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8/2/2005
Mixing rock bands with symphony orchestras has been a tried and tested - not to mention expensive - concept. In the 70’s the Who teamed up with the London Symphony Orchestra for an orchestral version of their concept album “Tommy“. Metallica had it’s “S&M” with the San Francisco Symphony, and even local rock band Wolfgang did its own stint with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. But it’s rare to have an orchestra mix ‘em up with six rock bands all on the same night.
That’s the premise for “Rockestra,” a concert at the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas (formerly Folk Arts Theater) featuring the bands Imago, Cambio, Sandwich, Silent Sanctuary, Sugarfree, and Twisted Halo teamed up on stage with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO). This all takes place on August 19, Friday.
Thirdline, Inc. (the management group behind some of these bands) will be producing the show.
The idea is to have the bands perform a set apiece of their own material with full orchestral arrangements beefing them up. And so, you’ll have Sandwich’s “Two Trick Pony” with strings, Sugar Free’s “Mariposa” with harps and french horns, and Cambio’s “DV” with lush orchestration. You get the picture.
According to Thirdline’s e-mailed announcement, “The Manila Symphony Orchestra has a long and impressive history as being the oldest symphony in the Philippines. Despite its age, the MSO has the youngest and most vibrant group of musicians in the country. Not only are they exceptionally trained musicians; they also have many influences outside of the classical genre. With Professor Toti Molina waving his baton and leading them on, their passion for music is always evident in their performances.” | 
