FEU Center for the Arts presents "Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey"

FREE ADMISSION on January 21, 2026

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts (FCA) invites music lovers to an inspiring and educational evening as it presents an informational piano concert by internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Raffi Kasparian, D.M.A., returning to the FEU Auditorium on January 21, 2026.

Titled Tones Through Time: A Musical Odyssey, the free concert offers audiences a guided journey through the evolution of Western classical music. Through performance and narration, Dr. Kasparian will bring to life key musical periods—from the Baroque and Classical eras to the Romantic, Impressionistic, and 20th Century traditions—making the concert both engaging and enriching for listeners of all backgrounds.

Produced by the FEU Center for the Arts with the support of the Silaw Foundation and DZFE 98.7 FM, the event forms part of Dr. Kasparian’s 2026 Philippine concert tour. His tour includes performances in Paoay, Holy Angel University, the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, and the Manila Pianos Showroom.

Registration is free but required: https://forms.office.com/r/wS8B3qpyQp

Dr. Kasparian has performed extensively across the United States, Canada, and the Philippines as both a soloist and collaborative artist. His repertoire spans classical masterworks, original compositions, and inventive arrangements of popular and sacred music. Audiences and critics alike admire his ability to combine technical brilliance with thoughtful storytelling, transforming concerts into memorable learning experiences. His recordings and performances are available on his YouTube channel, Quantime Classics.

For 24 years, Dr. Kasparian served as pianist of The United States Army Chorus, the vocal counterpart of The United States Army Band Pershing’s Own. In this role, he performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Kennedy Center.

His musical relationship with the Philippines began in 1996 with performances at the University of the Philippines College of Music and Fort Ilocandia. He later helped inspire the creation of the SILAW Foundation, which supports cultural outreach through piano concerts. Over the years, his Philippine performances have included collaborations with his son Roman and landmark concerts with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, notably at Paoay Church and at Far Eastern University, itself a UNESCO Heritage site for its Art Deco campus.

Dr. Kasparian holds a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University Northridge, a Master’s degree from Peabody Conservatory, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He also pursued advanced studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Beyond music, Dr. Kasparian enjoyed a parallel career as a software engineer, driven by a lifelong passion for mathematics. He co-authored the book Java for Artists and has presented mathematical research at international conferences—an extraordinary testament to the harmony between music, math, and creative thinking that defines his life and work.

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Manila Symphony Orchestra announces Centennial Concert Schedule for 2026

The Manila Symphony Orchestra beams with pride this 2026 as it celebrates its Centennial year bringing together music, legacy, collaboration, and learning through concerts, conversations, and community programs.

In Pursuit of Excellence: The Manila Symphony Orchestra at 100

A Celebration (1926-2026)
Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance

Concert I – Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty
March 13 -15, 2026, Aliw Theater
Featuring Ballet Manila with Alexander Vikulov, conductor

The Manila Symphony Orchestra ushers in its Centennial Season with the timeless Tchaikovsky masterpiece, The Sleeping Beauty. This grand production brings to life the fairy-tale magic of Princess Aurora’s awakening. With lush orchestration, exquisite choreography, and visual splendor, this performance marks a truly magnificent opening to MSO’s 100th year celebration.

Ballet Manila is one of the Philippines’ foremost ballet companies, known for its high artistic standards, strong educational mission, and dedication to presenting classical and contemporary ballet to local and international audiences.

Alexander Vikulov is a Russian conductor of international distinction, trained at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, whose eminent career spans opera, symphonic, and ballet repertoire, with collaborations at leading institutions including the Mariinsky Theatre, Vienna State Opera, and Teatro Regio di Torino, and Ballet Manila.

Concert II – Rising Stars of the Philippines
May 30, 2026, Proscenium Theatre, Rockwell, Makati
Featuring: Jeanne Marquez (violin), Damodar Das Castillo (cello), and Joshua Dos Santos (conductor)

The future of Philippine music takes center stage as Jeanne Rafaella Marquez and Damodar Das Castillo join Joshua Dos Santos from Venezuela and the MSO for a showcase of youthful brilliance. The concert features Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 10 and other symphonic gems, celebrating both tradition and the promise of new artistic horizons. Supported by Standard Insurance, this evening shines a spotlight on the next century of Filipino talent.

Jeanne Rafaella Marquez is a Standard Insurance scholar, studying at The Juilliard School in New York. A Golden Medalist of the Vienna International Music Competition and recipient of the Philippine Ani ng Dangal Award, she has earned top prizes at major international competitions in New York, Singapore, and Manila.

Damodar Das Castillo is an MSJO-Standard Insurance scholar and a Mozarteum Alumnus in Salzburg, Austria. He is a top prize winner of five international music competitions, including Musica Goritiensis (Italy) and the International Anton Rubinstein Competition (Germany), and is the winner of the German Musical Instrument Prize 2012.

Joshua Dos Santos is recognized as one of the most accomplished young conductors to emerge from Venezuela’s National System of Youth Orchestras. He began conducting at the age of fifteen, and has conducted the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, maintaining close ties with the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth.

Concert III – Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of FilAm Friendship
July 4, 2026, Manila Metropolitan Theater
Featuring Emanuel John Villarin (violin) and Thanos Adamopoulos (conductor)

The MSO celebrates a century of Filipino creativity with a concert devoted to the nation’s most stirring orchestral works. The evening traces the evolution of Philippine symphonic expression, from its roots in tradition to its bold, contemporary voice. A musical portrait of a people, told through a hundred years of sound.

Emanuel John Villarin is an MSJO-Standard Insurance scholar and Hanns Eisler Scholar in Berlin, Germany. He is a first prize winner of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (2020) and the National New York Young Performers Prize (2021). Thanos Adamopoulos is a Parisian conductor active across Europe, the United States, and Asia. He began his musical studies in Israel and, at the age of nineteen, and is the music director of the Chapelle de Larranie in Brussels and maintains a long standing artistic relationship with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, and the Asian Youth Orchestra.

Concert IV – Legacies in Song: MSO’s 100 Years and the Voice of Conching Rosal
August 29, 2026, FEU Auditorium
Featuring: Rachelle Gerodias – Park (soprano), Michelle Mariposa (mezzo-soprano), Byeong In Park (baritone), and Marlon Chen (conductor)

Celebrating the timeless union of voice and orchestra, the program includes Bizet’s Carmen excerpts and other operatic treasures, tracing the MSO’s legacy in vocal music over the past century. A lush evening of passion, drama, and melody that honors the orchestra’s lyrical heritage.

Rachelle Gerodias - Park is a winner of “The Outstanding Young Men” and “The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service” awards. She is also the first “Aliw Awards Hall of Fame” awardee for Best Female Classical Performer, thereby cementing what many have long known: that Ms. Gerodias is currently the country’s brightest gem in the field of opera and classical vocal performances.

Michelle Mariposa is a Filipino-Chinese mezzo-soprano, a Grand Finals Winner of the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition, and Winner of the 2023 Sullivan Foundation Award. Michelle completed her Master's degree in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Voice and Psychology at the University of the Philippines, both summa cum laude.

Byeong In Park is an international Korean baritone who studied under acclaimed tenor Francisco Araiza at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Stuttgart, Germany. Since his studies in Germany, he has been actively performing in opera productions and concerts around Europe and Asia.

Marlon Chen is the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2019 who is acclaimed for his dynamic versatility across opera, ballet, symphonic, and chamber repertoire. He has guest-conducted leading orchestras worldwide, including Orchestre de Paris, MDR Leipzig, and the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, while holding key positions in the US and Mexico.

Concert V – Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future
October 24, 2026, Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University
Featuring New works by Ryan Cayabyab, Marlon Chen (conductor)

The grand finale of the Centennial Season is a sweeping tribute to the genius of Filipino composers across generations. The MSO presents the world premiere of a new work by Ryan Cayabyab, alongside masterpieces by other national icons. This historic gala concert brings together the country’s musical past and its bright creative future in one resounding celebration of national artistry.

Concert VI – MSO 100 Centennial Finale
January 2027, Venue: TBA
Featuring: Camille Thomas (cello), and Marlon Chen (conductor)

Bringing the Centennial Season to a resounding close, this grand finale celebrates a century of the MSO’s artistry and impact through a program of luminous orchestral works that reflect both gratitude for the past and hope for the future. Presented in partnership with UNICEF, the concert embodies the orchestra’s enduring mission to uplift, inspire, and give back through the universal language of music.

Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas has been performing since the age of four and is acclaimed for her deeply expressive artistry, distinguished by exceptional technical refinement and emotional immediacy, qualities that have established her as one of the most compelling artists of her generation.

*program, artists, date, and venue subject to change

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Check out our social media accounts to get up to 50% off on all MSO100 VIP Season Concert Tickets!

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A Front-Row Seat to Broadway, Games, and Holiday Joy

Being invited to such an intimate concert already felt special, but getting a front-row seat made the night even more memorable. U Hotel’s El Mundo Café, usually known as a lively and busy restaurant, transformed into a relaxed and cozy performance space. It became a chill setting where music and storytelling took center stage, allowing everyone to truly appreciate the art up close.

The night opened beautifully with guest front act Hannah Bulos singing “Give Love on Christmas Day” popularized by The Jackson 5 in 1970. Her sweet, childlike voice instantly set the mood and gently pulled the audience in. Before long, people were singing along, turning the opening into a shared and heartfelt Christmas moment.

 

What made the concert even more enjoyable was how interactive it was. Games were woven into the program, giving Anya and Cara the chance to connect directly with the audience. Guessing which song they would perform next added excitement and laughter, making the night feel personal and playful rather than formal.

 

Cara and Anya Gutierrez

Despite some technical difficulties during the first act, the performances themselves stood strong. Anya opened Act 1 with “Popular” from Wicked, delivering a lively and confident performance that highlighted her natural charm and comedic timing. Cara followed with “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia, where her clear vocals and emotional delivery captured the longing and hope of the song. She continued to impress with the 1939 hit from the movie, Wizard of Oz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” offering a gentle and heartfelt version that felt intimate and sincere. Anya then surprised the audience with a more serious turn in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” from Jesus Christ Superstar, proving her ability to shift from playful to deeply emotional with ease.

The technical issues from the first act were fully redeemed in the second act, where the sound system was restored and the performances truly shined. Cara delivered a touching rendition of “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” the only Tagalog song of the night, which resonated deeply and brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the room. The sisters then came together for “For Good” from Wicked, a duet that highlighted their strong harmony and emotional connection. Their chemistry continued in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas,” where they balanced softness, power, and joy, ending the concert on a festive and uplifting note.

Throughout the night, Anya and Cara clearly showed both vocal and character versatility. Anya’s cheerfulness and expressive energy were perfect for playful and upbeat songs, while Cara’s composed and serious presence brought depth to ballads. Together, they blended these strengths seamlessly, proving they can shine both individually and as a duo.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was a special performance by Cara with director Jojo Urquico. Their duet of “Sun and Moon” from Miss Saigon delighted the audience and felt like a meaningful tribute to musical theater, leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, the concert was heartfelt, fun, and inspiring. It showcased not just strong vocals, but growth, versatility, and genuine passion. I left the venue excited and hopeful for what lies ahead for Anya and Cara, knowing that this night was only a glimpse of greater things to come.

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A Night of Broadway, Christmas, and Storytelling: Cara and Anya Gutierrez Live at U Hotel Makati

This December 18, U Hotel in Poblacion, Makati sets the stage for an enchanting evening of Broadway favorites and holiday classics as sisters Cara and Anya Gutierrez headline a special pre-Christmas concert directed by Miss Saigon alumnus Jojo Urquico.

Both Cara and Anya are Miss Saigon alumni, a shared legacy that anchors the evening with theatrical depth and international pedigree. Designed as an intimate, two-act performance, the concert blends timeless Christmas songs with iconic musical theater numbers, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience world-class talent in a close, personal setting.

Act I opens with heartwarming holiday selections and beloved Broadway standards, including “My Grown Up Christmas List,” “For the First Time in Forever,” “Journey to the Past,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” The act concludes with emotionally resonant performances that highlight each sister’s distinct vocal strengths and storytelling ability.

Act II brings playful energy, powerful theatrical moments, and a festive finale. Audiences can look forward to crowd favorites such as “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Home,” and “Popular,” as well as moving duets like “For Good” and a joyful holiday closer with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Anya Gutierrez is an internationally trained singer, actress, and dancer who starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical and played Yvette in Miss Saigon with World Theater Productions in Guam (2022–2023). She recently portrayed Maria in the Ateneo dramatic play No Harm, No Foul (2024) and headlined major performances including the ISKiN 10th Anniversary Show at Solaire and Opening Night: A Broadway Concert at Ateneo’s Dulaang Sibol (2025). Anya trained in acting for film and television under renowned Hollywood coach Howard Fine and is a Soprano 1 trained in the McClosky Vocal Technique. She also continues her dance training with Douglas Nierras Power Dance and IDMM Ballet.

Cara Gutierrez is a Filipino-American actress and vocalist celebrated for her expressive authenticity and luminous vocal quality. She starred as principal Kim in Miss Saigon (World Theater Productions), earning critical praise for her raw emotional delivery and gentle strength, and is currently in callbacks for major productions including Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Aladdin. A Merit Scholar at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (New York City), Cara trained under Broadway professionals Kyle Taylor Parker, David Cady, Jim Elliott, and Jay Russell, with further international training at the Unseen Acting School in London, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and with West End dance instructors Jack William Parry and El Haq Latief; she also continues her hip hop and jazz training with Douglas Nierras Powerdance. Trained in the McClosky Vocal Technique, she brings emotional honesty, depth, and heart to every role, and holds a cum laude degree in Information Technology Entrepreneurship from Ateneo de Manila University.

Set against the stylish and intimate backdrop of U Hotel, Poblacion, the December 18 concert promises an evening of music, storytelling, and holiday warmth—led by two rising stars whose shared journey on international stages now comes home for a special Christmas performance.

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An ‘Al Fresco’ Concert and Film Night at MiraNila Heritage House

Experience Concert and Cinema Under the Stars

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the historic MiraNila Heritage House will open its gates for a rare evening where time, memory, and music come together in one immersive al fresco event. As the sun sets over this beautifully preserved 1929 ancestral home, guests will first be invited to explore its storied halls through an intimate house tour before gathering on the front lawn for a unique blend of live performance and open-air cinema.

The evening will feature violinist Alessio Benvenuti, praised as an “Artist of High National and International Value,” and pianist Mariel Ilusorio, whose work has touched audiences across four continents. Together, the duo will perform selections from the timeless score of Cinema Paradiso, composed by Ennio and Andrea Morricone. The Oscar-winning and Palme d’Or–honored classic will then be screened outdoors, with a special message from celebrated director Giuseppe Tornatore delivered exclusively to the MiraNila audience after the film.

Tickets are available at special early bird rates until December 20, priced at ₱1,000 for adults and ₱800 for seniors and students with valid IDs. After the early bird period, regular tickets will be ₱1,200 for adults and ₱1,000 for seniors and students. To reserve a seat, guests may contact Bern via Viber at 0906 547 8268.

Guests may also look forward to a selection of food and beverages available throughout the evening. Pasta stations, snack tables, and cold drinks will be offered on the front lawn for purchase. Those who wish to elevate their experience can book VIP enhancements, including pre-concert cocktails and antipasti for ₱1,000 or a post-concert dinner for ₱1,750, available through the official booking link.

For event inquiries and additional information, guests may reach out to MiraNamin at +63 917 621 0062 or via email at hello@thenestbythesea.com

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The Manila Symphony Orchestra marks 100 Years with a historic anniversary concert

The Manila Symphony Orchestra opens its centennial season with a powerful evening of music and thanksgiving on January 22, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. The MSO celebrates a hundred years of excellence by revisiting the very piece that launched its journey: Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, performed exactly a century ago at its inaugural concert. Then conducted by founder Alexander Lippay, the work now returns under the baton of acclaimed Singaporean conductor Darrel Ang, bridging the orchestra’s rich past with its bright future.

Darren Ang, conductor

Joining the celebration is rising Chinese pianist Muyu Liu, who performs Beethoven’s majestic Emperor Concerto, a work known for its heroic opening and dazzling virtuosity. The concerto, written amid wartime tension in Vienna, remains one of Beethoven’s most beloved pieces for its grandeur and emotional depth.

Muyu Liu, pianist

The evening culminates in a resounding tribute to faith and Filipino musical spirit with two major works by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. His award-winning Misa 2000, a sacred composition weaving together choral textures, orchestral color, and Filipino musical identity, is performed by the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and the MSO under the direction of Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio. Cayabyab’s Te Deum follows—an uplifting, joy-filled hymn of praise that blends classical tradition with modern Filipino sensibility, offering a deeply moving finale to the centennial celebration.

Philippine Madrigal Singers

Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio

MSO Season 100 Lineup (2026–2027):

Concert I – Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty
March 13–15, 2026 | Aliw Theater

Concert II – Centennial Rising Stars of the Philippines
May 30, 2026 | Proscenium Theatre

Concert III – Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of FilAm Friendship
July 4, 2026 | Manila Metropolitan Theater

Concert IV – Legacies in Song: MSO’s 100 Years and the Voice of Conching Rosal
August 29, 2026 | FEU Auditorium

Concert V – Centennial Finale Gala: Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future
October 2026 | Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University

Concert VI – MSO 100 Centennial Finale
January 2027 | Venue TBA

Program, artists, dates, and venues may change.

Tickets are now available via Ticketworld, with prices ranging from ₱1,800 to ₱5,000 across various seating zones. Audiences can also enjoy special offers, including a 50% student discount, 20% off for senior citizens and PWDs, and a limited 20% early bird discount using the code MSO100EB20 valid until December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Stay connected with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and get the latest updates on their centennial season by following them on YouTube and Facebook at Manila Symphony Orchestra, on Instagram at @manila.symphony, and on TikTok at @manilasymphonyorchestra. More details about their concerts, programs, and legacy are available on their official website: www.manilasymphony.com.

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Christmas Comes Home to Los Angeles with Pasko sa Baryo

A Filipino Christmas Celebration by ABS-CBN Global and Baryo Entertainment

Iconic Filipino artists, festive flavors, and the warmth of home come alive in Downtown LA.

The sights, sounds, and spirit of a true Filipino Christmas are coming to Downtown Los Angeles with Pasko sa Baryo, a grand holiday celebration presented by ABS-CBN Global, TFC, MYX, and Baryo Ent.
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM at 9ThirtyLA (930 Mateo Street, Arts District, Los Angeles), this all-day indoor-outdoor festival marks the first-ever Pasko sa Baryo event—bringing the magic of a Filipino Christmas village to the heart of LA.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Music and Homecoming
Headlining the stage are legendary Filipino and Fil-Am artists whose music has defined generations:

• VST & Company – pioneers of the Manila Sound movement, performing timeless hits like “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and “Rock Baby Rock"
• Jocelyn Enriquez – the trailblazing Fil-Am Queen of Freestyle, known for “Do You Miss Me?” and “If You Could Read My Mind.”
• One Vo1ce – beloved 2000s R&B trio performing favorites like “When U Think About Me.”
• They’ll be joined by Jesse Barrera, Albert Posis, and Jo-B Sebastian, bringing a new generation of Filipino sound — blending soulful vocals, smooth R&B, and holiday nostalgia with a modern twist.

“Our vision was to bring together Filipino creativity across generations — from music icons to the new voices shaping today’s sound — all with a Christmas twist that celebrates our culture, community, and the spirit of togetherness,” said Stephanie Ramos, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Baryo Ent.

A Feast of Flavors and Festivities
No Filipino celebration is complete without food. Guests can indulge in holiday-inspired favorites from community vendors including Sampa, San & Wolves, Dollar Hits, Park’s Finest, Café 86, Malaya Coffee, Big Boi, Wanderlust Creamery, Wow Taho, and Eat Pandasals—each serving nostalgic bites that bring the taste of home to Los Angeles.

“Our restaurant partners are bringing the season to life with special holiday dishes — from lechon to bibingka and puto bumbong — celebrating how Filipinos connect through food,” said Miles Canares, Co-Founder and Festival Director of Baryo Ent. “It’s the heart of every celebration and what makes us feel at home.”

The Pasko sa Baryo Stage and Christmas Village will also feature a curated marketplace of Filipino-owned vendors perfect for holiday gift shopping, along with interactive activities including a caroling-style karaoke contest, ornament decorating, and parol-making workshops celebrating beloved Filipino Christmas traditions.

The evening culminates in a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, symbolizing light, hope, and community.

Powered by Partners Who Bring You Closer to Home
Pasko sa Baryo is proudly presented by GCash and Philippine Airlines, with Sendwave and RLC Residences as major sponsors, and Shang Properties, Paysend, and Valerio’s Bakeshop as supporting sponsors.

“Christmas has always been the season that connects Filipinos—wherever they are—to home, to family, and to one another,” said Jun del Rosario, Chief Operating Officer of ABS-CBN Global. “Through Pasko sa Baryo, we hope to bring that same feeling of joy, belonging, and nostalgia to Filipinos in Los Angeles. We want to remind everyone that even if we’re far from the Philippines, we can still celebrate Christmas the way we do back home—filled with music, laughter, and community.”

“Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as early as the ‘-ber months,’ and that’s a tradition we wanted to bring to life,” said Jennifer Taylor, Co-Founder and head of Corporate Affairs for Baryo Ent. “Collaborating with ABS-CBN on Pasko sa Baryo makes this celebration even more meaningful — a true reflection of community and connection.”

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'Echoes of Croatia in the Philippines' concert all set on October 14

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts and the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), in partnership with the soon to open Embassy of Croatia in Manila, proudly present ECHOES OF CROATIA in the Philippines.

Set your eyes and ears on Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old Filipina prodigy and Croatia’s Got Talent 2023 winner, as she captivates you with her stunning voice alongside internationally acclaimed Croatian artists — Blanka Tkalčić (mezzo-soprano) and Danijel Oto (pianist, educator, and chamber musician).

Experience an afternoon filled with harmony that bridges nations on October 14, 3:00 pm at the FEU Auditorium.

Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old soprano originally from Pampanga, Philippines, has been living in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia since 2020. She first captured the hearts of the public with her interpretation of a traditional Međimurje folk song on Supertalent, and has continued to delight audiences across Croatia ever since. From the age of five, she showed a passion for music, singing karaoke with her mother. In Croatia, she quickly embraced the local culture, especially the region’s musical heritage and traditional attire. Chriztel is an 8th-grade student at Primary School Sveti Martin na Muri, a member of the school choir and part of the local cultural and artistic society HKUU Sveti Martin. She studies voice in the preparatory program of the Varaždin Music School under the guidance of Blanka Tkalčić. Her performances of authentic Međimurje folk songs have been compared to the legendary "Aunt Liza", and her emotional expressiveness leaves audiences breathless. She has performed at numerous traditional music events, charity concerts, and public festivals, including collaborations with Croatia's folk music icon Lidija Bajuk. She won the Supertalent show, the Prvi glas Zagorja contest, the Mali MEF Grand Prix, and first prize at the Brežice Festival in Slovenia. Through her singing, Chriztel celebrates her second homeland—Croatia—while remaining proudly connected to her Filipino roots.

 
Chriztel Renae Aceveda

Blanka Tkalčić, mezzo-soprano, was born in Čakovec in 1978. She attended the Varaždin Music School and studied voice with Darija Hreljanović, later continuing at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz under Ulf Bästlein. She holds both a diploma and master’s degree in lied and oratorio and specialized further under renowned mentors such as Silvia Bazzoni-Bartoli and Lidija Horvat-Dunjko. Blanka has performed widely in Croatia and abroad (Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.), with prestigious orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Johann Strauss Capelle, and Paris Chamber Orchestra. Her repertoire spans oratorios, masses, and operas—from Mozart’s Requiem to roles in operettas like The Merry Widow, Countess Maritza, and Die Fledermaus. She is also an acclaimed pedagogue, teaching voice at the Varaždin Music School and working with Opera BB under maestro Vladimir Kranjčević, with whom she has sung roles in operas by Pergolesi, Menotti, Rossini, Donizetti, and others. She is a member of the Europeisches Musik Zentrum Wien.

Blanka Tkalčić

Danijel Oto, pianist, began his piano studies at the age of 12 and entered the Zagreb Music Academy at 18 under the tutelage of Vladimir Krpan. He graduated in 2009 with top honors and has continued his development through masterclasses with renowned pedagogues such as Franco Scala, Peter Eicher, and Konstantin Krasnitsky. He has performed in prestigious venues across Europe (Vienna, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Zagreb, Belgrade), recorded for Croatian Radio and Television, and collaborated with prominent artists. A sought-after chamber musician and official accompanist at international competitions, Danijel is regularly invited as a jury member in piano competitions across Europe. Since 2008, he has been working as an accompanist and piano teacher at the Varaždin School of Music, and he is currently also an assistant at University North (Department of Music and Media). His students have won over 200 awards at national and international competitions. He is also a regular faculty member at the Grožnjan International Summer Piano School.

Danijel Oto

Admission is FREE!

Secure your seats by registering through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/yx6wzkkxvn

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Cecile Licad Up Close at Gallery Miranila all set on October 1

 

MiraNila Heritage House & Library in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and the P. Ilusorio Foundation and in collaboration with Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf proudly presents "Cecile Licad Up Close" on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

World-renowned pianist Cecile Licad graces this country in October with her only solo performance in Metro Manila.

Described by The New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist,” Ms. Licad will play in the garden-surrounded setting of the Gallery MiraNila bringing to life the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Joplin, Liszt, and Schumann as you’ve never before experienced.

Ms. Licad chose romantic and early modern works believing that these will resonate well with her local audiences.

The repertoire will feature Beethoven’s famous Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight) in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, nineteen short compositions from Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9, Liszt’s St. Francis de Paolo Walking on the Waves, three pieces from American composer Scott Joplin that Ms. Licad’s performed at the Carnegie Hall last December, and Chopin’s “favorite and dearest” of his ballads, Ballade No. 1 in G Minor.

A recipient of the Leventritt Gold Medal, Grand Prix du Disque, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award, Ms. Licad has also worked with esteemed orchestras and distinguished conductors, including the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Claudio Abbado, as well as Sir Georg Solti, the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich, the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, the London Symphony Orchestra under Kurt Masur, the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Andre Previn, and the Russian Academy State Orchestra (Moscow) under People’s Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein.

She continues to captivate audiences at the Carnegie Hall and, most recently, on tour with famed Wynton Marsalis and his brass band playing alongside Louis, a modern silent film based on the early years of the legendary trumpetist Louis Armstrong.

The Gallery MiraNila concert offers a rare opportunity to hear this most decorated of Filipino classical artists in the intimate setting of the hall.

Tickets for her one-night-only solo concert in Metro Manila: Premium seats at P3,500. and regular seats at P3,000. For tickets, text Bern at 0906-547-8268 or email miranilaheritage@gmail.com.

Doors open at 5:30 pm and the performance promptly starts at 6:30 pm.
A Bizu pasta station and some light snacks will be open during intermission and after the concert.

Separate from concert tickets.
MiraNamin Nest:
Pre-Concert Sunset Cocktail Hour, ₱1,000 per guest. Cocktails and charcuterie with panoramic sunset views. Time: 5:00–6:00 PM

MiraNamin Nest:
Post-Concert Dinner Under the Stars, ₱2,000 per guest. A curated late dinner by Bizu on the rooftop after the concert.

Book your spots now: https://bit.ly/3JvaG9q

MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy Bagong Lipunan Crame, Q.C. Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House Events.

Cecile Licad Up Close is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts, P. Ilusorio Foundation, and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf.

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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!

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A Night in Hollywood: MSO Brings the Silver Screen to Life

Get ready for a cinematic night like no other as the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents “A Night in Hollywood”, the second concert of its highly anticipated 99th season. Taking place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater, this grand musical spectacle promises to transport audiences into the magical world of Hollywood film music — live in concert.

Under the baton of acclaimed American guest conductor Angel Velez, and featuring internationally celebrated Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, the concert brings together the magic of movies and the power of live symphonic performance. Also joining the orchestra are top composers and conductors from the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI), showcasing original film-inspired works in a unique collaboration with MSO.

 

Zoltán Onczay (cellist) and Angel Velez (conductor)

Part I of the concert opens with Tribute to the Film Composers, a lush orchestral arrangement by John Williams honoring the greats of classic Hollywood. Audiences will then experience new, cutting-edge compositions from rising stars in film music including Sophia Bass (Heart of a Warrior), Julia Sanchez, Jennifer Jolley, Yuxuan Liu, Mohamad Rasull, Robin Raisch, and Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez — a rich tapestry of musical storytelling that reflects global voices and contemporary cinematic styles. The movement Hungarian Rhapsody by David Popper, featuring Onczay on cello, concludes the first half with fiery virtuosity.

Part II is a thrilling homage to John Williams, one of the most iconic film composers of all time. The MSO will perform beloved themes from Harry Potter, Schindler’s List (with violinist Alessio Benvenuti), Jurassic Park, Superman, E.T., and Seven Years in Tibet (with Onczay returning as cello soloist). Also featured is Williams’ arrangement of Por Una Cabeza, with violinist Jeanne Rafaella Marquez, and the grand finale: the rousing Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

With its blend of Hollywood classics and world-premiere compositions, “A Night in Hollywood” offers a rare opportunity for Manila audiences to hear film music elevated by the full force of a live orchestra. It’s more than a concert — it’s a celebration of storytelling, emotion, and artistry.

Don’t miss this one-night-only event that promises to dazzle film fans, music lovers, and dreamers alike.

Tickets are now available. Experience the music behind the movies — only with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

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Manila Symphony Orchestra all set to perform "Music for Peace" concert featuring Dvorak and Beethoven on May 24

Marking nearly a century of musical excellence, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Standard Insurance proudly launch its 99th season IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: 2025-2026 MSO Concert Series. 

This series is a prelude to the "Road to 100" celebration of Manila Symphony Orchestra's 100th year anniversary in 2026.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines. With a rich legacy spanning almost 100 years, the MSO looks upon its history of various contributions into the cultural landscape of the country. 

Jeffrey Solares, Artistic Director of MSO noted that "this landmark season will celebrate the MSO’s linkages with music and artists from various countries and celebrate the richness that has contributed to the current artistic palette of the orchestra. It will also feature the young artists it has nurtured through its scholarship and training programs as soloists."

The first concert titled "MUSIC FOR PEACE" is all set to open on May 24 Saturday at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City at 7:30 pm.

This year, the MSO commemorates the 80th anniversary of the series of over 150 post-liberation concerts organized between 1945 and 1946. Among the music performed during that period are Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 "From The New World" and Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61, which will be performed featuring Berlin-based violin soloist Emanuel John Villarin and conductor Marlon Chen. Through these monumental works, the MSO continues to celebrate its mission of using music as a force for peace, unity, and healing.

The Artists

Marlon Chen’s dynamic charisma and artistic versatility have seen him conduct opera, ballet, symphonic works and chamber orchestras to sold-out concert halls across four continents. In June 2019, Marlon Chen was appointed as Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Principal Conductor. He likewise continues his positions as Principal Guest Conductor and  Associate Conductor with many of the world's finest orchestras including Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, National Orchestra d'ile de France,

MAV Orchestra Hungary, English School of Opera Festival Orchestra London, Bulgarian State Opera, Moldova Chamber Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, Bolivian Festival Orchestra, Singapore International Music Festival Orchestra, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and the MDR Orchestra of Leipzig, Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Symphonic Orchestra of Natal, Brazil.

Filipino violinist Emanuel John Villarin, also known as EJ, is a pioneer member of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and an incoming sophomore student at Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, Germany under the tutelage of Prof. Eva-Christina Schönweiß. As an active participant in several local and international competitions, his high achievements led him to The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)'s recognition of Ani ng Dangal Award in 2022. EJ recently won the post as one of the concertmasters of the 2023 Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO), where he led the orchestra in a concert tour of 11 different cities in Europe and Asia. EJ is a scholar of the Standard Insurance Co. “In Pursuit of Excellence” Program and the Cultural Center of the Philippines Scholarship Program.

The Repertoire

Dvořák, Symphony no. 9 “From The New World”

Dvořák’s 9th Symphony, “From The New World” is one of the most popular works of this composer from Bohemia. Dvořák was inspired by Native American tunes he encountered during his tenue as director of the National Conservatory of Music of America from 1892-1995.

80 years ago in 1945, as a tribute to the American forces who helped liberate the Philippines from the Japanese Occupation, MSO’s music director Dr. Herbert Zipper included this piece as one of the symphonies the MSO performed during its first postwar concert on May 9-11, 1945, held at the roofless Sta. Cruz Church in Binondo. The MSO last performed the entire symphony in March 2015 at the Meralco Auditorium in a concert commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the end of the 2nd world war.

Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61

Emanuel John Villarin, violin soloist

Beethoven’s only completed violin concerto, the D-major op. 61, stands as one of the greatest violin concertos of all time. Its sprawling lyrical themes and symphonic breadth have made it a very popular work that generations of violinists and orchestras perform all over the world. Then 18-year old violinist Basilio Manalo performed this work with the MSO under Dr. Herbert Zipper  in several postwar concerts starting from June 16, 1945 at the Rex Theater, a now defunct movie house Binondo, Manila. 

The calendar of forthcoming performances of MSO Concert Series 2025-2026 are as follows:

1. "A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD" - June 28, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Los Angeles Film Composers Intensive (LAFCI) Conducting Fellows
   Angel Velez, American guest conductor
   Zoltan Onczay, cello
   
   
2. "BRAZILIAN GUITAR AND CELLO" - August 9, 2025
   Music by Villalobos and Jeffrey Ching
   Fabio Presgrave, cello
   Fabio Zanon, guitar
   Stefanie Quintin-Avila, soprano
   Marlon Chen, conductor
   
   
3. "BUTTERFLY LOVERS VIOLIN CONCERTO" - September 7, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto
   Filipino Work for Children’s Choir and Orchestra
   Monica Bacus, violin
   Children’s Choir
   
   
4. "DANCING WITH TCHAIKOVSKY" - September 27, 2025
   Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
   Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra
   Suite from the Ballet “Sleeping Beauty”
   Damodar Das Castillo, cello
   Alexander Vikulov, guest conductor
   
   
5. "THE MSO 100TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT" - January 22, 2026
   Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati
   Muyu Liu, piano
   Darrell Ang, guest conductor

*Dates and venues may be subject to change.

The MSO’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience and profound cultural significance. Founded in 1926, the MSO has survived wars, endured hardships, and emerged as a pillar of artistic achievement in the Philippines. In 1945, the MSO’s first post-liberation concert symbolized the revival of Filipino culture after the devastation of World War II. It is this spirit of renewal and artistic excellence that continues to define the MSO’s work today. 

In Pursuit of Excellence: Concert Series 2025-2026 will reflect this legacy while looking toward the future with exciting collaborations, world premieres, and performances that bring together the best of local and international talent.

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld:

https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=MFPEACE25

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS: 

20% Early Bird Discount

Use the code: MUSICFORPEACEEB20 only until April 25, 2025 Friday

20% for Senior Citizens, PWDs, Diplomats

Email: tickets@ticketworld.com.ph

Call: 0917-550-6997 or 0999-954-5922

50% for Students

Use the code: MUSICFORPEACESTUDENT50

Present valid IDs on the day of the concert

Save up to 50% on all Season 99 concerts by being an All-Access Member http://bit.ly/3G0WH9i

For inquiries regarding subscription packages for the Season 99 Concert Series, please check the website: www.manilasymphony.com or call Ms. Riva Ferrer, MSO Marketing Manager at +63917-8501774

Follow The Manila Symphony Orchestra on social media:

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Website – www.manilasymphony.com

Address:

Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc.

2nd level Circuit Lane, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City, 1207

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