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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
P5000 VIP
P3500 Orchestra Front Side
P3000 Orchestra Rear Side
P5000 Loge
P2000 Balcony Center
P1500 Balcony Inner
P1000 Balcony Outer
Early bird offer:
Code: LIBERATIONEB20
Validity: June 22, 11:59PM
20% Seniors and PWDs**
50% Students*
*Please send MSO your valid IDs to get your discount code
**Seniors and PWDs are encouraged to choose Orchestra or Loge seating, as the Balcony level is accessible by stairs
Complimentary tickets for MSO All Access Subscribers. Sign up today and get up to 50% off! Visit www.manilasymphony.com
Sponsored by: Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation
TICKETS: https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=LIBERATN26
P5000 VIP
P3500 Orchestra Front Side
P3000 Orchestra Rear Side
P5000 Loge
P2000 Balcony Center
P1500 Balcony Inner
P1000 Balcony Outer
Early bird offer:
Code: LIBERATIONEB20
Validity: June 22, 11:59PM
20% Seniors and PWDs**
50% Students*
*Please send MSO your valid IDs to get your discount code
**Seniors and PWDs are encouraged to choose Orchestra or Loge seating, as the Balcony level is accessible by stairs
Complimentary tickets for MSO All Access Subscribers. Sign up today and get up to 50% off! Visit www.manilasymphony.com
Sponsored by: Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation
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