MSO Music Academy opens new home at One Ayala

The Manila Symphony Orchestra officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala last October 6, 2026.

The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by the ribbon cutting by MSO Foundation President Ms. Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance Representative Ms. Marife M. Pineda, and the One Ayala General Manager Mr. Khen Akot.

The studio was graced by the presence of Standard Insurance Group Chair Mr. Judes Echauz, the MSO Music Academy teachers and MSO administrative staff, and members of the MSO press family. The occasion brought together students, faculty, families, and members of the MSO community in celebration of MSOMA’s continued commitment to providing quality music education and meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians.

Adding to the celebration was a special mini-recital featuring MSO Music Academy students and faculty. The program included Paganini’s Cantabile, performed by Sara Maria Gonzales (violin) and Amansinaya Añonuevo (guitar); Katakataka for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino, performed by students Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by young soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano; Willy Cruz’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, arranged by Jeffrey Solares, performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes (violin) with Jeremiah Valenzuela (piano); Vivaldi’s Summer Storm from The Four Seasons, performed by David Llandino with the MSO academy strings faculty; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring students Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists. The program concluded with From the Start by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the string ensemble in celebration of the grant given by The Laufey Foundation to the MSO Foundation.

Aside from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, this new space gives the academy a permanent home where children, teens, and adults can learn music, develop their skills, prepare for performances and competitions, take part in its scholarship programs, or simply enjoy the joy of music-making.

The academy has six regular studios, each equipped with a piano, for lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments. A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.

The new branch in One Ayala was made possible by the generous support of Standard Insurance and Mr. Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were generously provided by Mr. Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos. The MSO is especially grateful to One Ayala and Ms. Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO Trustee Mr. John Silva.

Music education remains an important part of the MSO’s work. The MSO Music Academy also continues to support its teachers through professional development, including Suzuki teacher training programs locally and internationally. By supporting both teachers and students, the Academy hopes to provide a meaningful learning experience for every learner who comes through its doors.

Today, the doors of the new academy in One Ayala are open. MSO looks forward to seeing the studios filled with God-given talents, friendships, and many new beginnings. With its new home, MSO hopes to welcome more families and learners into music education.

ACADEMY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Kaye Sison
09164087549
msomusicacademy@gmail.com
Follow MSO Music Academy on Facebook and Instagram

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MSO Centennial Concert V – Music to Connect and Inspire Hope

Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, co-presented by EastWest Bank and DENZA Alabang by ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc., the Manila Symphony Orchestra continues its 100th Anniversary Season with a concert featuring internationally acclaimed Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas and the World Premiere of Pasasalamat for choir and orchestra, music by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab with text by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, under the musical direction of MSO Principal Conductor Maestro Marlon Chen.

 
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and MSO Principal Conductor Maestro Marlon Chen

Commissioned by the MSO for its centennial, Pasasalamat reflects on the meaning of gratitude not only as a personal feeling, but as a responsibility to others and to the community. Almario’s text considers the values that shape a shared life, from compassion and respect for differences to freedom, justice, culture, knowledge, and the willingness to accept criticism and change. At its heart is the idea that being human is not simply a given, but something we become through our choices and actions.

For the MSO, the work is particularly fitting, offering an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities that come with being the longest surviving institution that has been part of Philippine musical life and history for a century. The text will be brought to life by MSO's featured choir, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bagong Himig Serenata.

PUP Bagong Himig Serenata

The concert also features Camille Thomas, an internationally renowned Franco-Belgian cellist known for her expressive performances and technical artistry. An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2017, Thomas has performed with major orchestras and conductors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Her recording Voice of Hope, released in partnership with UNICEF, reflects her belief in music as a means of creating connection and inspiring hope.

Camille Thomas

Thomas’ artistic advocacy resonates with the ideas at the heart of Pasasalamat. Both approach music as a way of connecting people and encouraging reflection and compassion. In the context of the MSO’s centennial, this shared perspective gives the program a contemporary dimension, inviting audiences to consider the role music can continue to play in bringing people together and strengthening the communities it serves.

Thomas joins the MSO for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. Written in 1876, the work draws on the elegance of the Classical style while giving the soloist opportunities for expression and virtuosity.

The program concludes with Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, Op. 48, performed with MSO and the award-winning PUP Bagong Himig Serenata. Fauré’s Requiem offers a gentler and more intimate take on the traditional music of remembrance. Its setting is lyrical and peaceful, focusing less on fear and judgment and more on comfort, hope, and rest. It brings the evening to a quiet and reflective close.

Bringing together a new Filipino work by National Artists for Music and Literature, an internationally acclaimed cellist whose artistry is rooted in a sense of purpose, and music spanning different eras and musical worlds, Centennial Concert V finds common ground in music’s power to connect and inspire hope. MSO at 100 looks ahead with the belief that orchestral music can certainly build more harmonious communities around the world.

Tickets range from P1000-P5000 and are available on Ticketworld. Discount codes for students, seniors, and PWDs are available.

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MSO's Concert IV - Opera At Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal

In celebration of Buwan Ng Wika, “Opera at Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal” is presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, co-presented by EastWest Bank, ACMobility, and BYD, in partnership with Far Eastern University, under the season title “In Pursuit of Excellence: CELEBRATION - The MSO Centennial Season”.

For many music lovers today, it may come as a surprise that one of the world's most celebrated operas was performed in Tagalog.

On August 29, 1956, exactly seventy years ago, the Manila Symphony Orchestra staged Georges Bizet's opera, “Carmen” (1875) at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Auditorium, which served as the orchestra's home throughout much of the 1950s. Celebrating its 98th anniversary this year, FEU remains one of the country's foremost educational and cultural institutions. Its auditorium, inaugurated in 1949, is a celebrated Art Deco masterpiece designed by National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio Sr.

The musical director then was Herbert Zipper – the successor of MSO founder, Alexander Lippay – staged by his wife Trudl Dubsky-Zipper. Instead of the original French, Carmen was presented in Tagalog using a translation by Manuel Carballo Santiago and Vicente Liwag. The title role was performed by a young Filipino soprano who would go on to become one of the country's most distinguished opera singers. She was Conchita "Conching" H. Rosal.

Conchita "Conching" Rosal

This year, the Manila Symphony Orchestra revisits this remarkable era in Philippine musical history through “Opera at Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal”, the fourth concert of its Centennial Season. The performance celebrates not only the MSO’s 100th anniversary but also the 100th birth anniversary of Rosal, whose contributions left a lasting mark on both Philippine opera and Kundiman.

Born in San Jose, Batangas in 1926, Conching Rosal discovered her love for singing in her parish church before pursuing formal studies at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. She established herself as one of the Philippines' leading sopranos through acclaimed performances in productions such as Madame Butterfly, Aida, and Ang Kiri becoming one of the defining voices of Philippine opera from the 1950s through the 1970s.

While Rosal earned acclaim on the operatic stage, she was equally devoted to kundiman. Through her concerts and recordings, she helped preserve and popularize many of the country's best-loved art songs, introducing generations of Filipinos to this treasured musical tradition. Reflecting this legacy, the program features kundiman and Filipino vocal works by Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, Leopoldo Silos, Constancio de Guzman, and Manuel Velez, alongside selections from Bizet's Carmen, to be performed, once again, in Tagalog.

Bringing this music to life are four of the Philippines' foremost opera artists – Rachelle Gerodias-Park, First Aliw Awards Hall of Fame Best Female Classical Performer (soprano); Michelle Mariposa, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition grand finals winner (mezzo-soprano); Arthur Espiritu, Metropolitan opera tenor and George London Award Winner; and Byeong-In Park, international opera baritone and vocal mentor. They will be joined by the Manila Symphony Orchestra, FEU Chorale, and the FEU Dance Company, under the baton of MSO Music Director, Maestro Marlon Chen.

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In Pursuit of Excellence CELEBRATION: The MSO Centennial Season Concert III - LIBERATION: 80 Years of the Philippines Republic

The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc., together with Standard Insurance as presenter, and EastWest Bank and PAGCOR as co-presenters, proudly presents In Pursuit of Excellence: Celebration – The MSO Centennial Season, Concert III: 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship. Held in partnership with Bagong Pilipinas, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and The Metropolitan Theater, this special concert commemorates eight decades of enduring friendship between the Philippines and the United States through an evening of world-class music and cultural exchange. The concert takes place on July 4, 2026, Saturday, at 7:30 PM at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

 

As part of its Centennial Season, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) commemorates a landmark event in Philippine history. Eighty years ago, on July 5, 1946, following the inauguration of the Republic of the Philippines, the MSO presented a Gala Symphony Concert at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as part of the national celebrations marking Philippine independence.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

This year's program brings together works by Filipino and American composers whose music reflects the artistic exchanges and cultural connections that have shaped both nations over the past eight decades.

Opening the evening is former MSO Assistant Conductor Col. Antonino Buenaventura's prize-winning composition, "Youth", which received its premiere during the 1946 MSO Gala Symphony Concert. Conducted by the composer himself, the work portrays youth as "the epitome of vigor, energy, and love, standing at the threshold of life's journey". "Dedicated to the youth of the land whose faith in democracy and freedom has been kept inviolate even unto the gates of death," the piece captures the optimism, resilience, and aspirations of a nation emerging from war.

The program continues with Lucio San Pedro's "Concerto in D Minor" for Violin and Orchestra. Recognized as the first complete violin concerto written by a Filipino composer, the work was composed in 1948 as San Pedro's final output upon completing his composition studies at the Juilliard School in New York. The concerto reflects the educational exchanges that have connected Filipino and American music while occupying an important place in the development of Philippine classical music. This work will be performed by violinist Jeanne Marquez, a recent graduate of the Juilliard School with a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance.

Jeanne Marquez, violinist

Representing the American tradition are Artie Shaw's “Concerto for Clarinet”, featuring Jeanne's older brother, Jason Marquez, a Filipino-American principal clarinetist in Michigan and Texas; and George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture for orchestra", arranged by Robert Russell Bennett. Together, these works showcase the breadth of American music, drawing from jazz, popular music, and the symphonic tradition.

Jason Marquez, clarinetist

Under the baton of Jose Reyna, Jr., an American Prize-winning Filipino conductor, hailed as the “Filipino Toscanini” (The Manila Bulletin) for his panache and artistry on the podium, this concert celebrates not only 80 years of Filipino-American friendship but also the Manila Symphony Orchestra's continuing role in marking important moments in the nation's cultural life.

Jose Reyna, Jr., "Filipino Toscanini"

This celebration will be held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, a venue associated with the MSO since the theater's inauguration in 1931. The occasion also serves as a homecoming for the orchestra as it returns to its longtime artistic home and embarks on a partnership with the Metropolitan Theater in the seasons ahead.

TICKETS: https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=LIBERATN26

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The MSO Centennial Season Concert II – From Mozart to Mahler

Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance; co-presented by EastWest Bank in partnership with the Austrian Embassy and University of Santo Tomas

Led by Venezuelan conductor Joshua Dos Santos, the Manila Symphony Orchestra continues its Centennial Season with a program that moves from the refined discipline of Classical style to the emotional breadth of the late Romantic symphony.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

The evening opens with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat, K. 364 for violin and viola, a work celebrated for its technical precision. The piece features rising Filipino artists Emanuel John Villarin (violin) and Christian Wrona (viola), whose musical dialogue reflects the expressive restraints of Mozart’s music.

The program culminates in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, a work that demands expressive depth. Expansive in scale and rich in emotional contrasts, Mahler’s symphony transforms simple melodies, challenging both the orchestra and the audience with its intensity. The MSO will be joined by selected members of the UST Symphony Orchestra in a side-by-side performance to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the UST Conservatory of Music, as many past and current MSO musicians have been connected to UST as students and faculty members.

From Classical to Romantic, From Mozart to Mahler highlights the versatility of the Manila Symphony Orchestra and its scholars as they continue their journey through the 100th season.

Joshua Dos Santos, guest conductor

Joshua is an internationally celebrated conductor whose career has spanned Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Trained in Venezuela's legendary El Sistema, he began music at age seven and made his conducting debut at sixteen under the mentorship of Maestro José Antonio Abreu. Appointed associate conductor of the Simon Bolivar Chamber Orchestra in 2023 he has earned major acclaim from around the world.

Emanuel John Villarin, violin

EJ is an award-winning violinist and Hanns Eisler scholar. An student at the Universität für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin and first prize winner of the New York Young Performers Prize (2021) and NAMCYA (2020), he is an acclaimed Filipino violinist and MSJO-Standard Insurance scholar, performing on a master-crafted Gencer Cerit Eskisehir violin.

Christian Wrona, viola

Christian is a Filipino-Canadian violist and Hanns Eisler scholar. Currently studying at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, Christian is an Asian Youth Orchestra alumnus, mentored by renowned artists including Tabea Zimmermann and Kim Kashkashian.

UST Symphony Orchestra

The University of Santo Tomas Symphony Orchestra (USTSO), established in 1927, is a distinguished ensemble within the UST Conservatory of Music. It holds the unique distinction of being the only all-student symphony orchestra in the Philippines. Under the baton of Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, the orchestra has showcased a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.

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A Century in Symphony: MSO Opens Its Centennial Season with Sleeping Beauty

On March 13, 2026 at 8PM, and March 14 & 15, 2026 at 5PM, the MSO joins forces with Ballet Manila for a shared season opener at the Aliw Theater. Together, they present Sleeping Beauty, a production that celebrates two milestones: the MSO’s Centennial Season and Ballet Manila’s 40th Performance Season.

A Shared Milestone for Two Cultural Pillars
This collaboration is more than a performance—it is a historic convergence of two institutions that have shaped the Philippine performing arts landscape.

Both companies are among the few in the country with a sustained legacy of presenting full-length classical ballets with live orchestral accompaniment. In mounting Sleeping Beauty, they reaffirm a shared belief: that music and movement are universal languages, capable of expressing love, longing, triumph, and transcendence—even without words.

Under the baton of Russian conductor Alexander Vikulov, the MSO brings Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score to life in real time, elevating the ballet experience into something immersive and unforgettable.

Reimagining a Classic: Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty
At the heart of the program is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66—presented in Ballet Manila’s distinctive version choreographed by the Philippines’ prima ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde.

This staging forms the third installment of Ballet Manila’s “Princess Trilogy,” following Cinderella and Snow White. But here, Princess Aurora’s story takes on deeper emotional nuance. The ballet opens with the “Dance of Aurora,” portraying her youthful innocence while subtly suggesting that her heart had already awakened to love long before her fateful slumber.

Tchaikovsky’s score moves with symphonic grandeur and lyrical elegance—from ceremonial marches and courtly dances to fairy variations and sweeping waltzes. Each character is painted in distinct musical color, shaped by intricate melodies and rich orchestration.

One of the evening’s most anticipated highlights is the Pas de Deux (No. 28), featuring a luminous solo violin passage performed by MSO Concertmaster Alessio Benvenuti. In this moment, the music does more than accompany the dancers—it carries the emotional pulse of the ballet, guiding audiences through tenderness, tension, romance, and celebration.

The Artists Behind the Magic

Ballet Manila
Known as the country’s most prolific ballet company, Ballet Manila trains its dancers in the Russian Vaganova method. Under Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s artistic direction, it has steadfastly pursued its mission: bringing ballet to the people—and bringing more people to the ballet.

Ballet Manila

Maestro Alexander Vikulov
A conductor of international distinction, Vikulov’s career spans opera, symphonic, and ballet repertoire. Having debuted at the Mariinsky Theatre in 2002, he has since collaborated with major institutions across Europe and Asia. His longstanding musical partnership with Ballet Manila ensures a seamless dialogue between orchestra and stage.

Maestro Alexander Vikulov

Manila Symphony Orchestra
Now at 100 years, the MSO remains one of the Philippines’ most active and enduring artistic institutions. Guided by Music Director Marlon Chen and Executive Director Jeffrey Solares, the orchestra continues to uphold international standards while nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians through education and training programs.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

More Than a Concert—A Centennial Celebration
Sleeping Beauty is only the beginning of the MSO’s Centennial Season, themed “In Pursuit of Excellence.” The season lineup includes:

• Concert II – From Mozart to Mahler

• Concert III – 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship

• Concert IV – Opera and Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal

• Concert V – Cellist Camille Thomas with the MSO

• Concert VI – World Premiere: Filipino Master Composers

(Programs, artists, dates, and venues are subject to change.)

For devoted concertgoers, the MSO All-Access Season Pass offers up to 50% savings, making it the perfect way to experience this landmark year in full.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Centennial Season opens with Sleeping Beauty at the Aliw Theater, located within the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Performances are scheduled on March 13, 2026 at 8PM, and March 14 and 15, 2026 at 5PM. Tickets may be purchased via bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMSleepingBeauty. For updates, audiences may follow the Manila Symphony Orchestra on Facebook, Instagram (@manila.symphony), TikTok (@manilasymphonyorchestra), YouTube, and visit www.manilasymphony.com for more information.

As the curtain rises this March, Sleeping Beauty becomes more than a fairy tale. It becomes a symbol of legacy, resilience, and artistic excellence—proof that after a century, the music of the Manila Symphony Orchestra continues to awaken hearts.

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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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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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11 Winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition to Perform at the GSIS Theater on October 15

The stage is set for a spectacular evening of music as 11 outstanding young Filipino musicians—winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Concerto Competition—take the spotlight in a Concert of Winners on October 15, 2025, 7:30 PM at the GSIS Theater.

These young artists were chosen from among 48 talented participants who auditioned nationwide, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry in classical performance.

The winning soloists are:

LEVEL A: 12 years old and below

  

Eliana Jimenez Mariano, Andrei Johann B. Lagda, Lois Quitane

• Eliana Jimenez Mariano, 10 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 3rd Movement

• Andrei Johann B. Lagda, 10 – Carl Stamitz: Flute Concerto in G Major, 1st Movement

• Lois Quitane, 11 – Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole, 1st Movement

LEVEL B: 13–18 years old

  

Megan Phuan Zhiyan, Maura Mikaela Medina, Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V

  

Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, William Hsu, Agung Dayaw A. Sicam

• Megan Phuan Zhiyan, 13 – Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, 1st Movement

• Maura Mikaela Medina, 18 – Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor

• Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V, 16 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 1st Movement

• Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, 18 – Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, 1st Movement

• William Hsu, 18 – Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6 in D Major, 1st Movement

• Agung Dayaw A. Sicam, 18 – Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, 2nd Movement

LEVEL C: 19–25 years old

 

Joshua Agapito, Rey John C. Flores

• Joshua Agapito, 25 – Mozart: Flute Concerto in G Major, K313, 1st Movement

• Rey John C. Flores, 22 – Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, 1st Movement

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges: Prof. Alessio Benvenuti, Ms. Mariel Ilusorio, Prof. Arnold Josue, Mr. Marc Ramirez, Mr. Angelo Mateo, Mr. Adrian Sison, and Prof. Ramoncito Carpio—all accomplished musicians and educators from the MSO and the Philippine classical music community.

The MSO Concerto Competition has a storied history dating back to the 1960s. Its past winners include legendary Filipino artists such as Cecile Licad, Raul Sunico, Corazon Pineda-Kabayao, and Cecilia Basilio-Roxas. The 2025 revival of this tradition is part of MSO’s year-long celebration leading up to its 100th Anniversary in 2026.

The concert will feature the winners performing with the MSO under the baton of Jeffrey Solares, Executive Director and Associate Conductor.

Tickets:

• Orchestra Center – ₱2,000

• Orchestra Sides – ₱1,000

• Balcony – ₱500
  50% discount for students; 20% discount for seniors and PWDs

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

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Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert: A Night of Culture and Harmony

The Philippine Italian Association (PIA), together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and in partnership with Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch, invites you to a remarkable evening of music and cultural exchange. The Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati City, starting at 7:00 PM.

This unique concert brings together the richness of Filipino and Italian musical traditions in one unforgettable program. The evening features timeless works from European masters such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Tartini’s Sonata in G Minor (Didone Abbandonata), Debussy’s Piano Trio, and beloved themes from Ennio Morricone’s Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa. Adding a festive touch are classics like Funiculi Funicula.

Equally inspiring are the Filipino selections, including Nicanor Abelardo’s Cavatina, Mike Velarde’s Dahil Sa Iyo, Constancio de Guzman’s Bayan Ko, and well-loved folksongs such as Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan, Ili-Ili Tulog Anay, and Salidumay.

At the helm of the performance is Maestro Alessio Benvenuti, concertmaster of the MSO and a distinguished violinist whose career spans more than 2,000 concerts across the world. He will be joined by an exceptional ensemble: Alfonso Encina (Violin II), Sara Gonzales (Viola), Arnold Josue (Cello), Lawrence Palad (Bass), and Mariel Ilusorio (Piano)—each bringing their artistry to create a stirring blend of sound and culture.

This collaboration reflects the shared mission of the Philippine Italian Association, now celebrating its 63rd year of fostering ties between Italy and the Philippines; the MSO, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia dedicated to nurturing Filipino musical talent; Joel’s Place, a modern lifestyle grocerant that champions global and local flavors; and 98.7 DZFE-FM, the country’s only classical music station, serving generations of listeners since 1954.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,500, with 20% discounts for Senior Citizens and PWDs and 10% off for PIA Members. For reservations, contact Ms. Jan Dacera at 0995 430 5118 or email philitalassociation@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, heritage, and cultural harmony. Follow the Philippine Italian Association on Facebook (The Philippine Italian Association) and Instagram (@philitalian) for updates.

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