Kuala Lumpur, 28 August 2024 – Six talented musicians from the Philippines performed at the Asian Youth Orchestra 2024 Malaysia Tour held at the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS last 19 August 2024.

The Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce, met with Franz Jensen Andra (Clarinetist), Matias Andrew Mercurio (Violinist), Romanban Vincent Owen, Dulcisimo Terrado Jr. (Bassist), Lance Morrison Tulagan (Violist), and Cedric Rafael Uson (Violinist), and expressed pride and support for the young musicians.

Hailed as one of the finest youth ensembles in the world, the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) returned to Malaysia after 13 years, bringing together 103 of Asia’s most talented young musicians from the Philippines, Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Under the baton of Principal Guest Conductor Jader Bignamini, the concert featured Gershwin's Symphonic Suite from Porgy and Bess, Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Respighi's Pines of Rome, and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (orchestrated by Ravel). The performance was a testament to the power of youth and the importance of cross-cultural collaboration through music.

Founded in 1987, the AYO is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and fostering the next generation of musical talent across Asia. The orchestra has won numerous awards, including Japan's Praemium Imperiale and the Nikkei Asia Prize, and continues to be a symbol of artistic excellence and international collaboration. This year, the group will embark on a three-week international tour, bringing their talents to stages around the world. END