By Maia Nery Fortich Poblete
Have you ever watched a concert at the park? Or a musical show in an open theater at the park? These types of shows were common back in the 80s and early 90s in Manila. Concert at the Park and Paco Park Presents drew in audiences of different age levels every weekend. It was a beautiful sight to behold, seeing people listening to and watching music maestros and their choirs, bands, and orchestras fill the afternoon and evening with music.
This the idea that made the Association of Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra (ACDOSO), the first city orchestra in MIndanao, to put up a special Christmas concert on Sunday, December 17.
ACDOSO is set to entertain Kagay-anons with 15 well-loved Christmas carols during the concert. Each song was carefully chosen to make sure that every person in attendance would think of (and feel) the spirit of Christmas while watching the show. Each song was chosen because they help bring out a symphony of beautiful, festive, and joyful music – everything that a Christmas concert should be.
One of the Christmas favorites the orchestra will perform is Stille Nacht, a lullaby that aptly describes how peace reigned when Christ the Child was born. Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Austria in 1818, the song is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Some of the Christmas carols will be performed by the orchestra along with some special guests, including the Liceo de Cagayan University Senior High School Glee Club and Ms. Hanh Felicity Agawin of the Liceo U Conservatory of Theater, Music, and Dance.
The orchestra will be under the batons of Chief Conductor Horst-Hans Bäcker and his co-conductors Krenz Banzon Sabanal, Olfie Hope Reyes, Kyle Christian Manamtam, and Zion Preach Tumanda.
It’s guaranteed to be a fun and festive night as a symphony of Christmas carols fill the air at Kiosko Kagawasan. The concert is free, so there’s no reason for you not to be there. Bring your family and friends to Pasko sa Kiosko Kagawasan!
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