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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This Epic Fairytale Show Is 50% Off for Students — But Only for One Night!

Here’s one event you don’t want to miss—especially if you’re a student looking for something fun, cultural, and totally worth your weekend. Peter and the Wolf & Little Red Riding Hood is coming to The Theatre at Solaire from August 1 to 3, and for the Sunday, August 3, 7 PM show, students get a massive 50% discount on tickets!

 

Now, what makes this show so special? For the first time in Philippine performing arts history, three iconic institutions—Ballet Philippines, Repertory Philippines, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra—are joining forces on one stage. That’s dance, theater, and live orchestral music all in one magical performance. It’s not every day you get to experience that kind of creative power in a single night.

The show features Peter and the Wolf, the beloved musical tale by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. It’s such a fun and clever piece where every character is represented by a different instrument. The bird? A flute. The duck? An oboe. The cat is a clarinet, and so on. It’s like storytelling through sound, and when combined with visuals and movement, it becomes something truly unforgettable.

Paired with that is Little Red Riding Hood, told through ballet, with music by Camille Saint-Saëns and Edvard Grieg. It’s a fresh take on the classic fairytale, reimagined to highlight courage, curiosity, and the magic of kindness. Plus, it’s super kid-friendly—so yes, bring your siblings, cousins, even your lola if she’s into fairytales with a twist.

The production runs for just five shows from August 1 to 3, with matinees and evening performances. But if you're aiming for a steal, August 3 at 7 PM is the sweet spot for students. Just head to TicketWorld and use the promo code PETERAUG37PMSTUDENT50 to slash your ticket price in half. Don’t forget to bring your school ID on the day of the show, or they might not let you in on the deal. Here's the link to book: Ticketworld.

For bulk bookings or barkada buys, you can also shoot an email to marketing.manilasymphony@gmail.com.

Honestly, this is the kind of event that hits all the right notes—literally and figuratively. It’s fun, artistic, enriching, and yes, affordable if you’re a student. So if you're into music, theater, ballet, or just looking for something different to do, this show is the perfect way to spend your Sunday night.

Catch it while you can. Trust me, you’ll want to say you were there when three of the country’s finest came together for one unforgettable performance.

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MSO’s Triple Treat: Watch 2 Concerts, Get 1 Free Ticket!

Get ready for a whirlwind of world-class music, storytelling, and cultural celebration as the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) unveils a thrilling concert bundle that’s too good to miss! This season, MSO is giving music lovers a chance to catch two unforgettable performances and receive a complimentary ticket to one of the most anticipated events of the year: “Butterfly Lovers – Yellow River Concerto”, MSO’s 4th Season Concert.

Here’s how it works: Choose any two concerts from MSO’s exciting upcoming lineup and you’ll get one free ticket to "Butterfly Lovers – Yellow River Concerto." It’s a rare opportunity to dive deep into diverse musical experiences and enjoy a bonus performance on the house.

Concert #1: DUYOG – The 1st Bohol International Youth Orchestra Festival Celebration Concert
Featuring the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra and Children's Orchestra Society New York, this collaboration of young talent from around the globe hits the stage on July 12, 2025, 7:30PM at GSIS Theater, Pasay City. Witness the future of orchestral music in one inspiring evening!

Concert #2: Peter and the Wolf & Little Red Riding Hood
In this unique performance, MSO teams up with Ballet Philippines and Repertory Philippines to reimagine two classic tales through music, dance, and drama. Happening on August 3, 2025, 7PM at The Theater at Solaire, this family-friendly concert promises to be a magical night for all ages.

Concert #3: Brazilian Guitar and Cello
Experience a rich fusion of sound with celebrated Brazilian artists Fabio Zanon (guitar) and Fabio Presgrave (cello), joined by soprano Stephanie Quintin and conductor Marlon Chen. Set for August 9, 2025, 7:30PM at Bayanihan Hall, British School Manila, BGC, this is a must-see for lovers of Latin music and virtuosic performance.

BONUS for MSO Season 99 Subscribers: For every pair of tickets purchased—one for “Duyog” and one for “Peter and the Wolf”—subscribers get an extra complimentary ticket to “Butterfly Lovers – Yellow River Concerto,” on top of their season perks!

Secure your seats and register now via this link: https://forms.gle/kiBjAgN4NhzxQ8hX7

Whether you're into orchestral classics, theatrical fables, or cross-cultural collaborations, MSO’s Triple Treat is your passport to a season of unforgettable performances. Don’t miss out!

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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:

YouTube - Manila Symphony Orchestra

Facebook - Manila Symphony Orchestra

Instagram - @manila.symphony

TikTok - @manilasymphonyorchestra

Website – www.manilasymphony.com

Address:

Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc.

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

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"Strings Of Gold": The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra sets concert on October 1, 2024

The MiraNila Heritage House & Library proudly presents “Strings of Gold: The Manila Symphony Orchestra Returns Triumphant from Europe” on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at The Gallery MiraNila.

Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra

Last July, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) received the gold prize in addition to the Grand Prix in the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music in Slovakia. It was their first participation in the festival.

Only two companies were awarded the Grand Prix in Bratislava this year, the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria from South Africa for their choir and the MSJO from the Philippines for their orchestra. In the same month, the MSJO journeyed to Mozart’s Vienna and garnered the top prize at the prestigious 2024 Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival, a reprise of their golden win of 2021, besting 140 orchestras from 33 countries.

The repertoire for the concert will include classical works for strings by Josef Suk, Antonio Vivaldi, and Antonín Dvořák, as well as popular classics by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, Harold Arlen, Ryan Cayabyab, Conrado del Rosario, BINI, and Benny Castillon, among others.

The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) is the string orchestra training program of the MSO Foundation. The junior orchestra is composed of the most advanced students of the MSO Music Academy and other qualified students ages 9 to 26 years old.

Between 2017 and 2019, the MSJO toured Austria, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Korea, and Myanmar. Several MSJO members are top-prize winners of international competitions and of the Philippines’ National Music Competitions for Young Artists.

To date, several MSJO members are enrolled in leading music schools in the United States and Europe, such as the Juilliard School in New York, Cleveland State University, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg.

The MSJO is principally supported by Standard Insurance Inc., under its corporate motto “In Pursuit of Excellence.”

The House opens at 6:00 p.m. and the program promptly starts at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

For the general public: Tickets @ P1500, limited seating on a first-come-first-save basis, order now. Text 0927 277 6335 (Robeen Manalo) for tickets.

Pre-concert snacks & post-concert dinners are available at Bizu MiraNila with a 5% discount for ticket holders on the day of the concert, call to reserve with Jenn or Kim +639273015129.

Guests are requested to kindly wear soft-soled shoes as these are kinder to old floors.

MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy Bagong Lipunan Crame, QC (find us on Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House Events).

“Strings of Gold” is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf, with support from the Bizu Groupe and The Henry MiraNila.

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