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SOMEONE once argued that the sound of an orchestra is only as good
as the quality of the instruments that its musicians play. If that
really is the case then the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra—the
country’s premier musical outfit—has been performing near
miracles by producing heavenly music with instruments that are by
all accounts so below par that they are absolute hell to both play
and maintain.
When a survey was conducted not too long ago on
the quality and condition of the PPO instruments they were found to
range from 0-3. The incongruity of this state of affairs becomes
easily clear when one considers that by internationally accepted
standards for musical instruments 0 is rated as totally unacceptable
with 5 being the highest rating. Ideally, a national orchestra
should have instruments with ratings between 4 and 5.
But despite this major handicap, the PPO—which
was established in 1973 (and some of the instruments have been
around since that time too!)—has been a proud ambassador for the
Philippines, performing in the musical capitals of the world and
receiving critical acclaim for its wonderful musicianship.
Perhaps the dire situation is best exemplified
by the PPO’s principal cellist Renato Lucas who is regarded as one
of the best cellist in the Asia-Pacific region. He laments: “I
badly need a new good and decent bow. My bow has lost its
flexibility. I have a hard time with all the meticulous bow strokes.
I do a lot of solos and I would gladly play ‘Santa Claus is coming
to town’ for solo cello if my wish is granted.”
A similar tale of woe is echoed by all sections
of the orchestra. Take trombonist Andrian Antinero who is using a
YBL-613 G bass trombone which is 19 years old and, according to
Antinero, really beginning to show its age. He says: “No
professional orchestra in the world is using this Yamaha 613G Bass
Trombone. . . ‘Only in the Philippines.’ It’s too bad.”
Almost in unison the flute and piccolo section
chip in: “At present, we’re using Yamaha 811 flute and Yamaha 81
for piccolo which are not fit for a professional orchestra. We’re
looking for a high-quality sound. Many international conductors who
have conducted us also noticed the poor sound quality. The
instruments were issued in the early ’80s and we believe it is
about time to have a better one.”
Adds principal French horn Vincente Galang: “I
am using a 30-year old Holton. What do you expect from a very
old horn? I’m doing my best to perform well. But if I can get a
better instrument it’s a dream come true.”
Just on hearing out this very small but broad
sample of the problems encountered by the PPO’s musicians gives
clear and urgent proof that if the national orchestra is to attain
its vision of being at par with the world’s best it needs to
acquire new instruments and accessories for its 62 members, as well
as establish a repair and maintenance program.
Thus far the fundraising efforts for the PPO
instrument campaign—initiated through the efforts of Zenaida R.
Tantoco, a member of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Board
of Trustees—include a benefit concert in 2003 by jazz legend David
Benoit.
The proceeds of that concert, together with
additional support from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
Society, Inc. (PPOSI), were used to purchase a new tuba from Japan.
Subsequent fundraising events held were:
Alexander Charriol Exhibit/Painting Sale, Vienna Boys Choir Concert
(2004), Lacoste 12.12 Auction (2005). These events helped finance
the purchase of a French horn and a bass trombone in 2005.
The San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee
led by Dennis Normandy also made a generous donation, which will
help fund the purchase of three trumpets and some repairs this year.
The PPO’s ongoing instrument campaign
estimated at P45 million, and the proposed repair and maintenance
program estimated at P1 million annually, are essential elements in
the PPO’s quest for excellence, as well as the promotion of
goodwill through music.
Furthermore, it will enhance its mission to
promote Filipino culture on the national and the international
scenes—something the PPO has been doing with flying colors despite
the grave handicap of sub-standard instruments.
rjottings@yahoo.com
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