Ang Misyon’s flagship music program and main performing arm is the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY). Under the baton of Gerard Salonga and the guidance of professional mentors, the OFY curriculum is specifically curated for a high-quality youth orchestra. The one-on-one lessons, sectional workshops, and masterclasses give them the opportunity to learn challenging pieces ranging from classical and pop music.
The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) is the main performing arm of Ang Misyon. The OFY has performed internationally in countries such as Malaysia, United States and Qatar, wherein they were the first Filipino symphony orchestra to have played in Katara Opera House.
Notable local events include performances in venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, as well as concerts in Iloilo, Dumaguete and Batangas. They have also played in malls around Metro Manila namely Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la Plaza.
As an orchestra, our mission is to provide comprehensive development opportunities for young artists in the Philippines. Our flagship program, the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY), serves as our main performing arm. Under the leadership of conductor Gerard Salonga and the guidance of professional mentors, we curate a specialized curriculum for the OFY, aimed at nurturing a high-quality youth orchestra.
Through one-on-one lessons, sectional workshops, and masterclasses, we offer our talented musicians the chance to learn and perform challenging pieces spanning classical and popular music genres. Additionally, the members of the OFY serve as mentors to younger generations, sharing their experiences and knowledge gained from their involvement with Ang Misyon, representing a way of paying it forward.
The OFY has achieved recognition both domestically and internationally. They have performed in various countries such as Malaysia, the United States, and Qatar, becoming the first Filipino symphony orchestra to play at the prestigious Katara Opera House. Locally, they have showcased their talent at esteemed venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, as well as in cities like Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Batangas. Furthermore, they have engaged with audiences at shopping malls throughout Metro Manila, including Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la Plaza.
Ang Misyon, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in the Philippines driven by the belief that music has the power to uplift and transform lives. With a focus on musically talented yet economically disadvantaged children, our mission is to provide quality music education and enable them to pursue their musical dreams. Through scholarships, instrument rentals, and music lessons facilitated by dedicated educators and generous donors, we empower and inspire these children to reach their full potential. By creating a positive impact within our community, we strive to shape the future of music in the Philippines.
We earnestly call upon you to join us in supporting the mission of Ang Misyon and the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY). We believe in the transformative power of music and its ability to change the lives of children, especially those who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
With your generous donations and sponsorships, we can provide high-quality music education to these deserving students and help them pursue their musical dreams. Your contributions will open doors of opportunity for them and make a lasting impact on their lives.
As the first Filipino symphony orchestra to perform at the Katara Opera House in Qatar, the OFY has gained international recognition. They have also performed at prestigious local venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and various malls in Metro Manila. Through their exceptional talent and passion, they inspire audiences and showcase the richness of Filipino music.
By joining us, you become an integral part of changing the destinies of these children. Your support will enable us to provide scholarships, instrument rentals, and music lessons. Not only will you help them realize their musical dreams, but you will also empower them to become mentors to the younger generation, sharing their knowledge and experiences from Ang Misyon.
Let us stand together and shape the future of music in the Philippines. Your support will create a brighter and more hopeful future for these children. Please donate generously and become a catalyst for this musical dream. Thank you!
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GERARD SALONGA is currently the Resident Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in Kuala Lumpur, a position he has held since January 2019. For two seasons he served as Assistant Conductor of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra from 2016 to 2018, and he was Music Director of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra in Manila from 2012 to 2020. In January of 2021, Gerard begins his term as the Music Director and Chief Conductor of Orchestras for Ang Misyon, Inc., which includes the main performing arm, Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY).
He has assisted and covered distinguished conductors such as Jaap van Zweden, Jun Märkl, Hans Graf, Yu Long, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Mark Wigglesworth, and Leonard Slatkin, and has also conducted the Philippine Philharmonic, Shanghai Opera House Orchestra and Chorus, Kunming Nie-Er Symphony, Evergreen Symphony of Taiwan, Bangkok Symphony, Singapore Symphony, South Denmark Philharmonic, Orchestra Victoria, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
His arrangements have been performed by orchestras such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, RTE Concert Orchestra, New York Pops, Guangzhou Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, BBC Symphony, and Royal Philharmonic. Gerard has also collaborated as arranger or conductor with artists like Lea Salonga, Wang Leehom, Wu Tong, Cecile Licad, Tengku Irfan, Michael Ball, Blake, Il Divo, Danielle de Niese, TaikOz, Ksenija Sidorova, Shen Yang, James Ehnes, and The Beach Boys. In 2018 Gerard conducted the Sydney Symphony and TaikOz in the world premiere of Australian composer Lachlan Skipworth’s Breath Of Thunder (concerto for Taiko and orchestra) at the Sydney Opera House, which earned an APRA AMCOS (Australian art music) nomination for Performance Of The Year.
In 2019, he collaborated with pianist Cecile Licad and the Sønderjyllands Symfoniorkester (South Denmark Philharmonic) on a new recording of the works of George Gershwin for piano and orchestra released on the Danacord label and was immediately invited to make his subscription debut with the orchestra in Sønderborg, Denmark and Flensburg, Germany in 2021.
As a conductor of musical theatre, he has led the orchestras for the Manila stagings of Carousel (1996), They’re Playing Our Song (2000), Dreamgirls (2003), Baby (2004), West Side Story (2008), Sweeney Todd (2009), and Little Women (2010). In 2019 he conducted Sweeney Todd for Atlantis Theatrical in Manila, and in Singapore for Singapore Repertory Theatre. For his work in concerts and theatre, he is a four-time recipient of the Aliw Award for Best Musical Director and twice winner of the Gawad Buhay Philstage Award.
In 2012, Gerard was honored as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), the Philippines’ highest civilian award to achievers under the age of 40.
2021 engagements include the South Denmark Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Singapore Symphony Orchestras while continuing his work with the MPO, MPYO, and OFY.