Thursday, Feb. 19,  Gala Concert, invitational
Friday, Feb. 20
EXSULTATE

The 34th edition of the International Bamboo Organ Festival celebrates several important events in the music world.  In 2009 we mark the 200th death anniversary of Franz Joseph Haydn with a performance of his Great Organ Mass in E flat major; the 200th birthday of Felix Mendelssohn with his Motets, op. 39, nos. 1, 2 and 3; and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Las Pinas Boys Choir, main performers in tonight’s concert.  Other artists will be organist Christian Iwan and soprano Franziska Hammer-Drexel both from Austria; Philippine singers Mark Anthony Carpio, counter-tenor; Ervin Notes Lumauag, tenor; and Eudenice Palaruan, baritone; Alejandro Consolacion II, organ; and the Festival Orchestra, all under the baton of conductor Armando Salarza.

This festival celebrates the bounty of Laguna’s lush coconut plantation. It is celebrated every second Sunday of January. Coconut products galore are offered in thanksgiving and coco- based products are displayed.