orchestra is MKO’s lead conductor Kranz Banzon Sabanal.
This will be the first time in years that Kagay-anons will be treated to a Christmas concert featuring an orchestra, since their December 2023 performance at Kiosko Kagawasan wasn’t a proper concert. Maayong Pasko will feature two Christmas repertoires, with the matinee show set for 3:00PM, and the gala premier at 7:00PM at the Rodelsa Hall.
Maayong Pasko, Tagbalay is presented by The Vinedresser Christian Ministries, Inc. Tickets prices are PhP350 (Loge), PhP250 (Lower ), and PhP200 (Balcony). Contact 09352140231 for your tickets.
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MKO is looking for partners and supporters who are willing to partner with the group in honing local musical talents and putting Cagayan de Oro on the global orchestra music map. Contact Ms. Maia Fortich-Poblete at 0927-5263083. Please send a text message before calling.
