I am so stupid! I have been watching the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines for years now, but last year, I don't know why I stopped watching. I think I missed a lot of good shows since I met the conductor of the PPO tonight, and I was shocked! I was expecting a stern looking older guy, but the guy I saw looked like a freaking rock star! You should see the muscles in his back when he conducts! It's markedly defined and it shows through his snug conductor's uniform!
I just read an article now from the Philippine Star that he was hired by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra April of last year!! So I missed so many shows which he conducted, INCLUDING one of my favorites - Samuel Barbers' Adagio for Strings!! Anyway, it's never too late, and tonight, I got to see him conduct the PPO to Verdi's Monumental Requiem - an ambitious piece to take on - considering that it's about an 80 minute piece of work with no rest, and involved four soloists and a huge choir! And the music was sad - it's a funeral mass after all.
Anyhow, he's a very theatrical conductor and you could really see him urge even the singers to do their best. I am now looking forward to seeing more of him in the PPOs next shows. There's only one left though, this season and I'm looking forward to it!
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