Manila Symphony Orchestra presents Brazilian Guitar and Cello Concert on August 9

Mark your calendars: on August 9, 2025 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM, the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil through the Guimarães Rosa Institute (IGR) and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, present Brazilian Guitar and Cello at the Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre, British School Manila, BGC Taguig City.

This unique concert shines a spotlight on some of Brazil’s—and the world’s—most talented artists: internationally celebrated guitarist Fabio Zanon, Juilliard-trained cellist Fabio Presgrave, award-winning Filipina soprano Stephanie Quintin, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s very own dynamic conductor, Marlon Chen.

Fabio Zanon, guitarist

Fabio Presgrave, cellist

Stephanie Quintin-Avila, soprano

Maes. Marlon Chen

What makes this concert so special? It’s more than a musical performance—it’s a global fusion of cultures and styles. The repertoire spans Latin rhythms, classical masterpieces, and bold contemporary expressions. It’s a celebration of musical storytelling that speaks across borders.

PART 1 opens with Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7 by the legendary Heitor Villa-Lobos. This piece is a gorgeous mix of Brazilian folk rhythms and Baroque structure—think Bach meets Rio. Then comes Concierto de Cámara by Jeffrey Ching, a symbolic “quintuple concerto” that fuses musical influences from five different cultures. It’s abstract, poetic, and definitely something you won’t hear every day.

PART 2 gets groovy with Concerto No. 4 for Guitar and Strings by Radamés Gnattali, blending classical form with jazz, samba, and bossa nova in one smooth, lyrical ride. Le Grand Tango by Astor Piazzolla follows—an intense, sultry piece originally written for cello legend Mstislav Rostropovich. The evening closes with another Villa-Lobos gem: Ária and Dança from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4, which will transport you straight into the heart of Brazil’s musical soul.

Fabio Zanon is a legend in the guitar world—he’s won some of the biggest international guitar competitions and has performed in over 40 countries. Fabio Presgrave, born in Rio and trained at Juilliard, has played with top orchestras around the world. Stephanie Quintin-Avila, a rising star soprano, is known for her vocal agility and expressive range, and Marlon Chen brings the entire performance together with his signature energy and flair.

This concert is also a highlight in MSO’s exciting 2025–2026 season. Look out for upcoming shows like the Philippines-China Friendship Concert on September 7, Dancing with Tchaikovsky on September 27, and MSO’s landmark 100th Anniversary Concert on January 22, 2026—a celebration nearly a century in the making!

🎟️ Tickets for Brazilian Guitar and Cello:

• VIP: ₱3,500

• Premium Patron: ₱2,800

• Regular Patron: ₱1,700

• General Admission: ₱800
  Available via TicketWorld

For more concert info, artist bios, and season updates, visit www.manilasymphony.com. Don’t miss this chance to experience a night of rhythm, harmony, and musical brilliance—Brazilian-style!