CCP's The Met: LIVE in HD screens Mozart's Le nozze de Figaro this July

Dive into a comic opera where the female lead doesn't die as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro hits the big screens on July 1, 2025, 5:30 PM at Glorietta 4 Cinema 1 located at the Ayala Center in Makati.

The screening of Le nozze di Figaro is the sixth installment of the 10th season of CCP's Met: LIVE in HD presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas.

This production by Richard Eyre stars Olga Kulchynska and Michael Sumuel as the lovers Susanna and Figaro respectively. They are joined by Fedrica Lombardi as Countess Almaviva, Sun-Ly Pierce as Cherubino, Elizabeth Bishop as Marcellina, Joshua Hopkins as Count Almaviva, and Maurizio Muraro as Dr. Bartolo.

And making her Metropolitan Opera conducting debut is Joanna Mallwitz, chief conductor and artistic director of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.

Reprinted below is the press release.

CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD spotlights the melodic genius of Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” this July

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s brilliant arias in “Le Nozze di Figaro” as the sixth installment of CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD - Season 10 this July 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1 in Makati City.

Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) centers on servants Figaro and Susanna, who are about to marry. The Count and Countess, each with personal reasons, hope to stop the wedding. While trouble lurks in the shadows, Figaro and Susanna juggle shocking truths with their immense love for each other.

Chasing greater fame and financial security, Mozart based Le Nozze di Figaro on Paisiello’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, which Beaumarchais’s Le Barbier de Séville had influenced. He worked with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte to finish the opera. The then-emperor had refused permission to stage Beaumarchais’s iteration because of its German translation. As a precaution, Da Ponte omitted political content from Mozart’s work. After it succeeded, the two continued their partnership with Don Giovanni (1787) and Così fan tutte (1790).

The impeccable comedy welcomes the audience with whisper-like melodies that quickly build into a short-breathed little theme. Despite narrating comedic scenes, the piece is quite self-contained. Its overture beautifully sustains a slow middle section with a melancholy oboe solo.

Through scampering violins, flutes, and clarinets, Mozart narrated the Le Nozze di Figaro’s twists and turns in a succession of hectically upbeat figurations. Generally, the opera won over its audience’s affection. Hungarian poet Ferenc Kazinczy and “Father of the Symphony” Joseph Haydn even praised its lively ensemble scenes.

In 2017, BBC News surveyed opera singers for the best opera written. Le Nozze di Figaro easily came out on top of the 20 featured operas.

For this Met Opera’s version, lyric soprano Olga Kulchynska plays the forgiving Susanna while bass-baritone Michael Sumuel is her lover Figaro. Italian soprano Federica Lombardi also breathes life into the Countess. Joanna Mallwitz, chief conductor and artistic director of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, makes her Metropolitan Opera conducting debut in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro.

Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro is laced with themes of love, class, and gender. Catch this classic on the sixth installment of CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD Season 10 on July 1, at 5:30 p.m., at Glorietta 4’s Cinema 1 in Makati City.

The CCP, in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas, showcases Mozart’s masterful melodies in excellent Dolby Surround and high-definition video.

While introducing Filipino audiences to world-class artistic experiences through CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD, CCP keeps true to its commitment to developing the nation’s appreciation for all art forms. Screening The Met’s intricate stagings in Philippine cinemas teases a deep admiration for the beauty of operas.

Regular tickets for CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD - Season 10 are priced at Php350. Students and young professionals can avail of the special price of Php100 per ticket upon presentation of a valid ID. To purchase tickets, visit the ticket booth at the venue or book online via www.sureseats.com.

Keep track of the latest screenings of CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD through the official Facebook account of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media or the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). For current and future event updates, follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

School of Rock Hits Cebu: A Musical for Misfits, Dreamers, and Rock Stars-in-the-Making

This June, 2TinCans Philippines, Inc. invites you to grab your air guitars and unleash your inner rock star as School of Rock storms the stage! Based on the cult-favorite 2003 film, this all-ages musical adventure, powered by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s explosive score, is more than just a show. It’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, turned up the volume, and found where they belong.

Directed by 2TinCans Founder and Producing Artistic Director Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson, the production features the vibrant choreography of Vincent Paul Diez Gaton, and vocal direction by Mikee Amagsila and Mario Alcoriza of 2TinCans Theatre Company.

From L-R: Grant Bacaltos, Zyra Dee, Ciara Baricuatro, and Vince Lopez

Featuring an ensemble cast led by young performers from the 2TinCans Theatre Lab alongside members of the 2TinCans Theatre Company, School of Rock is a joyful collision of professional craft and student passion—showcasing the next generation of Cebuano performers in their loudest, proudest form yet.

“Underneath the amps and attitude, School of Rock is about mentorship, confidence, and how music can build bridges between generations,” said Enclona-Henderson. “It’s a great night out for families because it speaks to everyone: parents will cheer, kids will relate, and together, they’ll leave feeling braver, louder, and more connected.”

The cast of School of Rock

Families looking for a meaningful shared experience will find a lot to love here. The story encourages kids to embrace their individuality and talent, while giving parents a front-row seat to the importance of listening, trusting, and supporting their children’s creative journey. Add infectious songs, laugh-out-loud scenes, and heartfelt lessons, and you’ve got a show the whole family can rock out to, together.

The student cast features Fia Mikaele Cagulada, Arabella Yzarra Carbungco, Amanda Grace Yu, Patricia Grace Crago, Kasofia Loquez, Zaviel Beaux Suralta, Courtney Suzanne Encarnacion, Maria Morgana Gonzalodo, Aleesha Tabar, Sky Clemente, Ciara Baricuatro, Queenie Madonna Paras, Alden Patrick Manansala, Juliene Cardenas, Henrique Kristoffer Ong, and Joaquin Codilla.

Joining them are 2TinCans Theatre Company members Grant Bacaltos, Zyra Dee, Vince Lopez, Dave Feril, Ghyllianne Dave Caballes, Mikee Amagsila, Mario Alcoriza, Sasha Isobel Chiong, Josh Andrino, and Judee Kriselle Rallos.

School of Rock features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and book by Julian Fellowes. It’s based on the screenplay by Mike White and presented through special arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.

Performances are scheduled for June 28 and 29, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Dr. Ronald R. Duterte Theater, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), Lahug Campus.

🎸 Tickets available at: https://2tincans-philippines.yapsody.com

📲 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@2tincansph) for sneak peeks, cast features, and behind-the-scenes rockstar moments.

Don’t just watch the show—feel the beat, join the band, and rediscover the magic of music with the people who matter most.

Film music galore at Manila Symphony Orchestra's A Night in Hollywood concert on June 28

Film music has made a significant mark in music history ever since sound got integrated in motion pictures. This has resulted in scores that not only provided soundtracks in countless movies but also material for orchestras to perform at concert halls all over the world. Renowned composers whose works have become part of the orchestral repertoire include Erich Korngold, Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, Miklós Rózsa, André Previn, Aaron Copland, Henry Mancini, Maurice Jarre, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Alan Menken, Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, Joe Hisaishi, among many others.

Music composed for movies take centerstage as the curtain rises for the Manila Symphony Orchestra's A Night in Hollywood happening on June 28, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay.

The second installment of the MSO's 2025-2026 concert season sees Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, American conductor Angel Velez, as well as composers and conductors from the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI) gracing the event that will have some of the most iconic film scores as well as new music composed for cinema performed.

The evening's program includes David Popper's Hungarian Rhapsody with Onczay as the cello soloist. Seven original compositions by the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI) namely Heart of a Warrior by Sophia Bass, Seeming Chrysalis by Julia Sanchez, Theme from Stolen Realm by Jennifer Jolley, Sigh of Spring’s Farewell by Yuxuan Liu, Concert Prelude on "Chan Mali Chan" by Mohamad Rasull, Journey Through the Celestial Gate by Robin Raisch, Mosaic Mambo by Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez, to be conducted by Ricardo Reyna will be performed as well.

The concert also celebrates John Williams' music with performances of Tribute to the Film Composer, Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter, End Titles from Seven Years in Tibet with Onczay as cello soloist, Adventures on Earth from E.T., Theme from Schindler's List with Alessio Benvenuti as violin soloist, Theme from Superman; his arrangement of Carlos Gardel's Por Una Cabeza with Jeanne Rafaella Marquez as violin soloist, Theme from Jurassic Park, the Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

Below is more information about the guests artists for A Night in Hollywood.

Angel Velez

Angel Velez is one of today's most sought-after conductors for film and television and guest conducting for pop concerts around the world having given world premiere concert performances for hits such as Captain Marvel, Green Book, Tom and Jerry in New York, The Book of Boba Fett and many more. In addition to his work in the studios of Los Angeles and as conductor of the Hollywood Studio Chamber Orchestra, he has served as music director for the Los Angeles Live Score Film Festival, American Society of Cinematographers Awards, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Miss World 2022, one of the largest televised events in the world. He has produced concerts such as Silent Films LIVE, Star Wars: Past and Present and HBO's film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story LIVE IN CONCERT starring trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval. He has recorded for the Varese Sarabande and Sudwestrundfunk labels and continues to work in the entertainment industry on shows such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, Family Guy, Jane the Virgin, The Mandalorian and many others, including the recently released MGM superhero film Samaritan starring Sylvester Stallone.

Zoltan Onczay

Zoltán Onczay received his diploma at the Liszt Music Academy Budapest in 2004 in the class of László Mező, cellist of the famous Bartók Quartet. Afterwards, Zoltan received his soloist diploma as a Hindemith scholarship student in Berlin at the UDK in 2008, in the class of Wolfgang Boettcher. He received the Yamaha Award from the European Yamaha Music Foundation, one amongst his numerous awards. He also won the Martinu Award during the Semmering Summer Academy and the Wiener-Classic and Kodaly Award. He also received a prize at the international competition of European Music for Youth in Oslo. He considers his mission to be the promotion of Hungarian and contemporary music locally and abroad, as well as to teaching and supporting young talents. In addition to classical music, he is also engaged in electroacoustic and improvisational music.

Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI)

The Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive is dedicated to advancing the art of conducting by providing workshops and access to online resources to help media composers succeed on the podium. LAFCI is dedicated to providing exceptional training based on sound pedagogical practices, designed to create an opportunity for media composers to further their skills as conductors and to provide them with resources and training to help them grow as a conductor. They offer workshops with experienced professional faculty that allow for firsthand opportunities to work with some of the top professional musicians in Los Angeles. Programs are geared toward media composers (film/television/video games) to assist and provide free access to their online Resource Center, which includes "An Inside Look", a series of in-depth interviews with professional conductors sharing their personal perspective on the craft of conducting.

Japanese singer-songwriter Ito Kashitaro to perform in PH, headlines Fête de la Musique

Japanese singer-songwriter Ito Kashitaro is set to return to the Philippines following a successful debut visit in 2023, this time with more venues and collaborations.

The masked singer will perform from June 21-25 across different venues in Metro Manila, Los Baños, and Baguio. Notably, he will be performing at the main stage of Fête de la Musique PH on June 21, 2025, held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Please check Fete de la Musique PH’s Official site for more info www.feteph.com

Ito Kashitaro first gained popularity online posting covers on video streaming platforms. In the

years since, he has garnered critical acclaim, releasing multiple studio albums and contributing to various anime soundtracks. After his major debut, he transitioned to creating original compositions and flourished as a singer-songwriter.

Central to Kashitaro’s appeal is his work on anime soundtracks. Filipino fans will recognize his

music in “Vita Philosophica” and “Tsukikage Okuri,” the ending themes of Netflix’s My Happy Marriage. “Kioku no Hakobune” from Deca-Dence. “Shinjuiro no Kakumei” from Deep Insanity:

The Lost Child. “Silent Minority,” the opening theme for Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of

Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs. “Hinata no Kuni”, “Neko Neko Biyori”, and “Aisazu ni wa Irarenai” for Nights with a Cat.

Ito Kashitaro

As a highlight of the tour, the Japanese singer-songwriter will be performing with Filipino rapper OG Sacred and the Tondo-based rap collective Tondo Tribe. He will also be performing at Philippine High School for the Arts in Los Baños, Laguna and University of Baguio in Baguio City.

Event Dates and Venues:

June 21, 2025 - Fête de la Musique, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati

June 22, 2025 - Happyland, Tondo, Manila

June 23, 2025 - Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna

June 24-25, 2025 - Baguio City

Fête de la Musique is open to all, and the public is highly encouraged to visit and pre-register on their website! Other dates are special sessions; we will share backstage peeks on our social media accounts soon.

Ito Kashitaro Live 2025 – Soul of the Streets is proudly presented by The Japan Foundation, Manila. For the latest announcements and updates, please visit our official website and social media pages:

The Japan Foundation, Manila Official Website - https://jfmo.org.ph/.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jfmanila

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jfmanila