Cover The Manila Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to join them in their momentous journey as they approach their much-anticipated centennial anniversary in 2026 (Photo: courtesy of the Manila Symphony Orchestra)
The Manila Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to join them in their momentous journey as they approach their much-anticipated centennial anniversary in 2026 (Photo: courtesy of the Manila Symphony Orchestra)
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Gearing towards its 100th anniversary in 2026, the Manila Symphony Orchestra invites everyone to their “Music for Peace” concert on May 24, a repeat performance of their historic 1945 to 1946 concert repertoires, right after the Japanese Occupation
Marking its 99th season, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presented its lineup of performances for 2025 to 2026 at its very own MSO Concert Hall at Ayala Malls Circuit. Graced by its upcoming collaborators for its future performances as well as members of the press, the luncheon was followed by a sneak peek of the 99th season lineup.
First on the list is Music for Peace on May 24 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay City. Set as MSO’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Second World War II, the concert will have repeat performances of the orchestra’s repertoire, first performed right after the tumultuous Liberation of Manila.
Above Dr Zipper conducts the Manila Symphony Orchestra for troops and residents after the Second World War. May 1945 (Photo: Manila Symphony Orchestra)
Dr Zipper conducts the Manila Symphony Orchestra for troops and residents after the Second World War. May 1945 (Photo: Manila Symphony Orchestra)
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Guests are expected to hear today’s generation of MSO artists deliver their soulful take on Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D, Op 61, which will also feature Berlin-based violin soloist and NCCA Ani ng Dangal awardee in 2022 Emanuel John Villarin.
“Through these monumental works, the MSO continues to celebrate its mission of music as a force for peace, unity, and healing,” says MSO’s artistic director Jeffrey Solares.
Though missed from the press luncheon, MSO’s esteemed music director and principal conductor Marlon Chen was confirmed to lead the momentous concert. Meanwhile, a lineup of internationally-renowned guest conductors and soloists will be joining in the other concerts slated for the season.
Read also: Cultivating opera and orchestra music in the Philippines
Above During the open rehearsal of the Manila Symphony Orchestra with composer Conrado Del Rosario
In June, MSO will have A Night in Hollywood concert at the Aliw Theater again, joined by American guest conductor Angel Velez and cello artist Zoltan Onczay.
A partnership with the Brazilian Embassy in Manila has made a one-of-a-kind Brazilian guitar and cello night possible in August, featuring celloist Fabio Presgrave, guitarist Fabio Zanon, and soprano singer Stefanie Quintin-Avila, under the baton of Chen. This will be in homage to the music of legendary Brazilian celloist and guitarist Heitor Villa-Lobos as well as to the renowned Filipino contemporary classical composer Jeffre Ching.
Read more: Manila Symphony Orchestra embarks on its momentous “Road to 100”
Above Poster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Music for Peace’ concert on May 24 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Poster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Music for Peace’ concert on May 24 at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
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In September, MSO will be staging Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto at the Aliw Theater, presenting some of the works of acclaimed Filipino composer Conrado Del Rosario. A children’s choir and orchestra will also be joining the company for this important occasion, as well as violinist Monica Bacus.
Also in the same month, the company will pay tribute to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky by performing rococo variations for cello and orchestra of his music, including the ballet Sleeping Beauty. Notable celloist Damodar Das Castillo and guest conductor Alexander Vikulov are joining the much-anticipated affair.
Above Some of the must-see performances of the Manila Symphony Orchestra this season
Some of the must-see performances of the Manila Symphony Orchestra this season
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MSO will also have other performances throughout the year, not only in Metro Manila but also in some parts of the country in accordance of their pursuit in magnifying classical music’s reach.
In January, MSO will be mounting the first of its 100th anniversary concerts at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Under the baton of guest conductor Darrell Ang, together with renowned pianist Muyu Liu, the show would be a fantastic way to welcome and celebrate MSO’s milestone year.
Above The Manila Symphony Orchestra performs Antonín Dvořák’s concerto for cello and orchestra in B minor, with Damodar Das Castillo on cello and Sasha Makila as guest conductor, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati
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.
Solares 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."
Tickets for the Music for Peace concert are available at Ticketworld.
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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.
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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.
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