Dr. エドナ・マルシル「ミチ」マルティネス
npowfao200712Sunday, August 23, 2026- Session 3
Theme: “Orchestras Connecting Communities, Transforming Cities”
Prof. Dr. Edna Marcil “Michi” Martinez
Founder & Music Director-Conductor, U.P. Arco – The University of the Philippines String Orchestra
Profile
Prof. Dr. Edna Marcil “Michi” Martinez is a distinguished Filipino violist, conductor, and musicologist. She earned a Teacher’s Diploma in Viola, a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Literature, and a Master of Music in Musicology from the University of the Philippines College of Music, where she later completed her Ph.D. in Philippine Studies (Art and Culture). Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first graduate in Viola from the University of the Philippines.
Her musical journey began in childhood with piano studies, followed by violin lessons at age seven, and later a transition to viola at age twelve. She performed with major Philippine orchestras—including the Metro Manila Symphony Orchestra, Manila Chamber Orchestra, and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra—and participated in international collaborations. As a conductor, she trained under respected Filipino maestros and attended masterclasses at Bard College’s Conductors Institute in New York.
In 1998, Prof. Martinez founded U.P. Arco, which has since grown into one of the Philippines’ premier string orchestras, recognized for its artistic excellence and international achievements. Alongside her conducting career, she remains active as a musicologist, contributing research and publications on Philippine music and culture.
U.P. Arco – The University of the Philippines String Orchestra
Founded in 1998, U.P. Arco is a resident student string orchestra of the University of the Philippines College of Music. Under the leadership of its founder, Prof. Dr. Edna Marcil “Michi” Martinez, the ensemble has developed a strong reputation for its refined study and performance of classical and contemporary string orchestra repertoire. The orchestra has performed widely across the UP system and major venues in the Philippines, and has represented the country in international festivals such as FIMU in France, the Bratislava International Youth Music Festival, and Music Festa Florence, earning top awards.
Guided by its core values—Excellence, Commitment, and Teamwork—U.P. Arco is deeply engaged in community-centered initiatives. Its outreach programs include music activities for children, youth, and vulnerable communities, disaster relief fundraising concerts, and collaborations with cultural institutions. In recent years, the orchestra launched the project “Pilak Namumulaklak: MusiKaSabaysabay”, aiming to establish sustainable children’s community orchestras and expand access to music education.
Through its artistic work and social mission, U.P. Arco continues to inspire young musicians and strengthen community ties, embodying the transformative power of orchestral music.
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