"Symphony of Hope” is indeed a show to look forward to, if only for the fact that it features the legendary Side A band with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and at the Cultural Center of the Philippines no less. This promises to be one unforgettable night indeed especially for fans of Side A and for the additional fact that the show will also feature noted actress and singer Karylle as guest artist.

“Symphony of Hope,” to be staged at the CCP Main Theater today, March 27, will benefit the indigent patients at the National Children’s Hospital, under the auspices of the Philippine Balanghay Association. The concert is produced by Firebounce Productions, Inc. and co-presented by CS/Origin and 2nd Ave.

“Symphony of Hope” is a collaboration concert between the Side A band members and the PPO contributing their musical ideas. The show has Naldy Gonzales of Side A as musical director, co-arranging the songs with Naldy Rodriguez, and Maestro Agripino Diestro conducting the PPO. The repertoire consists of songs spanning Side A’s 20-year long musical career, with the symphonic accompaniment of the premier orchestra in the country.

Musical director Naldy Gonzales said, “This is the first time we’re performing our songs with a 40-piece orchestra. We’ve made a lot of adjustments in terms of musical arrangements and for sure, they’re going to sound richer and fuller.” On the other hand, bass player Ned Esguerra said, “Actually, the whole concert itself will be a surprise. We have never played with that many players before. Just the sound of it will be a pleasant surprise to many, especially when they hear our songs presented in a different flavor and arrangement.”

On his part, drummer Ernie Severino averred: “It’s a fusion of pop and classic music. It’s very exciting to see how all this will come together.”

After the many foreign acts seen by Filipino music lovers, “Symphony of Hope” promises to be a breath of fresh air. Shared Waiyip Chong of Firebounce Productions: “I find it sad that these days, supporting Filipino artists and encouraging Pinoy artistry are being seen by many as a risk rather than a right. That being said, we are very proud of this concert. It is an all-Filipino production, staged by Filipinos for fellow Filipinos, and we hope people would come out, watch and enjoy homegrown music from our very own!”

“Symphony of Hope” is sponsored by Sunsilk Summer Fresh, GBX, Belo Medical Group, Burlington, Bio Fresh Anti-Microbial Socks, PCSO, Hotel Rembrandt as hotel partner, Jollibee, Coffee Therapy Café & Resto, Sizzling Sisig and King Bori of Synski Enterprise as food partners; and media partners Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Airmart Newsline, Focalcast, Odysseylive, Clickthecity, and 99.5 RT, 92.3 XFM, JAM 88.3, and Mellow 94.7.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld.

Jed Madela Live at The Library

Often referred to as “The Voice” and “The Singer’s Singer” by the media, award-winning and world-class singer Jed Madela is one of the best male singers the country has ever produced. Jed made waves during the 2005 World Championship of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, California when he single-handedly won all major industry awards. Six medals for all six categories that he joined in the World Star Trophy and the most coveted and ultimate title “Grand Champion Performer of the World,” the first Filipino to win the title. He bested over 3,000 contestants from 52 countries to win the grand prize.

After conquering the world, Jed is set to conquer The Library, the concert and comedy bar located at Orosa St. corner Nakpil St. in Malate, Manila as Jed mounts The Library stage today, March 27, in a show entitled “Jed Madela Live at The Library.”

Directed by Andrew De Real, this marks the first time for Jed to do a show at the newly transferred The Library in its new location along Orosa St. corner Nakpil St., Malate, Manila. Jed’s first live show in a comedy bar was at the old Library in Adriatico. But his first major concert titled “The Voice Behind the Gold” held at the Music Museum four years ago was produced by Andrew himself. According to Mamu Andrew, it was him who gave Jed his first major break after winning the prestigious WCOPA.

Jed was still quite new at that time and no one dared to produce a solo show for him despite him being a grand prize winner at WCOPA. But Jed was a frequent guest in some of the shows in the old Library and each time he performs, he gets a resounding applause, even standing ovations from the mesmerized crowd.

It was then that Mamu Andrew decided to gamble on Jed’s extraordinary singing prowess by producing his first major solo concert at the Music Museum. That concert made people notice Jed even more. That made him enter the list of the best vocal singers the country has ever produced even though he was just starting. Because of his powerful voice, Regine Velasquez agreed to have Jed interpret some of her songs because he almost equaled Regine’s impeccable vocal range.

Jed’s rendition of Regine’s version of “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” made people believed that he really deserved a gold award from the said competition.

And now it’s like payback time for Jed to go back where he started and to return the favor to Mamu who became one of the instruments of his success.

“I can’t say no to Mamu Andrew when he asked me if I could do a show at The Library,” said Jed. “I owe him a lot. If not for the break that he gave then I wouldn’t be where I am now.” Jed would surely be singing his hit songs in his show tonight.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 27, go to Ambassador Ruperto Dizon, Cesar Zalamea, Arlene dela Cruz, Lydia Castillo, Liezl Sumilang-Martinez, Linda Bolido, Shem Yap, Gerry Constantino, Baby Austria, Geena Zabalan, Mark Tan, CJ Sarino, Ruperto Sarmiento, New York-based Boriphat Phansaithlong, Aurem D. Martinez and Jessica Balatucan, Norma Castro Baja, Nitz Castillo and Maxima Matanguihan of Chicago, Ill… Happy graduation to Glenn Malicdem…