Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya together with his wife Endo Akiko recently attended “A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert” at The Theater at Solaire, Parañaque City.
The event was organized by the New Japan Philharmonic (NJP) led by General Manager Sato Fumihiko, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) led by President Kaye Tinga.
Other guests were Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, including other government officials, business leaders, diplomatic corps, media personnel, and members of the academe.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo likened the 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship to classical music’s timeless compositions. “I hope these gatherings become lasting testaments of our ever-growing bond,” he said.
CCP President Tinga expressed optimism the concert will further deepen the relations and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Performing in Manila for the first time, NJP, a Tokyo-based orchestra known for an extensive musical repertoire, featured internationally acclaimed and multi-awarded conductor Hanna Tetsuji, together with distinguished violinist Kamio Mayuko.
Highlighting 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship, the NJP played moving renditions of the timeless classical pieces, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92.
As a special surprise, the NJP delivered remarkable performances of “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar and the theme songs of Voltes V.
