Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez introducing members of the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo who performed several pieces at the residence of the Philippine Ambassador.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and Madame Maria Teresa L. Lopez hosted a dinner on 28 January 2013 at the official residence of the Ambassador in honor of Dr. Raul M. Sunico, President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and members of the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo to usher in the Japan-Philippines Contemporary Music Festival to be held in Manila on 8-9 February 2013.

The Japan-Philippines Contemporary Music Festival is a collaborative project between the CCP and the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo. Organized under the auspices of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Agency for Cultural Affairs, it is one of the activities to be held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations. It will feature the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo, which is known for its performances of orchestral works of Japanese composers and its revival of long-forgotten compositions, as well as Filipino musicians.

The Festival will consist of two parts. The first is a Chamber Music Concert at the Philamlife Auditorium in Manila to be held on 8 February 2013 at 7:30 p.m featuring musical pieces by Japanese, Filipino and international composers. The second part is the Orchestra Concert at the CCP Main Theater on 9 February 2013 at 8:00 p.m. To be conducted by Tatsuya Shimono and with the performance of soprano Irene V. Quiso-Ednave, the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo will play compositions of Maki Ishii, Masashi Ishida, Herminigildo G. Ranera, Antonio R. Buenaventura and Akira Ifukubwe.

Ambassador Lopez invited Dr. Sunico and the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo to play a few pieces at the residence, which they gladly did so and the guests greatly appreciated. At the end of the music-filled evening, the Ambassador expressed his appreciation and wished them a successful Festival in Manila.

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