Strings of Gold: Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra’s back-to-back wins in Europe and why supporting youth in the arts matters

“Our mindset while preparing for the competitions is to focus solely on how we can interpret the music we have selected in the best way possible,” says Solares.

For the Summa Cum Laude competition in Vienna, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) performed Giacomo Puccini’s Crisantemi, a required contest piece to pay homage to the centennial death anniversary of the revered composer.

“Originally scored for a string quartet, this piece required a lot of mature musicality from our youthful musicians,” shares Solares. “It was a big leap musically from the usual classical pieces required in previous competitions. I felt our performance of this piece was key to our decisive win, as the judges remarked after the competition.”

They also performed again a piece from their 2018 repertoire, the scherzo section from Serenade for Strings by Antonín Dvořák. “It's a sparkling gem that requires technical security and exquisite taste from the musicians. I chose to repeat this piece to establish our mastery of standard chamber music repertory for string orchestras,” the conductor explains.

Asked to also include a contemporary piece, the MSJO performed A New Satiesfaction, composed by Stephan Koncz from Erik Satie’s Trois Gymnopedie. To highlight their Filipino heritage, the kundiman song Nahan by National Artist Ernani Cuenco was performed according to the arrangement by Cyro Cloui Bon Moral.

“It was a perfect piece with rich harmonies accompanying an unforgettable melody. I was very proud to be able to show the world compositions and arrangements that showcase the rich artistic palette of classical Filipino music,” says Solares.

Meanwhile, the conductor expressed that he found Ryle Custodio’s award-winning choral piece Tagu-taguan quite challenging to execute for a string orchestra. “It required several revisions and adjustments in our interpretation before we could elevate it to the level of interpretation we presented during the tour and competition,” he says. “It demanded unusual techniques and even some theatrical skills from our musicians, which I was glad we were able to pull it off,” Solares continues.

Solares carefully included more songs in the repertoire to highlight the capabilities of their musicians to perform solo. “We have a full range of pieces from classical, Filipino, and contemporary music that highlighted the virtuosity and range of our music,” he says. “Works by National Artists Lucrecia Kasilag, Ryan Cayabyab, and Cuenco were performed alongside the works of Antonio Vivaldi and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—even current Pinoy hits like Pantropiko by BINI.

Solares credits the full support of their sponsor, Standard Insurance, as one factor in their recent success. The conductor claims this gave them an edge over other youth orchestras and helped them focus on rehearsing and not worry about finances. “The first step in preparing for this was securing funding,” he says.

The next step was to complete the roster, and Solares wanted a 40-member cast. Having MSJO members currently studying in prestigious music schools abroad join them for the two-week European tour and competitions also added to the winning formula. 

“We were also provided high-quality instruments that are not easily available in the Philippines,” Solares adds. “We were provided with European-made, professional-level violins, violas, cellos and basses, which helped us achieve a sound unusual for a regular youth orchestra.”

Eventually, the orchestra intensively trained and rehearsed to finalise the repertoire and be in good condition for the competitions and tours.

“We hope that the MSJO can provide inspiration and opportunity to talented Filipinos to cultivate their skills and explore their capabilities in the international music scene,” says Solares. 

Despite now having prestigious titles and accolades under their belt, the youth orchestra continues to dream big, as it is more important for them to cultivate a new generation of people who appreciate orchestra and learn the art of music performance.

“The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Music Academy seeks to provide all interested learners—young and old—opportunities at all levels by providing a well-structured orchestral programme. The best way to develop a love for the art of music is by studying how to play instruments, as this is a true educational experience that not only hones one’s musicality but contributes to the overall growth in character and skill of its practitioners,” shares Solares.

As the MSO gears up for its 100th anniversary celebrations, the MSJO hopes to add more prestige to the company by participating in the Asia Suzuki Regional Conference in January 2025 in South Korea. Currently, they are trying to raise funds to join the said festival.

“We are also having a series of outreach concerts and workshops all over the Philippines, which will hopefully cultivate greater interest for orchestral music from the grassroots level,” says Solares. Recently, the MSJO held the “Strings of Gold” concert series at the MiraNila Heritage House and Library to celebrate their triumphant return from Europe and indulge Filipino audiences with their world-class music.

“Filipino choirs have been able to establish excellence in the international concert scene, and we want to contribute the same for orchestral music,” he says. “Unfortunately, there is very little government support for this endeavour, so all these years, we have been relying on a few private individuals and a small community of supporters. Hopefully, the government will recognise our efforts and support what we are doing as we believe that orchestral music has a power that can be harnessed to make positive changes in Filipino society.”

Besides conducting for the MSJO, Solares serves as the executive director of the MSO Foundation, Inc, and assists Marlon Chen in conducting for the MSO. A renowned violinist, Solares pursued formal training in the Suzuki Method, a specialised approach to teaching music to young children. In 2014, he helped establish the MSO Music Academy, where most MSJO members come from.

“Although it can be challenging at times, the pursuit of excellence in music and art is a worthwhile endeavour,” he advises the MSJO members and fellow conductors. “Find the best teacher, find the best environment, and dedicate ample time to cultivate your talent. There are no shortcuts.”

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