Cover Grzegorz Nowak conducting the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
Grzegorz Nowak conducting the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
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Honouring Lithuania’s cultural legacy and independence, the Philharmonic Orchestra performs Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ ‘In The Forest’
On March 11, 1990, Lithuania restored its independence from the Soviet Union—becoming the first of 15 Soviet republics to do so, and sparking the flame for other nations to follow. As it marks the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence, Lithuania celebrates the milestone with the music of one of its own.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’s symphonic poem In the Forest at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre as part of its 40th Concert Season: Forte. It was the first time the renowned artist’s music was played by the famous orchestra.
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Above Amb Ričardas Šlepavičius, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
Amb Ričardas Šlepavičius, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
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To also commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Čiurlionis, the piece was included in a concert programme of the Lithuanian Embassy in Korea.
Before the PPO concert began, an intimate celebration was held at the JZA Hall. Esteemed guests such as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and CCP President Kaye Tinga, alongside members of the growing Lithuanian community in the Philippines, were in attendance.
Above Ed and Margarita Delgado, Junie Peña, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Marivic Rufino, Miguel Realmonte (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
Ed and Margarita Delgado, Junie Peña, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Marivic Rufino, Miguel Realmonte (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
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“Presenting Čiurlionis’s legacy in the Philippines for the first time is a special feeling. The Philippines is an important like-minded partner of Lithuania, so it is a joy to finally give this opportunity to celebrate one of the symbols of Lithuanian culture here. Čiurlionis is an artist of extraordinary talent and spirit, who was able to weave not only melody into sound but also stories, dreams, visions and the essence of Lithuanian nature,” said Ambassador Ričardas Šlepavičius.
Above Rhoda Campos Aldanese, Dennis Lustico (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
Rhoda Campos Aldanese, Dennis Lustico (Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania)
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Under the baton of Grzegorz Nowak, Forte: Homecoming is the sixth show of the PPO’s 40th Concert Season, featuring the return of laureate pianist Rowena Arrieta. The audience of the show were left spellbound by the PPO’s masterful performance of In the Forest, followed by Arrieta’s execution of Franz Liszt’s Totentanz (Dance of Death). The PPO’s guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence, Diomedes Saraza Jr, also took the stage with his violin, bringing a unique, ethereal rendition of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake capped off the evening, garnering a well-deserved standing ovation for a magical night.
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Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
