IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
The majestic walls of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels resonated with pride, culture, and artistry last Saturday, August 16, as the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) presented its summer concert, Ode to Summer. The breathtaking performance drew a full house and thunderous applause. The evening was nothing short of a triumph—celebrating the richness of Filipino music and the enduring spirit of the community.
Ode to Summer began with the grandeur of orchestral works and the choral brilliance of the University of Santo Tomas Singers Alumni and St. Genevieve Valiant Voices, who lifted their voices in sacred odes to the Creator. Classics such as Ave Maria and Ama Namin flowed seamlessly in both English and Filipino, grounding the evening in reverence and artistry.
From there, the program shifted into lighter, playful tones as the FASO Beginner’s Ensemble performed the beloved folk tune Pakìtong-kìtong. Their joyful rendition not only transported the audience back to the roots of Filipino heritage but also highlighted FASO’s commitment to nurturing and mentoring young Filipino talent.
Under the baton of FASO’s founding director and conductor Robert Shroder, the orchestra wove together a rich tapestry of sound, moving effortlessly from Western classics—Mozart, Verdi, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu—to timeless Filipino compositions. Each performance embodied the spirit of Ode to Summer: preserving Filipino identity through music while connecting it to the universal language of symphonic artistry.
FASO’s educational programs also took center stage, with the Beginner’s Ensemble and Junior Orchestra demonstrating the organization’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of Filipino American musicians.
The UST Singers Alumni returned later in the evening with a repertoire that celebrated the masters of Filipino music. Their stirring renditions of works by the legendary George Canseco filled the Cathedral with nostalgia and pride, rekindling love for the music that has shaped generations. Their harmonies paid tribute to tradition while reigniting the timeless beauty of Filipino composition.
Another standout moment in Ode to Summer was the presentation of the FASO Excellence in Music Award to musician, conductor, and professor Fidel Calalang. According to FASO, the award honors musicians who exemplify excellence in performance, teaching, or composition and aims to inspire both established and emerging artists. Calalang’s recognition highlighted the evening’s deeper purpose: celebrating not only artistry but also legacy and mentorship.
The night soared to new heights when Sofronio Vasquez, The Voice USA 2025 grand champion, took the stage. With heartfelt passion and commanding presence, he delivered a moving performance of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. His soaring vocals and emotional delivery brought the audience to its feet, affirming his artistry and cementing his place as one of the most exciting Filipino voices on the global stage. The Cathedral’s magnificent acoustics elevated the performance, making it one of the evening’s most unforgettable highlights.
Ode to Summer was more than a performance—it was a celebration of identity, unity, and artistry. For years, FASO has served as a beacon of Filipino culture in the United States, and this concert reaffirmed its vital role in keeping the Filipino musical legacy alive. Audience members, many of whom traveled from across California, described the event as “soul-stirring,” “uplifting,” and “a night to remember.”
The resounding success of Ode to Summer showcased not only the exceptional talent of Filipino artists but also the importance of cultural preservation through music. With rising stars like Sofronio Vasquez leading a new generation and the continued brilliance of ensembles like the UST Singers Alumni, the future of Filipino music in the diaspora shines brighter than ever.
All photos by Marc Pijuan.