[May 13 – 24, 2025] Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra UK Tour

PRESENTED BY:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines

in cooperation with IMG Artists and Okada Manila, with support from the Office of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri

DATE / TIME / VENUE:

May 13 to 24, 2025

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Bristol Beacon

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Cadogan Hall, London

Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Friday, May 16, 2025 | 7:30 PM | G Live, Guildford

Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Theatre Royal, Norwich

Monday, May 19, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM | City Hall, Sheffield

Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 7:30 PM | St. George’s Hall, Bradford

Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Perth Festival (Perth Concert Hall, Scotland)

DESCRIPTION:

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the country’s leading orchestra, and one of Southeast Asia’s premier musical ensembles, is embarking on its inaugural UK tour from May 12 to 25, 2025. Organized in collaboration with IMG Artists, the PPO will perform in nine cities in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Guildford, London, Manchester, Norwich, Perth, and Sheffield.

Under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the tour features a diverse program, blending Western classical masterpieces with a contemporary work by Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching. Highlights include Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Bizet’s Carmen Suite, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Delius’ Piano Concerto, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, and the London premiere of Jeffrey Ching’s Il maestro di capella, a piece specially commissioned for this tour.

Renowned soloists, such as cellist Wen-Sinn Yang, pianist Mark Bebbington, and violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr. – who also performs as PPO’s concertmaster and artist-in-residence – will join the orchestra in select performances. This tour not only marks a significant milestone for the PPO but also offers UK audiences a unique opportunity to experience the rich musical heritage of the Philippines.

PROGRAM & TICKET LINKS:

THE PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA:

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra is the country’s leading orchestra. It was established in 1973 as the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra, which was originally intended to accompany performing artists at the CCP Main Theater. In 1979, it was reorganized through the efforts of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos together with Maestro Oscar C.  Yatco. The PPO has since collaborated with renowned Filipino and foreign artists either as soloists or conductors. It continues to promote music appreciation among Filipinos through its regional outreach concerts and workshops. The PPO is now headed by its new Music Director and Principal Conductor, Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR:

Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, PPO Musical Director & Principal Conductor

GRZEGORZ NOWAK

PPO Music Director and Principal Conductor

Polish conductor Grzegorz Nowak is the new Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. A much-sought-after conductor with a long career in opera and concerts, Maestro Nowak is a highly-esteemed Permanent Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. He was the music director of the Polish National Opera in Warsaw, Poland, from 2017 to 2020, and other orchestras in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. For years, he was able to record orchestral music in over 80 CDs that have received awards and 5-star ratings.

Grzegorz Nowak’s career propelled to international level after he won various prestigious awards and prizes. He has performed alongside many of the most widely respected soloists of our time, including Martha Argerich, Yefim Bronfman, Nigel Kennedy, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Mstislav Rostropovich, Gil Shaham and Krystian Zimerman, and has worked with such singers as Janet Baker, Kathleen Battle, Marilyn Horne, Gwyneth Jones, Sherrill Milnes and Anja Silja.

ABOUT THE SOLOISTS:

Mark Bebbington, pianist

MARK BEBBINGTON, Piano

Mark Bebbington is recognized as one of the UK’s most distinctive pianists, praised for his interpretations of British music and an extensive discography of over 30 acclaimed recordings. His work with the Somm and Resonus labels has garnered multiple 5-star reviews, Gramophone Award nominations, and ‘CD of the Week’ accolades. He has performed with leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Royal Philharmonic, and has toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Asia. Notable appearances include his Carnegie Hall debut, performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and tours with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, he frequently features composers such as Takemitsu, Julian Anderson, and Pierre Boulez in his recitals. Mark studied at the Royal College of Music and later in Italy with Aldo Ciccolini. (photo by Rama Knight)

Diomedes Saraza, Jr., violinist

DIOMEDES SARAZA, JR., Violin / Concertmaster                 

Diomedes Saraza started playing the violin at the age of three. He gained attention and became a prominent violinist in the Philippines after winning first place at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 2002. He became the youngest member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra at age 13. Saraza received both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Juilliard School in 2015. One of his notable concert engagements the performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto in the historic concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in New York’s Carnegie Hall, under the baton of Olivier Ochanine. At the invitation of Grzegorz Nowak, Diomedes Saraza is serving as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s concertmaster and artist-in-residence for the 2024-2025 season.

WEN-SINN YANG, Cello

WEN-SINN YANG, Cello

Wen-Sinn Yang is a highly versatile cellist, renowned for reviving 19th-century virtuoso works while championing modern composers like Aribert Reimann and Isang Yun. As a soloist, he has performed with leading orchestras, including the Bavarian Radio Symphony, Shanghai Symphony, NHK Tokyo, and Royal Philharmonic, under esteemed conductors such as Sir Colin Davis and Lorin Maazel. A sought-after chamber musician, his expressive mastery is captured in over 30 recordings, featuring both classical and lesser-known works, including premiere recordings. His acclaimed 2005 DVD of Bach’s solo suites reflects his deep understanding of historically informed performance. Since 2004, he has been a Professor of Violoncello at the Munich Academy of Music and Theatre and regularly leads international masterclasses.

 ABOUT THE COMPOSER

Jeffrey Ching, composer

JEFFREY CHING, Composer

A distinguished graduate of Harvard, Cambridge, and London, Jeffrey Ching has composed over 300 works, including five symphonies and acclaimed operas such as Das Waisenkind and The True Story of King Kong. His innovative approach blends historical elements with contemporary themes, earning him numerous accolades, including the Jose Rizal Award for Excellence. Ching’s works have been celebrated internationally, with performances at prestigious festivals and venues. He is also set to premiere his opera Before Brabant in November 2024 at the Children’s Biennale in Manila, further showcasing his dynamic contributions to the world of music. At the invitation of Grzegorz Nowak, Jeffrey Ching will serve as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s first composer-in-residence for the 2024-2025 season.