Fil-Am Symphony Orchestra sets nostalgic Christmas concert

Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, seen here performing at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall last summer, will hold a Filipino Christmas concert. RICK GAVINO

LOS ANGELES — After its historic, enthusiastically received debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall last summer, the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) will present its annual holiday concert on Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m. at the White Memorial Church in Los Angeles.

Titled “A Joyous Christmas with FASO,” the show by the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines promises to transport the audience to an entertaining evening full of holiday cheer and warmth.

Led by Robert “Bob” Shroder, FASO’s musical director and conductor, the orchestra will perform cherished Yuletide classics and nostalgic Filipino Christmas songs. Among FASO’s guests in this show are Felson Palad,
Vhen Bautista, Deb Victa and the Holy Family Filipino Church Choir, with Tom Makiling as its musical director.

Felson Palad .                                             Deb Victa

A 60-piece orchestra, a glorious-sounding choir and talented soloists will render the Philippines’ holiday songs reminiscent of heartwarming Christmases back in the Philippines: “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit,” “Mano Po Ninong,” “Simbang Gabi” and “Payapang Daigdig.”

FASO Holy Family Choir. RICK GAVINO

The full orchestra and its guests will perform beloved Yule chestnuts: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “We Three Kings,” “Stille Nacht (Silent Night)” and John Rutter’s “Magnificat.”

FASO was honored with a Trailblazer Award by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) in ceremonies last August.

Vhen Bautista

Following the Filipino tradition of making native delicacies available outside the church after “Simbang Gabi” (dawn mass), a food festival awaits the concertgoers after the show. Titas of Manila will be offering Filipino seasonal favorites for a post-performance dinner.

For tickets to “A Joyous Christmas with FASO,” contact Arlene Ferrolino (213.248.9850), Andy Tecson (323.467.5096) or Amirah Limayo (818.208.0128).

Special discounts are available. A 10 percent group discount applies to a minimum purchase of 10 tickets. A 20 percent group discount applies to a minimum purchase of 40 tickets.

White Memorial Church is best accessed from 1720 E. Cesar Chavez Avenue, with ample parking spaces on a parking lot next to the church and a parking structure across the street from the church. More information about FASO is available at www.fasofoundation.org.