Program

Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22, in E Major 
by Antonin Dvorak

The Serenade in E, Opus 22, for String Orchestra was written at a pivotal time in Dvorak's career. He had composed symphonies, operas, and chamber music for more than 12 years prior, but had met with little success. In 1874 he was awarded the Austrian State Prize for the first time on the recommendation of Johannes Brahms, critic Eduard Hanslick and Johann von Herbeck. Brahms was so amazed with the young composer that he introduced him to his publisher, Simrock. Dvorak went on to become one of the most successful composers of his time.

The Serenade in E, Opus 22, for String Orchestra was written in May of 1875, less than three years prior to the Serenade in D minor, Opus 44. It was the Opus 44 Serenade that inspired this wind setting of the Opus 22 Serenade. 

Presenter

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region. It was established on May 15, 1973 as the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra and was initially intended to accompany performing artists at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The PPO’s first Music Director was Prof. Luis Valencia with Julian Quirit as Concertmaster.

The PPO has performed with many of the world’s renowned conductors , such as Helen Quach, Sister Maria Rosalina Abejo, Yoshinao Osawa, Mendi Rodan, Francisco Feliciano, Basilio Manalo, Rudolf Gerstenbauer.

The PPO has premiered Filipino compositions and has featured works by foreign composers not yet performed in the Philippines. It continues to promote music appreciation through outreach concerts in schools, parishes, government agencies, and underserved communities in Metro Manila and in different regions in the country.

The PPO held two Ode to Friendship concerts at the Concert Hall of the National Centre for the Performing Arts in August 2011 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Previous international performances by the PPO have been in Tokyo, Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing as well as various European cities. June of 2016 marked the historic concert of the PPO as the first Philippine orchestra to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2018 PPO participated in the Asia Orchestra Week held in Kuji and Tokyo, Japan.