Italian violinist Alessio Benvenuti has firmly established himself as one of the key figures in Philippine classical music scene as the concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra for the past year. His presence in the country is a testament of how music and culture has strengthened the bond between his home country Italy and his current home, the Philippines. And this bond has been championed by the the Philippine-Italian Association for more than six decades already.
In celebration of this friendship bridged by culture, the Philippine-Italian Association (PIA), in collaboration with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), and sponsored by Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch, presents the Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert on October 16, 2025, at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium located at 3 Humabon Place, Magallanes, Makati City.
The concert features Alessio Benvenuti to be joined on stage by violinist Alfonso Encina, violist Sara Gonzales, cellist Arnold Josue, double bassist Lawrence Palad, and pianist Mariel Ilusorio.
Now based in Makati, Benvenuti has had an extensive career performing in over 2,000 concerts in five continents since 1996. An interesting fact about him is that he has worked for the now defunct women's volleyball club in Perugia, Italy. He provided translations in line with the acquisition of foreign players for the club that included Olympic champions namely Mirka Francia who played for Cuba back then, Fofão and Walewska, both from Brazil. He is very thrilled that the Italian men's volleyball team successfully defended the World Championship trophy in Manila.
This one night only performance will feature masterpieces by various Filipino and Italian composers including Nicanor Abelardo, Antonio Molina, Antonino Buenaventura, Antonio Vivaldi, Tomaso Albinoni, and Gioachino Rossini.
Audiences can look forward to timeless works such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 for Strings in G Major, Tartini’s evocative Sonata in G Minor (Didone Abbandonata), and Ennio Morricone’s beloved film scores Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa.
Adding further variety are the spirited classic Funiculi Funicula and Debussy’s Piano Trio, 3rd Movement.
Complementing these European works are Filipino gems, including Constancio de Guzman’s patriotic Bayan Ko (arr. Orlando Dela Cruz), Nicanor Abelardo’s lyrical Cavatina, and Mike Velarde’s enduring Dahil Sa Iyo, as well as treasured folksongs such as Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan (Bicolano), Ili-Ili Tulog Anay (Ilonggo), and Salidumay (Igorot).
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Alessio Benvenuti and Sara Gonzales |
This collaboration is made possible through the shared vision of the PIA, the MSO, Joel's Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch.
Now celebrating its 63rd year, PIA continues to fulfill its mission of fostering unity between Filipino and Italian cultures through Italian language instruction, translation services, and social security and welfare assistance provided via the Patronato Acli.
Likewise, the MSO, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines, remains steadfast in its goal of discovering and nurturing Filipino musical talent, while making the appreciation and practice of music a vibrant part of Filipino life.
Joel’s Place, further complements this collaboration. A modern lifestyle grocerant seamlessly blends grocery, specialty, and dining concepts, offering a curated mix of local and international products. With its commitment to healthy living and distinctive shop and dine experiences, Joel’s Place brings a contemporary edge to the partnership while celebrating cultural exchange.
"The Master's Touch" on 98.7 DZFE-FM is the only classical music service in the country today and has delivered "masterworks and Master's Word" programs to its listening community since 1954. DZFE belongs to FEBC Philippines, a non-profit, non-commercial and non-denominational Evangelical media network serving Filipinos and their communities with biblical commentary and public service programs.
Tickets are priced at ₱1500 with 20% discount for Senior Citizens/PWD or 10% discount for PIA Members.
For ticket inquiries and reservations, please get in touch with Ms. Jan Dacera at 09954305118 and/or at this email address: philitalassociation@gmail.com
Through this landmark collaboration, PIA, MSO Joel's Place, and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master's Touch reaffirm their commitment to bridging cultures and inspiring communities through the transformative power of music.
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Facebook: The Philippine Italian Association
Instagram: @philitalian
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