Romancing Ivory

MANILA, Philippines - Coming together for their first time in a musical collaboration, international concert pianist Raul Sunico, award winning balladeer Jed Madela, conductor Olivier Ochanine, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) will appear in Romancing Ivory on Dec. 18, 8 pm, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. 

Romancing Ivory will be a fusion of popular and classical music. It also features special performances by PPO music director Olivier Ochanine on flute and the dancers of ACTS Manila.

 Sunico, who is also the president of the CCP, will be performing Liebestraum by Franz Liszt and Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. 

“The concert will feature a unique combination of classical and popular artists who will engage themselves in various ensembles as well as with symphonic collaboration,” Sunico says.

 Madela, who is the first Filipino to win the World Championships of Performing Arts world grand champion title, will serenade the audience with OPM, Broadway and popular songs.

Sunico and Madela will perform a duet together as well, and will be accompanied by the PPO under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

The concert is being held for the benefit of the Cultural Center of the Philippine Complex Employees Organization (CCPCEO) as it celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

The CCPCEO is holding a benefit concert mainly to augment the welfare funds for its members. But, five percent of the ticket sales will go to the relief fund for Typhoon Yolanda survivors as well.

 â€œThe main objective of this concert is to raise funds so the organization can continue to provide assistance to its members such as financial assistance for hospitalization, education and burial assistance,” says Gemma Marco, CCPCEO president.  

The concert will also benefit the other social programs of the CCPCEO such as health and wellness. CCPCEO regularly holds fundraising activities to help sustain its programs.

For 35 years, the CCPCEO has been a constant advocate in the promoting the welfare of its cultural workers and upholding a culture of service with artistic integrity and professionalism. 

CCPCEO, says Marco, plays an important role in the lives of CCP employees.  “It’s like a friend who you can always run to. We envision CCPCEO as a strong and empowered organization.”

CCPCEO has a total of 285 members. Its Board of Directors are Ma. Arlene Asis, Ramil Austria, Andrew Baldonado, Arlene Ballesteros, Joselle Calizo, Teresa De Guzman, Maricon Fellizar, Avelino Griar, Edgar Laganas, Rommel Luis, Gemma Marco, Jocel Pacada, Ronald Rosas, Jorge Joy Sababan and Romeo Yan.

Romancing Ivory is a presentation of CCPCEO in cooperation with the CCP, and the Opera Guild of the Philippines.

Rustan’s and Harbour Square are major sponsors.

Direction is by Ariel Yonzon, head of the CCP Production and Exhibition Department.

For more information about Romancing Ivory, please visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph. For other inquiries regarding this event, please email [email protected] or call 832-3704 and 832-3706.