Journey to the Classics

"possibly one of the newest of our full-bodied Philharmonic Orchestra recently proved at its concert at the Philamlife Auditorium that its at least as good as any of our other orchestras in Manila. Kudos and bravisimo to its founder and music director Rodel Colmenar"

Manila Bulletin October 8, 2004
Rachmaninoff once said: "I try to make my music speak simply and directly that which is in my heart at the time I am composing. If there is love, or bitterness, or sadness, or religion, these moods become part of my music and it becomes either beautiful, or bitter, or sad, or religious. I compose because I must give expression to my feelings just as I talk because I must give utterance to my thoughts."
     Colmenar's approach to the predominantly reflective and melancholy piece was forthright. Avoiding studied mannerisms and egoistic tendencies, he read the score intelligently and authoritatively.

Beauty and Virtuosity, Philippine STAR October 27, 2004

The appearance of the Russian violinist Anastacia Chebotareva with the MPO last week for Tchaikovsky's D Major Concerto brought untold excitement to Manila's music lovers comparable to the musical and philosophical dsicourse of Plato and Bernstein with Linda Wang and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. How MPO can whip up exciting concerts without a decent budget is a source of wonder

Philippine Daily Inquirer November 29, 2004