Johann Strauss Society presents an evening of Viennese culture
MANILA, Philippines - The NBC Marquee in Fort Bonifacio comes alive tonight with the sound of Viennese music as the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines presents its spectacular biennial Opera Ball with that romantic Austrian cadence highlighted by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
The ball begins with a concert by a full PPO under Austrian conductor Dr. Ernest Hoetzl, with arias by top Filipino classical singers Rachelle Gerodias, Lemuel de la Cruz and Andrew Fernando.
Manila’s top 10 debutantes take a bow as they waltz in after weeks of training under Austrian choreographer Katarina Mackh.The debutantes and their escorts are Francesca Anna Torres Valdecanas and Victor Rafael Bengzon Liboro; Anna Gabriela Ablan Guingon and Jed Eduardo Kintanar; Grace Marielle Singson and Marc Kaiser Go Sy; Sheree Jane Bangayan Chua and Jan Harley Bangayan; Kylie Danielle Chua Tinga and Paulo Antonio Agcaioli; Maria Monica Manganti and Raul Miguel Runes; Alessandra Juson-Thomas Adina and Luigi Ablan Guingon; Maria Cristina Perrenoud Afzelius and Emeersayton Duque; Gwenaelle Pallero Zamora and Jonathan Edric Kintanar; Katrina Alexandra Canono Salao and Juan Rafael Vasquez Andaya.
Presented in partnership with Tatler and Austrian Ambassador Wilheln Donko,Nedy Tanto-co,Ambassador Albert del Rosario, Susie Ortigas, Washington SyCip, Imelda Cojuangco, Cristina Ponce Enrile, and Mila How and the Johann Strauss Society board of advisers, the ball is not just a cultural event that strengthens the Philippines’ historical and cultural ties with Europe.`It is likewise a charitable endeavor that continuously supports the beneficiaries that the society has been taking under its aegis for the past years. These include the Marillac Hills Rehabilitation Centre, the Virlanie Foundation Mother and Child Project, the Childhope Street Education Programme and the Bayanijuan sa Calaunan Rehousing Project.
Leading the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines are Olga Martel, president; and Agnes Huibonhoa, and Helmut Geisberger, vice presidents, with Fortune Ledesma, chairman. Committees for the ball are headed by Cristina Belton, Lyn Liboro, Maria Algeir, and Tes Tumangan.
Sponsors are Ponds Flawless White, BA Securities, CATS Automobiles, ContainerPort, Millenium Travel, Pagcor, San Miguel Corporation, SM, and Universal Harvester.
