The Filipina pianist Mariel Ilusorio-hosted Sunshine Classics 2021 from February 15 to March 15, will begin with the performance of the Angono National Symphonic Band.
It is a timely tribute to National Artist for Music, Lucio San Pedro in commemoration of his 108th birth anniversary on February 11. The band will play the Maestro’s original compositions and arrangements while his granddaughter, Mary Grace Soleil Intalan San Pedro will sing “Ugoy ng Duyan.”
One of the most famous of the Philippine bands, the Angono National Symphonic Band was founded by Elpidio San Pedro, and by his son, the late National Artist for Music, Lucio San Pedro.
The band is well known for playing the Easter Salubong, the Easter Morning procession that recalls Jesus meeting with the Virgin Mary.
The Angono National Symphonic Band evolved to be a world class performing symphonic band and earned two National Band Champion titles in 1960 and 1979.
Since then, the group has performed and premiered works by the Maestro and other Filipino composers in concerts performed in different cities, theatres in the country and also abroad. The National Symphonic Band stands as the only symphonic band in the country that performs various styles of music that ranges from baroque to contemporary music.
Conducting the Angono National Symphonic Band is Giuseppe Andre “Jopi” Diestro, a cellist and music teacher who obtained his Bachelor of Music degree major in Cello at the University of the Philippines College of Music under the tutelage of professor Eduardo Pasamba. From 2011 to 2012, he studied with professor Christian Wolff at the Conservatoire ὰ Rayonnement Regional de Dijon in France. Furthermore, he has performed in masterclass conducted by Richard Bambping, Victor Coo, Wilfredo Pasamba, Mischa Harna and Othmar Müller.
Diestro was a Cellist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra from 2007 to 2013. He was also Cellist of the Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra in 2007 and 2008 and, in 2010, was selected as its Principal Cellist. He also conducts the Angono Chamber Orchestra, a community youth orchestra based Angono, Rizal.
A clarinetist and conductor, Jonald John Prades, is one of the band’s associate conductor. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet and Orchestra Conducting at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music under Ariel Sta. Ana in Clarinet and Herminigildo Renera at Orchestra and Band Conducting.
The initial Sunshine Classics 2021 offering featuring the Angono National Symphic Band will have a one month viewing at YouTube Chanel of Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center. Link will be emailed after ticket purchase.
For ticket reservations, contact Mariel Ilusorio at 09177092255 send an email at marielilusorio@hotmail.com.