Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Performs Lahing Kayumanggi, a Symphonic Poem by Philippine National Artist for Music, Lucio San Pedro
The Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with the Kulintang Dialect during the performance of the composition of John Calloway, Itim and Crisis of the Conscience (photo by Mr. Dennis Hearne)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco witnessed a historic performance of Lahing Kayumanggi, a symphonic poem by Philippine National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro, presented for the first time by a non-Filipino orchestra during the 4th installment of the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus’ (GGSOC) concert series, “Beyond Border Walls 2025: Voices Near and Far,” held on 9 November 2025 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in San Francisco.
The program featured the world premiere of Last Light – Symphony No. 1 by Bay Area composer Benjamin Gribble, which received a standing ovation from the audience. The full-house concert highlighted the unifying power of music and its ability to transcend cultural, social, and geographic boundaries. During the event, GGSOC Music Director and Conductor Urs Leonhardt Steiner acknowledged the presence of the Consulate’s representatives and expressed his deep appreciation for Philippine music.
During the concert, Mr. Timothy Echavez Salaver, founder and producer of the Areté Singers Network and Board Member of the GGSOC, delivered the message of Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer. In his message, Consul General Ferrer commended the GGSOC for their “deep recognition of the Philippines’ rich musical heritage and its enduring contribution to the global symphonic landscape,” noting that the concert not only celebrated musical excellence but also amplified underrepresented voices.
The GGSOC is an intergenerational community of professional and non-professional musicians based in San Francisco, with a chapter in Benicia, dedicated to enriching communities through music. Now in its third decade, the organization brings together singers and instrumentalists to perform a wide range of works. END
Filipino American composer, John Calloway with the Kulintang Dialect (photo by Mr. Dennis Hearne)
Mr. Timothy Echavez Salaver (left) reading Consul General Neil Ferrer’s congratulatory message for the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, with GGSOC Music Director and Conductor Urs Leonhardt Steiner (photo by Mr. Dennis Hearne)
Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros (4th from the left), Vice Consul Hannah Go (2nd from the right), and several Consulate personnel, with the Kulintang Dialect, and Filipino American Tim Salaver, member of the Golden Gate Symphony Chorus Orchestra Board of Directors and Symphony Chorus Manager/Bass Section Lead, Benicia Chapter (8th from the left) pose for a photo prior to the concert (photo by Mr. Dennis Hearne)
The Golden Gate Symphony Chorus Orchestra performing “Misa Criolla” by Ariel Ramírez, Argentine composer, pianist, and music director (photo by Mr. Dennis Hearne)