The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) celebrated 15 years with an anniversary concert on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The concert spotlighted the music of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icons APO Hiking Society, as well as traditional pieces such as kundiman to take the audience on a journey through the history and evolution of Filipino music.

The concert brought together all age groups to pay homage to APO, with performances from the Junior Youth Orchestra and the Youth String Ensemble, and child soloists Audrey Cymone, Ysabella Loyola, Shane Selloria, and Malea Emma Tijandrawidjaja. The orchestra was also accompanied by soloists Maria Cristina “Kit Navarro”, Christopher “Pete” Avendaño, Alexandre Legaspi, and FASO’s very own Vocal Ensemble.

Special guests Boboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes were also in attendance to accept FASO’s Excellence in Music Award. The late Danny Javier, who was honored through a video tribute to the orchestra’s live performance of his song Show Me a Smile, is also an awardee.

APO Hiking Society is a critically acclaimed group with worldwide recognition, with an illustrious career spanning five decades and 27 albums. 2023 marks the group’s 50th year together, and FASO is honored to celebrate such a wonderful milestone alongside its own anniversary.

FASO and Maestro Robert Schroder now look forward to the future, with the festivities continuing with FASO’s upcoming Fall Concert.