III.

Outlook for Classical Music Remains Stable by Pablo Tariman

A. Music lessons were made possible in Manila during the middle of the 19 th century
through missionaries and visiting foreign artists, therefore making the city a haven of
classical music.
B. Before the turn of the century, basic knowledge of classical musical instruments (violin,
piano, guitar, cello) was a must among upper middle-class families. Those in the lower
strata had access to free music lessons given by the parish, and they sometimes emerged
as the serious musicians compared to the music enthusiasts from well-to-do families.
C. Marcelo Adonay (1848 1928) - lived in poverty, learned how to play instruments on
his own
Ladislaw Bonus (1854 1908) also lived in poverty and learned how to play
instruments on his own
D. Music Institutions
- Escuela de Violin
E. From the 1920s to the 1930s, music schools were full, and live classical concerts had no
competition yet from radio and television which were also dominated by classically
trained singers.
F. Orchestras
- Manila Symphony Orchestra (1926)
- Cultural Center of the Philippines Philharmonic (70s)/Philippine Philharmonic
Orchestra (80s)
- Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra / Peace Philharmonic of the Philippines
- Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Metro Manila Community Orchestra welcomes young musicians and musicallyinclined adults who are interested in joining an orchestral ensemble but have not had
sufficient music lessons to start with
- National Philharmonic Society
G. 1980s 1990s: Music schools suffered poor enrolment or lack of serious music students
H. Compositions mentioned
1. Filipino compositions
- Nicanor Abelardo Cavatina
- Antonio Molina Hating-gabi
2. Western
I.
J.

Venues for Classical Music

As it is, live classical music remains a neglected art in the Philippine countryside, and
on the night this Russian artist visited the northern part of the country, there was
celebration of the human spirit and of the highest kind. It proved that classical music will
remain part of the music tradition of the Filipinos.
K. Promising and seasoned artists lacked avenues with which to showcase their art.
L. Recommendations
1. Outreach concerts where classical music is still unheard
2. More Filipino artists should be trained as future soloists of the national orchestra by
touring them around the country and giving them performance experience before a
formal orchestra debut.

3. Take prize-winner musicians to the provinces. Cultural programmers should find a

way to make use of the countrys musical talents and spread them all over the country.
4. Comprehensive music appreciation courses should be incorporated in school
curriculum.
M.