To the beat of Lorrie Ilustre’s music

MANILA, Philippines - When one talks about musical directors, composers and arrangers in the local scene, the name Lorrie Ilustre easily comes to mind. Starting from the ’70s,  Lorrie has undoubtedly made a name in the music industry.

He has worked with many of our local artists and helped create their sounds and records which became hits — the Apo Hiking Society (Ewan and Doobidoo), VST and Company (Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, Ipagpatawad Mo, Magsayawan), Hagibis (Katawan, Legs), Rey Valera (Maging Sino Ka Man, Kung Kailangan Mo Ako) and Sharon Cuneta (Mr. DJ, Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko).

Then, too, he worked as composer for critically-acclaimed and memorable big screen releases like Kisapmata, Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, Batch ’81 and Bayaning Third World — all directed by Mike de Leon.

Last September, Lorrie played in Martin Nievera’s 3D 30th anniversary concert at the Araneta Coliseum (which had a successful repeat also at the Big Dome last month). This month, Lorrie performed with Martin again when the latter returned to Las Vegas at the Suncoast Casino on Dec. 14 and 15. Lorrie worked as musical director, arranger and keyboardist.

On Dec. 21, he will be at Tropicana Resort and Casino in Atlantic City, in a show also headlined by Martin and dad Bert Nievera. Joining them is the Las Vegas-based Big Mouth Band.

Based in Las Vegas for years now, Lorrie often works with Filipino entertainers who perform in the US. He was the musical director of Lani Misalucha during her well-received stint at Las Vegas Hilton. He also played in the respective shows of Ai-Ai de las Alas, Pops Fernandez and Vice Ganda.

Recently, Lorrie performed with Rico Puno and Ai-Ai at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and Chumash Casino and Resort, both in Las Vegas; Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno; and Agua Caliente Casino and Resort in California.

To date, Lorrie has been the associate conductor, pianist and arranger of Vegas the Show, which has been running for three years now at the Saxe Theater Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. He is the only Filipino conducting a regular theater headliner at The Strip. The show has been voted by BroadwayWorld.com as the Best Entertainment in Las Vegas.

Lorrie’s recent musical ventures include orchestra arrangements for the ABS-CBN Christmas special, arrangements for some finalists of The Voice of the Philippines, two orchestra arrangements for British artist Allan Parsons and performance in the Neil Diamond tribute show at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel in New York.

Moreover, Lorrie arranged, recorded and co-produced a CD compilation of Cecile Azarcon compositions, performed by the Sounds of Manila. The CD will be released in New York in April next year. At present, he is doing musical arrangements for Zombie Burlesque, an upcoming show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Last September, Lorrie was in Manila to accompany foreign artist Patti Austin in the latter’s concert at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. He returns to Manila this month when he performs again with Patti Austin in a special, year-end show, Brand New Day, on Dec. 29 at Solaire Resort and Casino.

The concert will serve as a fundraiser for victims of Typhoon Yolanda to design and build homes through Habitat for Humanity. Also in the show are Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera and Richard Merk.

Even if he is now based in the US, Lorrie remains active in his craft. He has made music a major part of his life and he continues to work and make beautiful music for a long time.