The Metropolitan Kagay-an Orchestra perseveres by pooling resources, raising funds through performances, and continuing their mission to promote classical music in the city even after being told to disband
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Despite being advised to disband, Cagayan de Oro’s first city orchestra has chosen resilience over dissolution.
The group, formerly known as the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, nearly collapsed when its sponsors withdrew their support. But rather than disband, the majority of its members decided to continue their mission to promote classical and orchestral music in the city.
Reborn as the Metropolitan Kagay-an Orchestra (MKO), they’ve taken matters into their own hands. They’ve pooled resources to purchase their own instruments and are now raising funds through performances, hoping to eventually acquire a double bass. For now, they make do with an electric bass guitar.
It was organized in 2018 as the first city orchestra in Mindanao under the baton of Maestro Horst-Hans Bäcker. The group was originally conceived as 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 toward long-term sustainability, the group even sought to professionalize its management with the creation of the Association of Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra (ACDOSO) in October 2023.
Association president Krenz Banzon Sabanal said the professionalization of the orchestra’s 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, engaging in charitable activities, and promoting tourism and economic development.
The group seeks to attain these goals through increased access to music education for youth and adults in the community; enhancing 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.
Mini-concerts
For its first project, ACDOSO performed the first Cagayan de Oro Toy Show Symphony Orchestra mini-concert, The Symphony of Distant Worlds, on October 21, 2023, at The Atrium of Limketkai Mall in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. The performance transported guests to the worlds of Genshin Impact and Avengers.
Sabanal, a protégé of Bäcker, successfully hurdled his senior recital by conducting the then Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra, Conservatory Choir, Liceo High School Glee Club, and Volunteer Choristers.
This was followed by a free Christmas concert on December 17, 2023, at the Kiosko Kagawasan in historic Plaza Divisoria, where the group entertained Kagay-anons with 15 well-loved Christmas carols. The concert featured Bäcker and his co-conductors – Sabanal, Olfie Hope Reyes, Kyle Christian Manamtam, and Zion Preach Tumanda.
Keeping the faith
However, when Bäcker retired in March, the project was discontinued by its major sponsors.
But then, almost all members voted to stay together and are now pursuing self-sufficiency with a series of performances, starting Saturday, December 14, at Rodelsa Hall with a 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 them are mezzo-soprano Normann Bel Sarmiento-Casiño, mezzo-soprano Sweeney Banac, soprano Hanh Felicity Agawin, pianist Raqy Dugaduga, and WLKMAN Band. The orchestra will be conducted by Sabanal.
This will be the first time in years that Kagay-anons will be treated to a full Christmas concert featuring an orchestra.
Maayong Pasko, presented by The Vinedresser Christian Ministries Incorporated, will feature two Christmas repertoires, with the matinee show set for 3 pm and the gala premier at 7 pm at Rodelsa Hall. – Rappler.com