“Duyog” is a Visayan word which means “to accompany” and is usually used in the context of collaborative music-making.
DUYOG: The 1st International Youth Orchestra Festival 2025 Celebration Concert is one of the culminating activities of the said festival, which will be held in Bohol from July 5-10, initiated between the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. led by violinist and conductor Jeffrey Solares, with the Young Symphonic Ensemble (YSE) of New York’s Children’s Orchestra Society led by Filipino Classical guitarist and conductor Michael Dadap.
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| Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra |
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| Children's Orchestra Society of New York |
The concert features young musicians from the Children’s Orchestra Society New York, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra. They are performing with the Plectra Corde Rondalla and the Bagong Himig Serenata (PUP) Chorale in a celebration concert in Manila on July 12, 2025 at the GSIS theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City, to be conducted by international faculty members from the USA, Hungary, Italy, Vietnam and the Philippines.
The upcoming concert brings together two exceptional youth ensembles: the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and the Children’s Orchestra Society (COS) of New York, in a celebration of cultural pride and musical excellence.
Under the direction of Prof. Jeffrey Solares, the MSJO is one of the country’s premier youth string orchestras. Comprising top talents aged 9 to 25, the group has garnered international acclaim, including First Place wins at the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna and the Bratislava International Youth Music Festival, where it also secured the prestigious Grand Prix Award.
The Children’s Orchestra Society, founded in 1962 by Dr. H.T. Ma, is a New York-based non-profit that nurtures young musicians through intensive classical training and performance. Known for fostering discipline, collaboration, and artistry, COS provides young performers with the opportunity to work alongside their peers and celebrated guest artists.
The evening's repertoire is a journey across cultures and eras. Highlights include:
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“Sinulog: Dances of Atonement”, a vivid symphonic poem by Michael Dadap inspired by pre-colonial Filipino rituals and featuring native instruments like the kulintang, gandingan, and bamboo flutes.
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Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, performed by pianist Gloria Shih, a Romantic-era masterpiece known for its sweeping melodies and emotional depth.
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Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian”, a sun-drenched homage to Italy’s charm, combining Classical form with Romantic energy.
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“Alay Sa Inang Bayan” by Jerry Dadap, a stirring choral symphonic ode to the Philippines, performed in collaboration with PUP Bagong Himig Serenata and Plectra Corde Rondalla, honoring the heroism of Andres Bonifacio and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.
Together, these ensembles will present a concert that bridges generations, geographies, and musical traditions — a powerful testament to the universal language of music.
Follow The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra on social media:
YouTube - Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
Facebook - Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
Instagram - @manilasymphony_junior
TikTok - @manilasymphony_junior
Website – www.manilasymphony.com
Follow The Children’s Orchestra Society New York on social media:
YouTube – Children’s Orchestra Society
Facebook - Children’s Orchestra Society
Instagram - @childrensorchestrasociety
Website – www.childrensorch.org
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