German Embassy Manila to open a bigger Philippine-German culture fest in February

With the recent signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent for Cultural Relations between Germany and the Philippines, the German Embassy Manila is set to launch a bigger installment of its major cultural project – the Philippine-German Month 2012.

“We want to fulfill our country’s commitment to enhance cultural ties with the Philippines, as stated in the recently signed Declaration,” says Ambassador Joachim Heidorn of the German Embassy.

The Joint Declaration of Intent for Cultural Relations was signed by Federal Minister Guido Westerwelle and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario last December 7 in Berlin. It resonates the 2 countries’ commitment to foster cultural cooperation by an open exchange of literary and cultural publications, performing arts, cinema and television, education, etc.

Philippine German Month began as a cooperative venture between the German Embassy and the NPDC in February 1980. Dr. Christoph Jessen, then Press and Cultural Attache of the German Embassy and the late Ka Doroy Valencia, then National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) Vice Chairman, conceived the idea of having a classical concert at the historic Paco Park in Manila – an event which would also mark the birth of the renowned ‘Paco Park Presents’ concert series. Since then, the Embassy hosted Philippine German Month every February.

“But we wanted to do something bigger this year, in light of the recent development. We wanted to impart more of our culture to Filipinos”, expressed by Thomas Schrod, Cultural Secretary of the German Embassy. Which is why the Embassy, in partnership with the NPDC, the Goethe Institute, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce, will open February 2012 with a bevy of activities:

Paco Park Presents

Holding on to tradition, Philippine German Month will begin on February 3 at Paco Park with performances by vocalist Eudy Palaruan accompanied by guitarist Ferdinand Medina, and the Basunistas Pilipinas – an up and coming quartet propagating bassoon playing in the Philippines.

February 10 – themed “a tribute to Bach”, will see the performances of renowned pianist Alejandro Consolacion II accompanied by flautist, Tony Maigue.

Soprano Minette Padilla and pianist Aries Caces will serenade audiences on February 17, with the classical pieces of German composers Mozart, Beethoven, interspersed with compositions of Filipino legends F. Buencamino and E. Cuenco.

On February 24, world renowned pianist Leonor Kilayko will be performing German classics at Paco Park.

The concerts start at 6 pm. Admission is free!

Chamber Music Concert

On February 23, renowned chamber musician Professor Rolf Dieter Arens is set to grace the Philamlife Auditorium in Malate for a one-night concert showcasing his world-class talent and esteem.

Professor Arens has had an extensive concert career as a musician – performing as a soloist for the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (1986-1991), playing with famous conductors such as Kurt Masur, Herbert Blomstedt and Neville Marriner, and touring in various European, American and Asian countries. He also has been a juror for several international competitions.

He is currently the Chairman of the International FRANZ LISZT Piano Competition, Artistic Director of the Summer music Academy Schloss Hundisberg, and President of the Liszt School of Music Weimar.

For tickets and more information, please contact the Goethe Institute at 440-1021 or 09175077343.

German Cinema in the Open Air

Award-winning German films will be shown this February for NPDC’s Cinema in the Open Air. This will take place at the open auditorium at Rizal Park, every Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.

The premier is on February 4, featuring the film “The life of the other“(Das Leben der Anderen)by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. For more information about the movie schedules, see our flyer below!

Philippine German Month 2012 is a joint cultural project of the German Embassy Manila, National Parks Development Committee, Goethe Institute, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce. The event is sponsored by Boesendorfer, German Club, and Mr. Alfredo Ching, with media partners PTV-4 and DZFE 98.7.

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