In October UH hosted the University of the Philippines Rondalla Ensemble. They performed a concert at Orvis and facilitated a workshop. José Taton, an ethnomusicology doctoral student who participated in the rondalla workshop, commented on the performance, “The UP Rondalla’s repertoire featured timeless pieces that not only evoked the audience’s emotions, nostalgia, and sense of place but also united Asian and Pacific communities through a delectable musical experience. The group’s artistry and technical mastery of the instrumental medium is nothing but a delight to watch.” The featured photos were provided by UH Music Department faculty emeritus, Dr. Ricardo Trimillos, a supporter of the ethnomusicology program at UH.
Kaelyn Howard, an ethnomusicology masters student, was the featured solo vocalist with the ensemble.
The performance and workshop at UH was part of the University of the Philippines’ “Harmonies Across the Pacific” Hawai’i tour, which included performances at the East-West Center, Hilton Hawaiian Village, and Ala Moana Center. These events honored Filipino-American Heritage month and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the UH Center for Philippine Studies.