Dancing with Tchaikovsky: An Evening of Russian Romanticism with the MSO

 The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc., together with Standard Insurance and in partnership with EastWest Bank, proudly presents Dancing with Tchaikovsky on September 27, 2025 (Saturday), 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City. This special concert highlights the timeless brilliance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed under the baton of Russian guest conductor Alexander Vikulov with cello prodigy Damodar Das Castillo, scholar of the MSJO–Standard Insurance International Scholarship Program.

The evening’s repertoire opens with Tchaikovsky’s Festival Coronation March (1883), a work of ceremonial grandeur originally composed for Tsar Alexander III’s coronation. The program continues with the Variations on a Rococo Theme (1877), a cornerstone of the cello repertoire that combines classical elegance with virtuosic brilliance, to be performed by Castillo. The concert concludes with the beloved Sleeping Beauty Suite (1889), capturing the grace of courtly dances and the enchantment of fairy-tale fantasy.

Guest conductor Alexander Vikulov brings a distinguished international career spanning opera, ballet, and symphonic music, with appearances at the Vienna State Opera, Finnish National Opera, Seoul Arts Center, Teatro Regio di Torino, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Currently musical director of Manila’s Star and Aliw Theaters, he continues to build cultural bridges through the universal language of music.

Alexander Vikulov, Russian conductor

Eighteen-year-old Damodar Das Castillo, hailed as one of the most promising young cellists of his generation, has garnered top prizes in international competitions across Europe, including Tallinn, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna, and Italy. He studied at the Pre-College of Mozarteum University Salzburg under Prof. Barbara Lübke-Herzl and now performs on a George Gerl cello as part of his scholarship program.

Damodar Das Castillo, cellist

Founded in 1926, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of Asia’s oldest orchestras and the Philippines’ longest surviving artistic institution. Approaching its centennial in 2026, the MSO remains committed to presenting world-class performances while nurturing Filipino musical talent under Music Director Marlon Chen and Associate Conductor Jeffrey Solares.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Tickets are now available via TicketWorld. Prices range from ₱650 to ₱3,500, with discounts offered: 50% off for students (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYSTUDENT50), 20% off for seniors and PWDs (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYMSO20), and a 20% early bird discount until September 15, 2025 (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYEB20). Valid IDs must be presented upon entry.

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For one night only, experience the grandeur of Russian Romanticism as the Manila Symphony Orchestra brings Tchaikovsky’s music to life at the Aliw Theater.