An Idea

For the longest time, Filipino musicians in America have dreamed of having a Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra. Filipinos being naturally gifted in music, the problem has not been a lack of talented musicians. Rather, they needed a team who will take care of the business and management side.

Fortunately, Roger and Cora Oriel, the publishers of Asian Journal and self-confessed patrons of the arts, and Lito Cruz, editor-at-large, took on the cudgels to make the dream come true. Music lover and visionaries, the three friends decried the lack of a symphony orchestra that showcases the talents of Filipino-American musicians. They knew there were many outstanding Filipino musicians in America; all that was needed was for a management group who will take up the challenge to establish and sustain such an orchestra. The group passionately took up the challenge and immediately established the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra.

The Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) is the first Filipino symphony orchestra, outside of the Philippines. And it is just fitting that it is established in Los Angeles County --- which has the biggest concentration of Filipinos outside the Philippines.  With FASO firmly established in Los Angeles, mainstream America - and the world - will recognize, appreciate and enjoy symphony music played by excellent Filipino musicians based in Southern California.

Our Vision

The goal for FASO is to cultivate the artistry of Filipino musicians and showcase the innate Filipino artistic talent. We want to help open artistic and cultural borders for these artists, so that through them we can educate and enrich the diverse communities in America and the world with our unique Filipino culture and rich artistic heritage.