The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago is pleased to announce that as part of the 2006-2007 Symphony Center Presents series, the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company will be back in Chicago for a special concert at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, 8 October 2006 at 3:00 p.m. The dance company last performed in Chicago five years ago in October 2001. Under the artistic direction of Isabel Santos, this family-friendly theatrical presentation will take the audience on a journey through Philippine history by recreating ritual Filipino dances and demonstrating foreign influences on Philippine culture. With bright costumes, traditional dance, and live indigenous music, Bayanihan invites the audience to discover the captivating world of the Philippines. Taking its name from the ancient Filipino tradition of Bayanihan-signifying working together for the common good-the national dance company's history spans 43 years of performances all around the world. Composed of 45 singers, dancers, and musicians, the company was founded by Dr. Helena Z. Benitez to collect indigenous art forms as expressed in music, dance, literature, arts, and crafts; and to promote international understanding through cultural exchange and performances abroad. The Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company was the first Filipino group to perform on Broadway, the first non-American company to take to the stage at New York's Lincoln Center, and the first Philippine cultural group to perform in Russia, the People's Republic of China, and South America. In almost 50 years, Bayanihan has performed before millions of people in six continents, 60 countries and nearly 500 cities worldwide; through 14 world tours and over a hundred international tours. In recognition of its pioneering efforts and its national and international success, the Filipino people, through the 10th Congress enacted Republic Act 8626 declaring the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as the Philippines' National Folk Dance Company. For details on tickets to this special performance, the public is advised to visit the Symphony Center Box Office at 220 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60604 or call 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114 or visit the CSO website at www.cso.org .