The OFY is the premier orchestra of Ang Misyon, a music program based in the Philippines that offers children from deprived communities the opportunity to achieve their musical potential with the ultimate hope of creating a positive social impact.
Since its creation 3 years ago by First Philippine Holdings Chairman Federico R. Lopez, and internationally renowned Filipino Concert Pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz, Ang Misyon has given hope to hundreds of filipino children through the power of music. Ang Misyon aspires to be the "El Sistema" of the Philippines. With the help of worldwide visiting artist from across the globe, and the dedicated local filipino musicians/teachers, the results have been staggering. As New York Philharmonic's teaching artist/mentor, violinist Katie Kresek said, "these kids progressed in leaps and bounds in the precious hour that they were taught."
As a visiting teaching artist, I have developed relationships with these kids. To see the joy in their faces, the focus in their eyes and their tireless eagerness to learn reminds me personally the reasons I became a musician. I ask you, artists, teachers, family and friends to dig deep in your pockets and give these kids the opportunity of lifetime.
Teaching Artists / Mentors
About the author
Filipino-American Marc Ramirez was born in 1972 in New York City, USA and is the Principal Double Bassist of the Gulbenkian Orquestra in Lisbon, Portugal. As a youth his teachers encouraged him to channel his abundant energies into the creative arts where he excelled in both music and drama. He went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Timothy Cobb of the New York Philharmonic and upon completion of his studies, he was presented with the Pablo Casals Prize for Musical Excellence and Human Endeavor awarded by Marta Casals Istomin.
As a leader of the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Marc has had the priviledge to collaborate with some of the world’s most renowned musicians including, Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zuckerman, Gustavo Dudamel and Essa-Pekka Salonen.
Chamber music occupies an important place in his musical life. His fondest memories include working extensively on repertoire with Isidore Cohen of the Beaux Arts Trio, the indefatigable Felix Galimir and the great Isaac Stern. Marc is a regular participant in the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Chamber Music Series and has performed in Europe, the USA and Asia. His most recent chamber music collaborations were with the french composer, Marc-Andre Dalbavie where they recorded his “Sextine Cyclus” on the NMC label and with the world reknowned Takács Quartet.
