Cover The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
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The Manila Symphony Orchestra updates its lineup of events for its centennial season, poised to be a year-long féte that honours its legacy and sets its eyes on the horizon
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) beams with pride as it celebrates its centennial year this 2026, marking a century of bringing music, legacy and collaboration to the Filipino audience. Anchoring this historic milestone is the successful opening concert last January 22, where the MSO performed Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, a work that returns to the stage in this historic celebration, first conducted by founder Alexander Lippay and recently under the baton of Singaporean guest conductor Darrel Ang, alongside the Emperor Concerto, featuring the rising young Chinese pianist Muyu Liu.
Read more: Manila Symphony Orchestra embarks on its momentous “Road to 100”
Above The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
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MSO trustee and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Misa 2000 and Te Deum concluded the programme with the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio, in a resounding tribute of gratitude to the MSO’s enduring faith, excellence and service to the Filipino musical spirit.
For a century, the MSO has been the heartbeat of classical music in the country. Founded in 1926, the orchestra has weathered critical events in Philippine history and changing tides in the music scene to reach a historic milestone.
Above The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
The Manila Symphony Orchestra during its 100th Anniversary Concert last January 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (Photo: Yan Caringal and Kim Antinio)
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Under the banner “In Pursuit of Excellence”, the MSO has announced a grand lineup for this season. Spanning from March 2026 to January 2027, the schedule features six major concerts that blend international collaborations, masterworks of the classical canon and a profound homage to Filipino musical heritage.
Here is what audiences can expect from this once-in-a-lifetime season.
Concert I: ‘Sleeping Beauty’ with Ballet Manila
Above Ballet Manila principal dancer Jessica Pearl Dames with company artists Rafael Perez and Nanami Hasegawa (Photo: Ballet Manila)
Ballet Manila principal dancer Jessica Pearl Dames with company artists Rafael Perez and Nanami Hasegawa (Photo: Ballet Manila)
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The season opens with a visual and musical spectacle at Aliw Theater on March 13 to 15, partnering with Ballet Manila for a full production of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. Under the baton of conductor Alexander Vikulov, this collaboration promises to bring the fairy tale to life, marrying the MSO’s lush orchestration with world-class ballet.
Concert II: From Mozart to Mahler
Above Joshua Dos Santos (Photo: Facebook / Joshua Dos Santos Orchestra Conductor)
Joshua Dos Santos (Photo: Facebook / Joshua Dos Santos Orchestra Conductor)
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Moving from the theatrical style to the purely symphonic, the second concert traverses the evolution of classical music. Titled From Mozart to Mahler, the evening features soloists Emmanuel John Villarin and Christian Wrona on May 30. They will be led by conductor Joshua Dos Santos in a programme expected to showcase the orchestra’s range, from the clarity of the Classical era to the emotional depth of the late Romantics.
Concert III: 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship
Jose Reyna Jr (Photo: Courtesy of Jose Reyna Jr)
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Scheduled appropriately on the 4th of July, this concert celebrates the enduring diplomatic and cultural bond between the Philippines and the United States. Taking place at the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater, the event features violinist Jeanne Marquez and clarinettist Jason Marquez, with conductor Jose Reyna Jr, on the podium.
See also: Manila Symphony Orchestra begins its concert season with a poignant reminder of its storied past
Concert IV: Opera and Kundiman—The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal
Above Embassy of France to the Philippines’ Cultural Thursdays presents ‘Réveillon de Noël’ featuring Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong In Park
In August, the MSO pays tribute to the human voice and the legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal. This concert on August 29 at the FEU Auditorium bridges the gap between Western opera and the Filipino kundiman, highlighting the universality of vocal artistry. A stellar cast of vocalists—including soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park and baritone Byeong In Park—will join MSO music director Marlon Chen for this emotional tribute.
Concert V: Cellist Camille Thomas with the MSO
Above Cellist Camille Thomas (Photo: Julien Mignot)
Cellist Camille Thomas (Photo: Julien Mignot)
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For the penultimate concert of 2026, the MSO welcomes international sensation Camille Thomas. Known for her charismatic artistry, the Franco-Belgian cellist will perform at the Areté in Ateneo. This concert on October 24 at Hyundai Hall continues the MSO’s long tradition of bringing global virtuosos to Philippine stages.
Concert VI: World Premiere—Filipino Master Composers
Above National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab (Photo: Tatler Philippines archives)
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab (Photo: Tatler Philippines archives)
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The season concludes with a forward-looking gala in January 2027. Dedicated to Filipino Master Composers, the finale will feature the world premiere of new works by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. It is a fitting end to the centennial celebrations—honouring the past 100 years while actively contributing new masterpieces to the future of Filipino music.
To commemorate the 100th year, the MSO is offering a 26-27 MSO All-Access pass that allows patrons 50 per cent off on season tickets. Pass holder perks include one complimentary VIP ticket to each of the Centennial concerts, 25 per cent discount on companion VIP tickets, complimentary souvenir programmes for the season and 50 per cent off on non-season concert tickets produced by the MSO.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
