Fil-Am orchestra to debut at world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will perform for the first time in the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall. RUBEN V. NEPALES

LOS ANGELES — The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, will perform for the first time in the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7:00 p.m.

FASO, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary as a Fil-Am cultural institution, will have the honor of performing in the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra and on the stage where the finest international musicians and artists have held center stage.

The special concert in architect Frank Gehry’s gleaming masterpiece of curved stainless steel, a landmark in downtown Los Angeles, marks a milestone for FASO, which is led by conductor and musical director, maestro Robert “Bob” Shroder. Over the years, the orchestra has staged acclaimed concerts in some of Los Angeles’ reputable venues, including the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and the Alex Theatre.

The Filipino American Symphony orchestra in performance. RICK GAVINO

Titled “A Summer Symphony with FASO,” the concert will spotlight the musical brilliance of the orchestra, winner of the 2017 San Diego Fil-Am Humanitarian Foundation’s Historical Heritage Excellence Award.

The orchestra composed of several generations of Filipino-Americans will play favorite pop and light classics, including memorable music from films, “Frozen” (Robert Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez) and “Gladiator” (Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard), and such songs as “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Freddie Mercury), “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” (Ernani Cuenco and Levi Celerio), “La Vie en Rose” (Louis Guglielmi, aka Louiguy) and several timeless movie theme songs by George Canseco.

Cherished Filipino folk songs, including “Leron, Leron Sinta” (arranged by Saunder Choi) will reverberate inside the stunning wood-paneled main auditorium.

FASO conductor Maestro Robert “Bob” Shroder. RICK GAVINO

The entertaining eclectic fare will also feature contemporary works, such as pieces from the Video Games Live concert series, consisting of video game music arranged by Ralph Ford.

Brycen Taylor Hall

The winning piece in FASO’s second annual International Composition Competition for Philippine Folk Music, open to students, will have its world premiere in the August 3 concert.

Guest performers will include the UST Singers Alumni, composed of former members of the university’s premiere mixed choral ensemble, which has won first prizes in prestigious choir competitions around the world, and the Los Angeles Vocal Artists (LAVA), a mixed ensemble that has quickly earned recognition since it was formed in March 2018.

The UST Singers Alumni.

Making his major stage performance debut is Brycen Taylor Hall, who topped FASO’s talent auditions for the summer concert. Only seven years old (he turns eight in August), Brycen will sing with FASO for the first time on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage. He will be joined by his parents, Deedee Magno Hall and Cliffton Hall, both acclaimed talents in such musicals as “Miss Saigon,” “Wicked” and “Next to Normal.” Other special guest performers will be announced soon.

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rich artistic and cultural traditions of the Philippines, FASO conducts education and outreach programs, especially to youths in underserved communities, including offering classes on traditional Filipino instruments, conducting music workshops, and sharing original orchestral arrangements with community and youth orchestras in various countries.

LAVA (Los Angeles Vocal Artists)

Tickets at group and bulk rates are available by calling Clem Villavert (213) 352-4992 or Michael Zuniga (626) 233-1478.

Tickets are also available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office on 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90012 (corner First Street). Window hours are from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday). With box office validation, patrons may park free for 30 minutes in the Walt Disney Concert Hall parking garage for box office transactions. Tickets by phone are available at (323) 850-2000 from 10 am to 6 pm. More information about FASO is available at www.fasofoundation.org.