International rondalla festival

The rondalla was introduced to us by the West through Spain whose explorers first came to the islands in 1521. Comprising various plucked string instruments of the lute and guitar family (banduria, laud, octavina, gitara and bajo), the Philippine rondalla is also deeply associated with other classical and folk instrumental traditions the world over – from the pipa, shamisen and gambus of Asia, to the cuatro and charanggo of the Americas as well as the myriad incarnations of the lute and the mandolin of Europe and the Arab World.

In recognition of the rondalla as a globally shared heritage, the first International Rondalla Festival was held in the Bicol region in 2004. The Philippines will host the second International Rondalla Festival in Dumaguete City from Feb. 19 to 25 – a week-long gathering of plucked string masters from Europe, Asia, the Arab region, Australia and the Philippines.

Foreign groups participating are Quartette Phoenix (Russia), Rondalla del Recuerdo and La Rondalla Magisterial Procrea (Mexico), Rondanihan (Australia), Three Plucked Strings (Israel), Tuna Universitaria Complutense de Madrid (Spain), Singapore Rondalla, Ryukyu Kingdom Traditional Music and Dance Company (Japan), Chang Mai Rajabhat U. (Northern Thailand), Mahasarakham U. (Northeast Thailand) and Gitameit (Myanmar).

Our best rondalla ensembles participating are Celso Espejo Rondalla (Las Piñas), Cainta Los Trobadores Jr. Rondalla (Cainta Elementary School, Rizal), Handuwaran (Andres Elementary School of Tondo), Kabataang Silay Performing Arts and Rondalla Ensemble (Silay, Occ. Negros), Kwerdas (Silliman U., Dumaguete City), La Libertad Children’s Rondalla (La Libertad, Or. Negros), Nabua National H.S. Rondalla (Nabua, Camarines Sur) Philippine Normal U. Rondalla (Manila), Sta. Rita de Cascia Rondalla (Baliwag, Bulacan), and the Zamboanga del Norte National H.S. Rondalla (Dipolog City Zamboanga del Norte).

Our rondalla represents a national heritage that is locally unique and yet globally connected. From the inspiration of the Spanish Comparsa and Estudiantina, our rondalla has been modified and developed by the Filipino to suit that distinct local character that best expresses his national folk life and social environment.

Dubbed Cuerdas sa Panaghiusa (Strings of Unity), the festival will feature concerts, outreach performances, an exhibition, and workshops.

An adjunct to the festival will be the Musicological Society of the Philippines’ International Rondalla Conference-Workshop from Feb. 21 to 23 – a forum for scholars and experts representing various musical traditions. Structured around the theme "History and Diffusion of the Plucked String Tradition", the conference will explore linkages, shared histories and the current state of string traditions the world over.

Paper presenters will discuss these areas: History/Transmission and Conservation/Creation and Innovation/Performance Practice and Repertoire/Organology.

The workshop modules, to be conducted by local experts on rondalla music and performance, include (but are not limited to): Introduction to rondalla instruments/Forming a rondalla group/Training and conducting a rondalla group/Composition and musical arrangement for the rondalla.

The first attempt to bring together international and local plucked string artists to Naga, Bicol, in 2004 proved an inspiration as it drew admiration among equals, revealing young Filipino talents symphonically rendering full classical and modern pieces on rondalla instruments; a better appreciation of the international community, including that of UNESCO’s international music council for our own music and composers; an appreciation for the beauty of our country, specially among those who had never heard of it; a link to home for participating immigrants, and a bond of friendship between local and foreign artists who regarded the experience a treasure of the heart.

The second festival is envisioned to be an even bigger endeavor, having earned the enthusiasm and participation of many more local and foreign music masters.

The festival is presented by the NCCA through the Musicological Society of the Philippines jointly with Oriental Negros and the UP College of Music. All the foregoing is culled from CCP’s official announcement. For inquiries call 9260028.