MANILA, PHILIPPINES — To celebrate the spooky season, people are encouraged to come in their best cowboy costumes to the Tricks and Musical Treats: A PPO Family Concert, the annual Halloween event of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, slated on October 29, 4 pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
For the first time since it was first launched, the CCP’s most-anticipated Halloween concert and event, dubbed “Giddy-UP to Our Rodeorchestral Ride!,” will be held on the mall grounds at the heart of the metro., away from its home at the CCP Main Building which has been undergoing rehabilitation since the start of 2023.
Directed and hosted by theater actress-director Liesl Batucan-del Rosario, the cowboy-themed musical adventure will also feature pre-event activities starting at 2:30 pm. These include a musical instrument petting zoo where children can touch and experience the different musical instruments often used in an orchestra such as violin, flute, oboe, trumpet, and percussion, among others. There will be a trick-or-treat booth in the lobby.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, will teach kids how to “conduct” an orchestra. Children can meet characters like Harmonica, Drumboy the Cowboy, Octavio, Banjo, Mandolin, Sheriff Hermie, and the PPO Rangers.
The special Halloween production aims to develop an early foundation for music education and appreciation for orchestral music in young children. The petting zoo aims to pique the children’s interest in learning to play musical instruments and introduce them to orchestral music at a young age.
“This year’s cowboy-themed concert will be curated to feature an exciting lineup of classical and contemporary pieces that will evoke exuberance and create fun-filled memories for our young audiences, a prelude to falling in love with orchestral music,” said Liesl.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Main Building has opened new doors for the CCP to maximize its programs and make them more accessible to audiences in various ways. With this year’s much-awaited PPO Tricks and Musical Treats concert set in mall grounds, the CCP and PPO hope to bring together parents, children, and family members in a fun event composed of interactive activities that everyone can participate in.
In keeping with the show’s tradition, 10 children in the Best Cowboy Costumes will win prizes. Everyone is encouraged to dress up for this special Halloween concert.
Tickets to the PPO Tricks and Musical Treats concert are at PHP 500. Get your ticket at the CCP TIG Box Office and at TicketWorld. For more information, visit the CCP website and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.
