The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performs for the first time ever in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 18.

Enriching Filipino culture through its support for musical artistry, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) contributes to making a dream into reality while simultaneously creating history for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO).

Together with PLDT Alpha Enterprise, SMART Infinity, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and other renowned partner institutions, PSF brings the Filipino culture and art in the forefront of world-class performance as the Philippines’ premiere orchestra, PPO, performs for the first time ever in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 18.

As an advocate of the continuous growth of the country’s culture and the arts, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan immediately supported PPO’s ultimate dream of performing in Carnegie Hall.

PSF President Esther O. Santos invites everyone to support PPO as they perform in Carnegie Hall, encouraging support for the artists from Filipinos here and in the United States of America. “Part of the proceeds of the concert in Carnegie will be given to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF), which is one of our partners,” Santos said. “We have embarked on projects together for the Typhoon Yolanda survivors. And we’re very happy that this concert will be able to aid some of our projects.”

PPO Musical Director Maestro Olivier Ochanine expresses his gratitude for the once in a lifetime opportunity given to the country’s leading professional orchestra. Ochanine recognized the overwhelming support from the project’s sponsors. “Today we see partnerships between the arts and important Filipino companies whose leaders are not only committed in promoting Filipino business and identity here and abroad, but they are also committed in promoting the Filipino artists,” Ochanine said.

Narrating the personal roots the project has on him as a musician, Ochanine initiated the project three years ago. Strengthened by his trust in PPO, Ochanine believes that the Filipino talent is something that the world must simply witness.

“Being able to take that stage in Carnegie Hall is not just for the orchestra or for me,” Ochanine said. “Of course I’m very happy to be a part of it, but at the end of the day, it’s for the Filipinos. And it’s truly a great way to showcase the Filipino talent.” The PPO will perform together with Ms. Cecile Licad (piano) and Mr. Diomedes Saraza (violin).

PSF and the rest of the MVP Group of Companies continuously give opportunities for the Filipino talent to be recognized. As PPO fills the entire 2,804 seats of Carnegie Hall, there is no doubt that this concert will be a milestone in Philippine culture and arts.