Visayas Symphony Orchestra plays at Temple of Leah

VSO concertmaster and USPian ABMusic alumnus Mr. Reynaldo Abellana, world class guest pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, conductor Ms. Juliet Kim, and guest baritone Mr. Kelie Go Ko pose for posterity after the successful Musical Delights concert held on December 22, 2015 at the Temple of Leah in Busay, Cebu City Philippines

The Visayas Symphony Orchestra (VSO) concert entitled Musical Delights is held on November 22, 2015 at The Temple of Leah, Busay, Cebu City, Philippines.

The Temple of Leah is Cebu's closest semblance to the concept of Taj Mahal. While Taj Mahal was built for by Emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Temple of Leah is built for by Teodorico Adarna in loving tribute to his late wife and USPian alumna Leah Villa-Albino Adarna.

The Musical Delights program opened with Allegro in G (from Concerto for Two Guitars) which is composed by Antonio Vivaldi and arranged by Steven Frackenpohl. Thereafter, guest and world renowned pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria played Ludwig Von Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor", 2nd and 3rd movements. Dr. Sala-Santamaria as well as the VSO is given a standing ovation for an excellent performance.

The ten-minute intermission that followed allowed the audience to take in the beautiful ambiance of the temple. After that time, the audience is set for a delightful treat with selections from The Phantom of the Opera: The Phantom of the Opera, All I Ask of You, and The Music of the Night. The number, which highlights the fantastic beats of the drum by principal percussion player Mr. Simon Cereño, is given a resounding applause.

A sonorous applause from the audience is given after VSO's beautiful performance of The Ludlow: Theme from TriStar Picture's Legends of the Fall which highlights the sweet sound of the flute as rendered by principal flute player Ms. Geraldine Abellana, Selections from Les Miserables, and Let It Go.

The Visayas Symphony Orchestra poses with concertmaster Reynaldo Abellana, Korean guests and VIPs, world renowned guest pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, conductor Juliet Kim, guest baritone Kelie Go Ko, and USPF trustee Lourdes D. Jereza.

Guest baritone Mr. Kelie Go Ko rendered a quaintly powerful performance of Amazing Grace and The Holy City. His succinct interpretation of "Jerusalem! Jerusalem!" which escalates in impact from beginning to end is praiseworthy.

A Christmas Festival Highlights featuring Joy to the World, Good King Wenceslas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and O Come, All Ye Faithful wrapped the Musical Delights concert. Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria gave a closing remarks which encourages both the performers to continue their commitment for their craft and the audience to relentlessly support the Visayas Symphony Orchestra in whatever ways.

High praises are given to the superb performance of VSO with exceptional conductor Ms. Juliet Kim and outstanding concertmaster Mr. Reynaldo Abellana.

The next VSO concert is set on December 6, 2015 at 3:00 PM in Talibon Cultural Center, Talibon, Bohol.

*last three photos courtesy of Mrs. Rosalina J. Sepulveda

More photos from the VSO Concert here.