UP Arco

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 di

stinguished 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.

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

This is for all of us! Thank you UP Arco, current members and Alumni of 27 years! Tuloy pa ang musika at pagpupunla!  😊❤...
10/02/2026

This is for all of us! Thank you UP Arco, current members and Alumni of 27 years! Tuloy pa ang musika at pagpupunla! 😊❤️ 🎻

16/12/2025

From the UP.Arco and the Orchestra Class (Batch 2025-2026). A Brandenburgy and English Christmas to all!!! ✨️🎄🎆🎁 -

JS Bach- Brandenburg No.3 - 1st Movt
Peter Warlock - Capriol Suite

19/09/2025
It was a privilege to live out part of UP Arco's Vision "....to produce well-rounded and disciplined global musicians wh...
19/09/2025

It was a privilege to live out part of UP Arco's Vision "....to produce well-rounded and disciplined global musicians who can INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS and most importantly give GLORY to GOD. "

UP Arco's team of Tutors were part of the collaborative project between UP Arco and the start up string orchestra and violin Ensemble groups, the VSU KINETIKA STRINGS and Baybay Violin Ensemble led by VSU Assoc Prof Joselle Cayetano. Initiated by UK-Based Filipina Violist Carmen Flores the project BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN MUSIC (the Leyte leg), Sept 1-6, 2025, was supported by the British Council's Connections Through Culture Programme.

But it was us who turned out most inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of all the participants, who seriously took to the rigorous workshops and training sessions that daily took place. Their zeal to learn and make the most of every hour squeezed out the energy from each of us at the end of each day, we felt there won't be enough left for the next day! But each day we were met by the re-charged group eager to learn more like there was no stopping them! It was truly an inspiring, encouraging and heartwarming experience for us Tutors. Here's to more collaborative undertakings for the flourishing of community-based instrumental ensembles and orchestras! NPO World Federation of Amateur Orchestras(NPO-WFAO) Ed Pasamba. Ralph Waldo Sales Taylan Michi Martinez Marion Raymundo


-UnityInVirtuosityandHarmonious Cooperation

It was a privilege to live out part of UP Arco's Vision "... to produce well-rounded and disciplined global musicians wh...
19/09/2025

It was a privilege to live out part of UP Arco's Vision "... to produce well-rounded and disciplined global musicians who can INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS and most importantly give GLORY to GOD. "

UP Arco's team of Tutors were part of the collaborative project between UP Arco and the start up string orchestra and violin Ensemble groups VSU KINETIKA STRING and the BAYBAY VIOLIN ENSEMBLE led by Assoc. PROF. Joselle Cayetano. Initiated by UK-Based Filipina Violist Carmen Flores, the project BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN MUSIC (Leyte leg), Sept 1-6 2025 was supported by the British Council's Connections Through Culture Programme.

But it was the team of tutors who were in turn inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment to learn by all the participants. They took to the rigorous schedule of daily workshops and training seriously, it squeezed the energy from all of us after each day's end! It was truly a most inspiring, heartwarming and rewarding experience! Here's to more colllabotaions for more community-based amateur orchestras! Ed Pasamba Ralph Waldo Sales Taylan Michi Martinez Marion Raymundo NPO World Federation of Amateur Orchestras(NPO-WFAO)


-UnityInVirtuosityandHarmonious Cooperation

Highlights of the Manila leg of BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN MUSIC. Through strong monsoon rains, typhoons and class suspensi...
30/08/2025

Highlights of the Manila leg of BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN MUSIC. Through strong monsoon rains, typhoons and class suspensions, the strong ties prevailed and resisted the odds! Finding warmth in the UP Diliman Yakal Residence Hall, UK-based Filipina Violist and Chamber Musician Carmen Flores did a full morning of a string masterclasses with a group of String players from the UP Arco and the UPCMu Dept of Strings and Chamber Music. The extended morning session was capped by an intimate time of interaction, with Ms. Flores sharing valuable insights and personal experiences that truly inspired the young string players in crossing the bridge to their future!

Much appreciation goes to : MS CARMEN FLORES, the UP College of Music, UPCMu Dept of Strings and Chamber Music (Chair, Asst Prof. Solaiman Jamisolamin) UPD Yakal Residence Hall (Dorm Mgr. Ms. Maricel Rodriguez, and to the BRITISH COUNCIL'S Connections Through Culture Programme


-UnityInVirtuostityAndHarmoniousCooperation

27/08/2025

"BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN (and through) MUSIC" with UK-Based Filipina Violist Carmen Flores will proceed tomorrow Aug 28, 2025, from 9:30-12:30. at the UP Diliman Yakal Residence Hall, Magsaysay Ave UP Diliman Campus. Regretfully only the Viola-Violin workshop segment of the supposed two-day collaborative event with UP Arco and the UPCMu Strings Dept will take place. The said workshop is an open event for those who might be interested to observe the coaching sessions by Ms. Carmen Flores. UP Arco thanks: Yakal Residence Hall Dorm Manager Maricel Rodriguez for this special partnership, and the public
for your understanding and your continued support.

** This project is supported by the British Council's Connections Through Culture Programme.

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Michi Martinez  UP Kolehiyo ng Musika Ruben David Defeo
25/08/2025

Michi Martinez UP Kolehiyo ng Musika Ruben David Defeo

UP Arco and the University of the Philippines College of Music Department of  Strings and Chamber Music, supported by th...
21/08/2025

UP Arco and the University of the Philippines College of Music Department of Strings and Chamber Music, supported by the British Council welcomes back to the Philippines - CARMEN FLORES, UK-BASED FILIPINA VIOLIST AND CHAMBER MUSICIAN

BRIDGING COMMUNITIES IN MUSIC
A Workshop On British Music for String Orchestra
AUGUST 26, 2025 (TUESDAY) / 2:30 - 5:30PM
UP COLLEGE OF MUSIC MINI-HALL

Poster Design: Marion Aldrin Raymundo, UP Arco

Michi Martinez NPO World Federation of Amateur Orchestras(NPO-WFAO) UP Kolehiyo ng Musika Ruben David Defeo

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

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