Filipino musical genius
#ProjectLarawan. Profiles of the Filipino. One portrait at a time. Project Larawan is an initiative of Gabriel “Gabby” Malvar, a documentary filmmaker, writer and photographer, whose narratives are nuanced with unique, inventive perspectives to provoke an inquisitive look at his favorite subject, the Philippines. Become a part of Filipino identity every other Saturday on the DAILY TRIBUNE.
Conductor Joe Reyna, a musical wizard, wields his baton like a wand, casting spells over his orchestra. He sets the pace, cues the starts and exits, and brings the composer’s artistic intent to life. To achieve this, he must possess a profound understanding of the score as a whole, as well as its distinct components by instrument. He is a man fully in control, ensuring that each individual part is respected while the overall aggregation is achieved and elevated to a level that surpasses the sum of its parts. He comprehends every instrument and its player. He is attuned to his emotions and can either exercise restraint or indulge in grand histrionics. He recognizes the essence of sounds, adjusting one section while elevating another to achieve balance. Everything comes together with a wave of his hand.
Reyna, an alumnus of the University of the Philippines College of Music, is currently residing in the United States. In 2024, he received the American Prize in Orchestral Conducting—College/University Orchestra Division. Recently, he returned to serve as the guest conductor for Liberation: 80 Years of the Philippine Republic, a celebration commemorating the centennial season of the Manila Symphony Orchestra at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre (MET).