But for the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), staging a concert is the best way to pay tribute to an exceptional musician.

Dubbed "Ode to the Maestro", MPO will stage a concert for Maestro Oscar Yatco, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m., at the Philam Life Theater, UN Ave., Manila.

The concert is a celebration of how Maestro Oscar dedicated his life for the development of the symphonic instrumentals in the country, inspired Filipino musicians and how he established the Filipino orchestra in the Philippines.

MPO will bring together all musicians who have been part of the maestro’s music life in this one-night event.

"We’re inviting people who, one way or another, had worked with him….people who he learned from and who learned from him… people who inspired him and people who get inspiration from him," Rodel Colmenar, conductor of MPO, waxed poetic.

Born to a family of music lovers, maestro Oscar obtained a music teacher’s diploma at the University of the Philippines in 1947, while he was still in 2nd year high school.

In 1948, he finished his high school education at UP High School. He had his trainings under Ivan Galamian of Julliard School of Music in New York and Wilhelm Stross, professor in violin at the State Academy of Music in Munich, Germany.

He won several top prizes in prestigious international competitions. He served as conductor, concert master, professor and music consultant for Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), National Theater Orchestra (NTO), Wagner Festival Orchestra (WFO), CCP’s Philharmonic Orchestra and State Academy of Music in Hannover, Germany.

MPO honors the maestro not only as a seasoned musician but also as an exemplary violinist, teacher and concerned artist for his fellow musicians.

The concert highlights the celebration of the 75th birthday of maestro Oscar.

Maestro Oscar will be conducting the MPO concert, with talented violinist Joaquin "Chino" Gutierrez as guest performer.

"We talked about this concert when Rodel was in Germany when I was only 70. But it didn’t push through for some reasons until now," Maestro Oscar mused.

"I always feel excited when performing with old colleagues, who, one way or another, have worked with me in the past or has inspired me, and with new artists like Chino," he added.

"Ode to the Maestro" shall be the debut performance of Chino with MPO and maestro Oscar.

"This is the first time we will be performing together. Although I’ve heard him play the violin before, and I’d say he’s really talented," says maestro Oscar on Chino.

"I feel very privileged playing with imminent musician like maestro Oscar," the 15-year old violinist said.

When asked why he chose the violin, Chino said: "the sound of the violin captivated me."

His mother, Lourdes Gutierrez, agreed.

"The first time he heard the violin was when he was four. He liked it so much that he asked me and his dad to buy him a violin. But we didn’t because we thought he would outgrew it," Lourdes said.

"But after a few years, he still wanted to get a violin. Though we have doubts about it because nobody in the family is musically inclined, we decided to buy him one and enroll him to a violin class," Lourdes continued. Chino was only seven at that time.

Since then, Chino has performed in concerts, recitals and television program with the country’s finest conductors and musicians. He also joined several competitions like the NAMCYA.

Today, Chino is based in Munich, Germany where he was trained by noted German musician Jens Ellermann, former mentor of violin prodigies Midori and Gil Shaham.

"Seeing Chino now, we believe we did the right thing. We support him. We peek into his world and try to understand what it’s all about," Lourdes beamed.

"Chino is very lucky because his parents support him. There are a lot of talents ready to be unveiled. They just need support," related maestro Oscar.

Aside from music, this prodigy also loves mathematics and science, a passion he shares with his parents who are all scientists — his mother Lourdes is a psychologist and his father is a geographer.

"I see math and science as an alternative career. But as of now, I’m still enjoying performing, and if I would have to choose between math and music, I would choose music," Chino said.

"I think I would have, too. We are fortunate to be able to follow this path," maestro Oscar said.

Though maestro Oscar had accomplished a lot, he wants to do more for the music scene in the Philippines.

"I wanted to see classical music to flourish again," maestro Oscar said optimistically.

"How? We need to analyze what’s the situation in the music industry — it is not too-friendly, isn’t it?" asked maestro Oscar.

"Of course, it is. Pop music block the airwaves, and it is what people are listening to. But I say, give us a chance. I still think there is hope for classical music. We just need to change the general situation and improve on what we already have. Support talents," maestro Oscar noted.

"After hearing about the situation of the classical music in the Philippines, I still wanted to come back here after I finished my studies in Germany. It’s still my home. Besides, I wanted to make a difference. I want to do something about it," Chino quipped.

Together, maestro Oscar and Chino aim to set the stage on fire as they perform classical music together with MPO.

"We’re going to play classical song from well-known musicians. What we will do is express our own interpretation while respecting the composer’s intention," Chino informed.

"Ode to the Maestro is not only a classical concert. It is a momentous event about life and music in general," described maestro Oscar.

Tickets prices are R1,200, R900 and R500, and are available at MPO office and at Philam Life Corp. affairs office (526-9250).