The University of the Philippines Guitar Orchestra (UPGO) believes in, and not just bounded by, the

long
tradition and motto of UP: “honor and excellence.” Thus, the group exists with the vision of consistently
exploring and challenging the possibilities of music-making and of stretching the limits of the guitar, not
just as a solo instrument but as an ensemble in a big setting: playing repertoire that is not common to
solo guitar e.g., large works, and symphonies. In turn, it enhances the technical capacity of every
member as a soloist and as an ensemble player through the wide range of repertoire that the group
plays.

At the same time, the group's purpose is to develop bond between its members, and to inspire the
members and all other guitar aficionados to take the challenge of delimitating the possibilities of the
guitar: compose and arrange pieces for the instrument, defying all its known boundaries, in line with the
group’s dedication in promoting national identity through the movement of producing original
compositions and transcriptions for the guitar.

The UPGO, founded in 1982 by Professor Lester Demetillo, is hailed as the first-ever guitar ensemble in
the Philippines. It instantly gained fame and recognition all around the world upon its inception,
concertizing and performing in various guitar festivals in Europe and Asia. The group is composed of
outstanding students majoring in Guitar from the University of the Philippines College of Music. The
group boasts of a wide range of repertoire that includes works from the eras of Renaissance, Baroque,
Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, and Filipino, along with other genres such as Flamenco, Jazz and
Popular music, most of which are transcribed and arranged by Maestro Demetillo.

The group’s most recent notable public performances include the 31st ASEAN Summit Closing Ceremony
held at the Philippine International Convention Center in November 12, 2017, the International
Mariners’ Conference at the Borromeo Residence in Alabang, the Concert for the Lumad at the GT
Toyota Auditorium, the CSSP Graduate Welcome Assembly, and the Filipino-Spanish Friendship Day held
at the Executive House in UP Diliman.

UPGO’s legacy, honor, and excellence transcends and lives on in its members, producing the best holistic
guitarists in the Philippines: concertizing, competing, and winning guitar competitions in Asia, and,
ultimately, founding and leading guitar ensembles, empowering young guitar lovers in the Philippines by
reaching out and strengthening the influence of the guitar to the masses, truly living its vision of
searching and establishing the Filipino's national identity.
Program:
Sonate BWV 1031 – J.S. Bach

Introduction and Fandango – L. Boccherini

In The Mood – Joe Garland

Birdland – Joe Zawinul

Jongo – Paulo Bellinati

Quiccan – Andrew York

Trio in D – Filippo Gragnani

Sa Kabukiran – Manuel Velez

Nahan – Ernani Cuenco

Performers:
Miguel Lumbao

Johann Mendoza

Jireh Oracion

Regie Sanggo

Ricardo Juanito Balledos

Roy Butlay

Daniel Morabe

King Lem Mariano

Jairo Rigon

Cheenie Amoin

Jared Sandig

Micah John Sanchez

Mark Echague

Joshua Escalada

Rjay Concepcion

Pauline Arejola - Soprano