Embarking on a transformative journey in 2012, Ang Misyon has tirelessly championed less privileged children and youth through its music programs. The OFY’s young musicians have gained valuable experience from playing alongside each other to performing with professionals on stage. Performances are a way to showcase how far the scholars have come.
Through these concerts, recitals and collaborative shows, the OFY continues to fulfill its mission of makingorchestral music more accessible to the public, reaching audiences from different walks of life.
From a decade-long journey and an inspired vision of nurturing more young Filipino musicians, the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth’s milestones represent their journey of empowerment, uniting
local communities and realizing dreams.
Ang Misyon, Inc. (AMI) was founded by ABS-CBN Chairman Emeritus Eugenio Lopez III, First Philippine Holdings Chairman Federico R. Lopez, and internationally renowned concert pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz. Its founding was inspired by the hope of sparking social change through music.
2012AMI embarked on its mission to support less privileged Filipino children and youth through its Satellite Program, which was later named Community Youth Orchestra Program (CYOP) and focused on bringing orchestral music to far-flung areas in the Philippines.
2013 - 2014After playing at several pocket events, it was time for AMI’s scholars to participate in collaborative performances with esteemed music groups. Performances included Symphony Sunsets at Makiling conducted by Gerard Salonga and a major event at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) with Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Olivier O’Chanine and Gerard Salonga.
2015At the Child Aid Asia Kuala Lumpur’s “A Concert by Youth for Youth” the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth enchanted audiences beyond borders with an on-stage performance. OFY musicians showcased their exceptional talents, bridging hearts and cultures through the universal language of music.
2016 - 2017The OFY had its first international tour in Qatar through the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs-Philippines, Philippine Embassy-Qatar and Ang Misyon’s generous donors. They played at Katara Opera House and Qatar National Library (QNL), where the OFY was the first Philippine group to ever perform since its inauguration, conducted by Joshua Dos Santos.
2018The OFY and its younger orchestra group at the time, Ang Misyon Children’s Orchestra (AMCO), performed together consisting of over 100 musicians. Under the baton of Joshua Dos Santos, this was their first performance combining all scholars, held at the Sun Life Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City.
2019For the OFY’s 7th Anniversary Concert, they played for an audience of close to 800 at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University with a repertoire of classical pieces including Richard Wagner’s Rienzi Overture, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.1 “Titan” IV Stürmisch bewegt and a medley of timeless local compositions arranged by Ria Villena-Osorio entitled “Songs for the Youth.”
2019The OFY and ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra (ABSPO) had a collaborative performance called “Side by side” at ABS-CBN Compound’s Studio 4. This was the last live, in-person concert of the OFY before the world locked down because of COVID-19.
2020In the face of the global pandemic, OFY shifts to virtual platforms, ensuring music education continues despite the limitations. AMI delved into producing virtual concerts and workshops, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of its scholars in the midst of uncertain times. This year marked the campaign “Namamasko Po!” which was the OFY’s way of gifting and gathering their supporters through music.
2021OFY Tenth Year Anniversary at CCP
To celebrate the remarkable tenth year milestone, a live concert was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on October 8, 2022, in partnership with National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA). A first since the pandemic, this live performance filled the seats at CCP with a repertoire featuring classical pieces and Filipino compositions.
Puso ng Pasko at The Metropolitan Theater
OFY was part of the all-Filipino Christmas ballet “Puso ng Pasko” where they played live under the baton of Mr. Ryan Cayabyab (National Artist for Music), with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) and the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, with the guidance of Ms. Alice Reyes (National Artist for Dance).
Ang Misyon and its music scholars finally stationed back home to Rockwell Business Center headquarters and to face to face activities. The young musicians embraced the change from virtual lessons and rehearsals and they are happy to reunite with their peers and mentors.
The OFY’s annual Music Camp has commenced at Eugenio Lopez Center, Antipolo. This four-day intensive camp includes learning a challenging repertoire, sectionals, technique and developmental workshops which aims to enhance their music skills and group dynamics as an orchestra.
2023In the vibrant world of Filipino music and dance, "Rama, Hari", a ballet-musical masterpiece, takes center stage. With National Artists at the helm and live orchestral music to be performed by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) Rama, Hari is a production that combines history, legacy and hope for the arts.
During the selected shows that feature live orchestra music, the OFY will be conducted by Toma Cayabyab, whose roots are inherent to the world of music. A familial bond between father and son, Toma and Mr. Cayabyab working together symbolizes the power of continuing legacy. Having trust in the musicality of the younger generation, Toma highlights that their presence is as vital as the seasoned professionals surrounding them. Their participation signifies the youth’s potential to shape the future of music.
Every year, the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth’s tradition is to launch the holiday season with a Christmas performance. During the pandemic, this had to be translated into a virtual show to keep the festivities going online. This December 2023, the OFY’s annual Christmas Caroling came back home for an in person performance.
OFY’s impact was showcased when the group was hand-picked by National Artists Ryan Cayabyab & Alice Reyes to perform live music during the restaging of "Rama, Hari" in September 2023, affirming our musicians' talent and the transformative power of music education. Due to its success, Rama, Hari had a rerun in February 2024 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, where the performers was accompanied by live orchestral music performed by the OFY under the baton of Toma Cayabyab.
2024The OFY achieved a significant milestone by being invited to perform at the prestigious Orkestra Festival Kuala Lumpur held at the Dewan Bandaraya Hall in Malaysia. Thirty OFY scholars traveled to Kuala Lumpur and collaborated with musicians from the Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO). Together, they participated in the festival alongside the Royal Yogyakarta Orchestra and the Orkestra Kuala Lumpur. The performances featured classics by Tchaikovsky, Gounod, Copland, and Haydn, as well as
traditional Malaysian and Filipino songs.
The OFY had the rare opportunity to perform the same concert at the prestigious Dewan Filharmonik Petronas Hall, Malaysia's premier concert venue located at the base of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. They performed traditional Filipino folk songs such as "Pamulinawen," "Lawiswis Kawayan," “Sampaguita,” and "Dandansoy" in this prestigious venue. This not only showcased our rich cultural heritage but also highlighted the talent and versatility of our young musicians.
Visit the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth’s YouTube for more performances.