MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc (PPOSI) helps upgrade the musical instruments of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) through the donation of a timpani set, worth Php 1.75million.
PPOSI President Zenaida R. Tantoco and Vice-President Nestor Jardin turned over the donation to CCP chair Margie Moran-Floirendo, President Arsenio J. Lizaso and Artistic Director Chris B. Millado in a short ceremony on May 25, 2021, 2pm at the CCP Main Theater.
“It will surely help our orchestra to continuously improve its performance by slowly upgrading the instruments they use for the various concerts/shows we do,” according to CCP President Arsenio J. Lizaso.
“This is great news. It gives so much encouragement to the PPO and the music community in general, knowing that there are people and organizations like the PPOSI that continue to keep symphonic music alive despite the serious challenges brought about by the pandemic,” said CCP Artistic Director Chris Millado.
Musically-inclined people know that no orchestral percussion section is complete without timpani or kettledrums. Known for its dramatic crescendos, sudden stresses, and persistent rhythms, this percussion instrument first appeared in concert in the late 17th century.
While many composers appreciated the musical reiterations it provides, timpani was relegated to a supporting role. It was composer Franz Joseph Haydn who gave prominence to the instrument and put it on the spotlight.
Orchestral music featuring the timpani include: J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, L.V. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, H. Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, and G. Mahler’s Symphony 2 (The Resurrection Symphony), among others.
The donated Yamaha timpani set consists of five cambered hammered copper bowls with pedal balance spring system. The cambered bowls deliver ample volume and optimum resonance. The line-up includes 24-inch and 27-inch models for expanded musical potential.
Elizalde Tolentino, PPO principal timpanist and percussionist, performed “Fragments for Timpani” by John Beck with the new timpani set during the program.
