LOS ANGELES—One hundred children’s choir members, 60 adult choir performers, plus 60 personnel of the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the first Pinoy symphony orchestra outside the Philippines.

Add singing sensation Charice and several other guest soloists—Joey Albert, Maria Christina “Kit” Navarro, Isabella “Bella” Ramos and Joanne Marie Villanueva. The result? Possibly the best holiday musical gift for Fil-Ams this Christmas season. And it’s taking place next Sunday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m. at the grand Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the former home of the Emmy Awards. “Handog ng Faso sa Pasko” is the second and much-awaited concert of Faso since it made its historic debut in May this year.

When we attended a rehearsal in the auditorium of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in LA last Tuesday evening, we got caught up in the magnitude of the event. The place was packed. After all, there are two adult and four children’s choirs involved. It was the first time that the choirs and the orchestra rehearsed together.

The orchestra sounded very good as Robert “Bob” Shroder, Faso’s musical director and conductor, went through several holiday pieces.

Onlookers, mostly parents of the children’s choir members, couldn’t help but applaud classical soprano Kit as she practiced her songs with the orchestra. We’re glad that the classical soprano is again in the show because she was quite a revelation in Faso’s debut concert. When the children stood up to practice their songs with the orchestra, the combination of beautiful, clear voices and instrumental sounds was instantly heartwarming.

Surprise treat

We were sorry to leave and miss hearing the adult choirs because we had to meet a column deadline. But we went away enthusiastic for the concert at the Pasadena Civic which, we’re told, will be decorated with colorful Christmas parols come Dec. 6. Add the Charice factor and the anticipation level for the show goes even higher.

“I am so excited to be able to work with the very talented young Filipina singer,” Bob told us the following day via e-mail. “This is the first time that her fans will experience watching their idol sing her favorite songs with a full Filipino orchestra.”

Christopher “Pete” Avendaño, a UST-trained tenor who impressed the audience in Faso’s first show, agreed:

“Charice will definitely bring excitement to the concert. I myself am a big fan of hers. A lot of us have not seen her perform live so it will be a great treat to have her in the concert. After Faso announced that Charice will be joining the show, everyone got very excited. It’s going to be a great night of talent and music.”

There is a number from Charice that the organizers would like to keep as a surprise treat.

Bob said, “Definitely, Charice will sing ‘Note to God,’ her first single from her forthcoming international album. I am grateful to David Foster for lending us the musical arrangements.”

Pete, who has released an album, “Kundiman,” is the music director of the participating children’s choirs from three Catholic schools, Our Lady of Loretto, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Blessed Sacrament; and one church, Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Filipino adult choir from the same church is joining the concert. He trained them to learn the songs for “Handog…”

The other choir is the Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles (PCS-LA) which Peter described as “a group of young, dynamic, and vibrant Filipino Music lovers united by their passion for choral singing. The singers’ aim is to promote quintessential Filipino choral literature in and around Southern California. PCS-LA is a very active participant in community outreach appearances and various festivals. Last year, they made their fourth appearance in the World Festival of Sacred Music Los Angeles, which was spearheaded by UCLA. The chorus and its members played major roles in the US production of the Filipino musical opera, ‘Karim at Jasmin’ at the Long Beach Convention Center.”

Among the choir’s members are Gelo Francisco, Annie and Ed Nepomuceno, who comprise the vocal group 3 of a Kind. Ed and another member, Emam Miranda also belong to the acclaimed Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The Asian Journal Foundation, Inc., led by Fil-Am community leaders Roger and Cora Oriel, are pulling out all the stops to make the concert a special and memorable one. At 3 p.m., before the Pasadena Civic’s doors are opened, the Kultura Philippine Folk Arts and an all-male Filipino choir will perform.

Holiday music 
“Christmas is a family celebration,” explained Bob who studied at UP Diliman and played for the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Manila Chamber Orchestra. “It’s all about Jesus and the Holy Family so this is a great opportunity for parents to introduce to their children to how we Filipinos celebrate Christmas, and get them exposed to symphonic music and the beauty of Filipino music. We encourage parents to bring their children.”

When: Sunday December 6 2009
Run Time (approximately): 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Tickets: $48.00 – $100.00
For more information  please contact the Civic Auditorium Box Office  at 626-449-7360

By Ruben V. Nepales, continue reading >>> Philippine Daily Inquirer

..

Fil-American Symphony Orchestra – Medley of Philippine Folk Songs

You may also like to read:

1. Charice Performed at “Handog ng FASO sa Pasko” Last Dec. 06, 2009
2. Orchestra is a Fil-Am Miracle
3. Charice Special Guest at Pasadena Civic Center