Philharmonic Or­chestra plays at Duterte’s State of the Na­tion Address

FOR the first time in Philip­pine history, a symphony or­chestra will perform at the annual State of the Na­tion Address (SONA).

The Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) resident orchestra, Phil­ippine Philharmonic Or­chestra (PPO) has been chosen to play at the fourth SONA of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 22.

This was confirmed by CCP President Nick Lizaso in a report by Mario Dumaual on ABS-CBN News.

Among songs Malacañang has re­quested PPO to play are Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang,” Duterte’s personal anthem “Pagba­bago” from Freddie Aguilar’s “Ipagla­laban Ko,” and presidential anthem “Mabuhay.”

Lizaso said it is a milestone for the orchestra to play at such pres­tigious event, which will be held at the Batasang Pambansa.

The 80-piece group will be under the baton of Fukumura Yoshikazu and Herminigildo Ranera.

Lizaso also said he will coordinate with SONA director Joyce Bernal on Wednesday to discuss production matters.

The SONA, which is often broad­cast, serves as a means to inform the nation about its present economic, po­litical, and social condition. It is also a vehicle for the President to summarize the accomplishments and plans of his/her programe of government both for a particular year and until the end of their term of office. (REGS PARUNGAO)