FASO to mark 10th anniversary with a special concert, Nov. 3

Filipino American Symphony Orchestra and choirs. CONTRIBUTED 

LOS ANGELES — The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) will celebrate its 10^thyear as the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines and as an enduring Fil-Am cultural institution with a special concert on November 3 at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, California.

FASO, winner of the 2017 San Diego Fil-Am Humanitarian Foundation’s Historical Heritage Excellence Award, will go all out in presenting an anniversary concert, “FASO@10: A Decade of Music, Harmony and Community,” worthy of its impressive decade-long run as an acclaimed orchestra.

Led by conductor and musical director, maestro Robert “Bob” Shroder, the orchestra, noted for its entertaining, quality concerts and excellent guest performers, will look back at its well-received shows and will look forward to its exciting future.

FASO director Maestro Robert Bob Shroder. CONTRIBUTED

Guest performers will include Joey Albert, Pete Avendano, Joan Cano, Kit Navarro, FASO Children’s Ensemble and Alumni, Holy Family Filipino Chorale, Pacific Vocal Artists, Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles and WIN (Waraynon Initiative Network) Chorale.

“It is quite an accomplishment for us Filipino musicians to be able to put together and sustain a major musical institution outside of the Philippines,” said Shroder, who was born and raised in the rich musical environment of Cavite in the Philippines.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to work with a diverse group of talents from different walks of life. The high level of inspiration, learning and dedication of every musician and guest artist during rehearsals is always something to look forward to.”

“Even amid challenging issues, language and cultural barriers, no matter how difficult the situation might be, we still bring a high level of musicianship. It proves that music really is a universal language,” Shroder said further.

A FASO performance. CONTRIBUTED

“A decade can be a long time but it was short and fast for us because of the hard work and dedication of our board of directors, the support and understanding of our families despite the long hours away from home while taking care of FASO business and the continued support of our friends and the community. It is with great honor and pride to celebrate the 10^thyear anniversary of FASO. Mabuhay!”

FASO board member Claire Navarro Espina, who is a lawyer, shared, “As project chair of the anniversary concert, I am making sure that FASO plays to a full house. This concert is FASO’s big thanks to Southern California and all of the orchestra’s patrons. We intend to fill every seat of the Alex Theatre. The concert will be a celebration of FASO and will surely harken to the past but it will point all of us to the future of immense possibilities for this unique organization.

“In connection with the concert, FASO is publishing a commemorative book to chronicle, in written and visual form, the orchestra’s beginnings, evolution and growth. A copy of the book will be sent for inclusion in the United States Library of Congress to evidence FASO’s contributions to the history of immigrants in this great country.”

Arlene Ferrolino, FASO board president who is a music educator, said, “The FASO board is composed of many different personalities from various areas of expertise, all brought together to work toward the common goal of sustaining the orchestra. Leading this group has truly been an amazing ride so far! From its humble beginnings to this milestone 10th year, the orchestra’s journey has not always been a smooth and easy road but it has certainly been a thrilling and memorable experience.

FASO Christmas 2017 performance with children’s choir. CONTRIBUTED

“Each workshop, recital and concert – from the planning to the performance, from behind the scenes till the moment the curtain rises – has been a labor of love on the part of every musician, board member and volunteer. Bringing our mission to life through the various programs that we offer can be an incredible challenge but the joy that it brings to our audiences makes it worth all the time and effort.”

Dr. Louie Ramos, FASO vice president and resident arranger who is a computer scientist, pointed out the community outreach programs of the orchestra, a non-profit organization:

“We are so thrilled to see FASO’s education and outreach programs grow and expand every year, providing opportunities to budding artists of all ages to improve their vocal and instrument performance and songwriting skills.”

Ramos added, “As part of our 10th anniversary celebration, we are performing the winning folk song compositions in our first International Composition Competition. We look forward to the next 10 years of enrichment of Filipino culture.”

Be a part of this history-making event as FASO celebrates 10 years of Filipino musical creativity and artistry on Saturday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., at the Alex Theatre, on 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203. Tickets and other details at: https://www.alextheatre.org/event/filipino-american-symphony-orchestra-presents-faso-10th-anniversary-concert.