CCP searches for new Philippine Harmonic Orchestra Music Director Until July 15
By Leony R. Garcia
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is thankful for the contribution of outgoing conductor Maestro Olivier Ochanine.
Through the five years he has been with the orchestra, CCP said in its media statement, Ochanine has taken the effort to make the orchestra and its music closer to its audiences especially the young people. He has made time to listen and immerse himself in the local music scene and this has made his tenure with the PPO a special one.
This is a quality that I hope the next music director shall also possess — a commitment to excellence and the desire to share this excellence with the broadest publics,” Chris Millado, CCP Vice President and Artistic Director said.
Ochanine was born in Paris but has lived most of his adult life in the United States. He was born in Paris but because of his father’s job as a mathematician, his family moved to Germany. He started his music education Lexington, Kentucky in 1991 and pursued a college degree in flute performance. He also played the bass with a youth orchestra. He later became interested in conducting and in 2001 enrolled at the University of Southern California where he finished his master’s degree in orchestral conducting. In 2009 he enrolled at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music for doctorate studies in orchestral conducting but had to go on leave from his studies to assume his post with the PPO in 2010.
Ochanine, who looks more like a member of a rock band than a maestro, was chosen unanimously by the search Committee, after more than two years of screening, interviews and auditions involving over 20 candidates from all over the world. He was chosen for his technical expertise, musical competence, rapport with the musicians, track record and leadership ability.
He gave the best performance with the PPO and drew out the best sound during the search, according to CCP Director for Music Menchi Mantaring.
The deadline for applications for the new music director and principal conductor for the CCP’s resident orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) has been extended until July 15, 2015.
The new conductor will take over from Ochanine who will be concluding his tenure by April 30, 2016, and will hold the post for the next 3 years, starting June 2016.
The CCP will announce the PPO’s new music director in January 2016.
The new PPO director must exemplify solid musicianship, strong sense of leadership, artistic discipline and respect of peers, extensive program repertoire and orchestral rapport.
He will be responsible for the preparation and implementation of the PPO’s thrusts, programs, concert season, training of musicians and other related activities. He is expected to conduct at least twenty performances per year, including the regular PPO season, Outreach tours, Young People’s concert and other special events of CCP. He will also be in charge of a Development Program for members of the PPO and ensure that the level of musicianship and artistic quality meet the highest standards.
Interested conductors are requested to submit their application packet by July 15, 2015. Required documents are the following: curriculum vitae with photo, letter of intent stating the applicant’s vision for the PPO, symphonic repertoire, sample souvenir program of performances, press releases, link to performances on YouTube, referrals from other orchestras, photocopy of the first page of passport (for foreigners only) and letter of endorsement.
The application packet may be emailed to mdppo2016@yahoo.com.ph. or mailed to the PPO Search Committee, PPO, Lower Basement, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, 1300 Philippines.
Information on the PPO may be obtained from the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph
