UP Arco

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UP Arco Official page of the University of the Philippines String Orchestra U.P. Arco - The University of the Philippines String Orchestra (formerly the U.P.

String Chamber Orchestra), has its roots from 1998 during the term of the late Dean Reynaldo T. Paguio. It was conceived to become one of the resident student performing groups of the University of the Philippines College of Music, in the tradition of the student orchestras that the college had in previous years. Today, U.P. Arco has come to be one of the country’s premiere orchestras, that has distinguished itself in the careful study and performance of string orchestral music both locally, and internationally. OUR VISION: U.P. Arco is a premier string chamber orchestra in the Philippines that is dedicated to playing world class music in a highly positive musical atmosphere; to produce well-rounded and disciplined global musicians who can inspire the next generation of artists; and most importantly give glory to God. OUR MISSION: We use our discipline and dedication to our craft in honorable and excellent ways towards a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of music in life. OUR CORE VALUES:

EXCELLENCE - As well-rounded musicians, we are determined to master our craft, create a highly positive learning environment, serve as examples and inspire the next generation of musicians. COMMITMENT - We recognize that discipline, determination, and dedication are essential qualities of an excellent musician. We want these qualities to characterize our personal lives, relationships and practices. TEAM WORK - We affirm that each one is given a unique talent and every one is, equally valuable in the team. We nurture the spirit of unity and team work so that together, we can play harmoniously. COLLABORATION - We collaborate with like-minded individuals and groups to raise awareness, advocate and respond to issues and needs, by sharing our talents, abilities and resources to contribute towards common goals. GLORIFY GOD - God is the master musician, the foundation and sustainer of all things. With gratitude in our hearts we acknowledge that He leads and enables us to pursue and fulfill our destiny.

INSPIRED, BLESSED and UPLIFTED. 🎻🎶 UP Arco Founder Artistic-Music Director Dr. Edna Marcil "Michi" Martinez  shared the ...
08/09/2026

INSPIRED, BLESSED and UPLIFTED. 🎻🎶 UP Arco Founder Artistic-Music Director Dr. Edna Marcil "Michi" Martinez shared the rostrum with like-minded people, co-pioneers and movers of amateur community orchestras at the ASIAN AMATEUR ORCHESTRA FORUM (AAOF) 2026 in Toyota City, Japan. Grateful to the NPO World Federation of Amateur Orchestras(NPO-WFAO)for championing the value of establishing amateur orchestras in communities for decades; that fuelled the passion and love for meaningful community life thru music, with the amateur orchestra camps and festivals they organize..

It was heartwarming to hear and learn from colleagues in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Macau, Shanghai, Belgium, and the Philippines, sharing each others’ dreams and stories in the forum. Talks centered on "Youth Education through Orchestral Activities"; and on "Enriching Society, Connecting and Transforming Communities thru Music and community-based amateur groups. With the orchestra directors of the represented groups, were the next-generation movers and leaders of amateur orchestras who were featured in a panel discussion on "Carrying Our Legacy into the 22nd Century: Reinforced in the forum was the commitment to make music with and from our hearts; and to embrace selflessness to create meaningful, peaceful and purposeful encounters thru music.

Prof. Michi Martinez spoke on: "FLYING THE SILVER KITE OF DREAMS, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THRU LIFETRANSFORMING MUSIC: THE UP ARCO STORY: while U.P Arco's new Associate Director (and NPO-WFAO festival alumnus) Ralph Waldo Sales Taylan sat on the panel of the next generation movers of amateur orchestras in the region.


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The 42nd TOYOTA  YOUTH ORCHESTRA CAMP in Tokyo, Japan. With Prof. Michi  Martinez, Artistic-Music Director and Conductor...
27/03/2026

The 42nd TOYOTA YOUTH ORCHESTRA CAMP in Tokyo, Japan. With Prof. Michi Martinez, Artistic-Music Director and Conductor of UP Arco, and Principal violinist Marion Aldrin Raymundo, who is the selected representative of UP and the Philippines to the.42nd TYOC.

UP ARCO is an honorary member of the NPO-World Federation of Amateur Orchestras.
Michi Martinez

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UP College Of Music, Osmeña Avenue, Diliman
Quezon City
1101

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