Phippine Classical Music (6 of 6)

An unprecedented cultural renaissance in the country came with the building of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, established by the former First Lady, Imelda R. Marcos, and was formally opened to the world in 1969. It has become the showcase for the works of Filipino artists in music, dance, drama and the visual arts. It has presented various national and international festivals. Celebrating its 20th year in 1989, the Cultural Center held a year-long series of performances in retrospect for outstanding works of Filipino composers, painters and choreographers.

Three important working agencies organized under the auspices of the Cultural Center are the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) established in 1973 to discover and nurture young musical talents through competitions in provincial, regional and national levels in piano, voice, solo instruments, chamber, family ensemble and ethnic music; the Philippine Society for Music Education (PSME) organized in 1971 to upgrade the teaching competencies of music teachers through training workshops and seminars; and the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines (PTGP) founded in 1973 to raise the teaching performance standards in piano through regional competitions and seminars.

Meanwhile the Cultural Center of the Philippines continues its functional role as the catalyzing factor in bringing cultural programs throughout the Philippines with its outreach program, promoting international cultural exchanges with foreign countries. Its two-fold program promotes local artists and brings outstanding foreign performers to the Philippines to enhance the cultural scene. Its resident orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of music director Oscar Yatco, carries a regular performing arts season throughout the year.

The Cultural Center places strong focus on the function of the arts in education for defining national identity, improving the quality of life of the people and the exaltation of the human spirit in the country’s development as a nation. – Dr. Lucrecia R. Kasilag