MSO's 100th Anniversary Concert: A celebration of Beethoven and Cayabyab

Muyu Liu, Darrell Ang, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra
Photo ©Manila Symphony Orchestra

Back in January 22, 1926, a newly formed symphony orchestra under the leadership of Alexander Lippay gave its first concert at the Manila Grand Opera House This orchestra eventually became known as the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO). And exactly a century later to the date, the MSO celebrated this milestone with the 100th Anniversary Concert held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Joining the MSO in this concert are pianist Muyu Liu, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and conductors Darrell Ang and Mark Anthony Carpio.

Prior to the concert, MSO's Executive Director Jeffrey Solares gave a walking tour about the history of the MSO, occasionally stopping by old photographs, souvenir programs, and other documents and artifacts that were on display at the lobby. The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra also gave a short performance to cap the walking tour.

Muyu Liu opened the concert proper with Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 which is also known as the Emperor Concerto. Beethoven music has been regularly performed at the MSO's early concerts and this concerto was no exception. As if totally embracing her part in this once in a century event, Muyu Liu exuded joy with her take on the Emperor Concerto. With an ever present smile, her rendition was celebratory and triumphant befitting the occasion.

Philippine Madrigal Singers, Mark Anthony Carpio,
and the Manila Symphony Orchestra
Photo ©Manila Symphony Orchetsra

The other Beethoven work programmed, Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b, was a music throwback to the 1926 concert where this work was performed as the finale. It was expected that this overture would open 2026 concert for a full circle moment but it ushered in the second half instead. Seeing how dynamic and exciting Darrell Ang was on the podum, one would quickly realize that it would've been a crime if he was partially obstructed by the piano onstage while conducting this Beethoven showpiece.

The remainder of the program was devoted to sacred music by Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, with the MSO now joined by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Mark Anthony Carpio conducting. The performance of Cayabyab's Sanctus and Gloria from Misa 2000 with the Te Deum tucked in between, transported the audience to a virtual cathedral with the double chorus of the 80 member-strong Madz reverberating inside the theater.

Jeffrey Solares and the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra

The MSO's 100th Anniversary Concert looked back at the orchestra's beginnings when Beethoven figured prominently in its early concerts. And it also served as a reminder that in the MSO's century of existence, the orchestra has been shaping Philippine music history and continues to do so by championing Filipino works as evidenced by the Cayabyab music.

Manila Symphony Orchestra's 100th Anniversary Concert program announced

As the holiday season fast approaches, so does the Manila Symphony Orchestra's grand centennial celebration. As the countdown continues for this momentous occasion, the orchestra recently announced the program for The MSO 100th Anniversary Concert happening on January 22, 2026, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Darrell Ang

The centennial concert begins with Ludwig van Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b, a throwback to exactly a hundred years ago, January 22, 1926, at the MSO's inaugural concert at the Manila Grand Opera House under the baton of founder Alexander Lippay. For the anniversary concert, conducting will be Singaporean Darrell Ang, a frequent collaborator of the MSO. Leonore Overture No. 3 is one of his most dramatic orchestral works, embodying themes of struggle, freedom, and triumph. Originally written for his only opera, Fidelio, the overture transforms the story’s emotional journey from darkness and conflict to light and redemption into a powerful symphonic form. 

Muyu Liu

Following the overture is another Beethoven gem, the Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 with the returning Muyu Liu as the featured soloist. Also known as the Emperor Concerto, this work stands as his last completed piano concerto and one of the most majestic works in the repertoire. Written between 1809 and 1811 during Vienna’s turbulent wartime, the concerto opens with three commanding chords that set a heroic tone before the piano enters in a bold and unprecedented way. Its grand orchestration, virtuosic solo writing, and dialogue between piano and orchestra reveal Beethoven’s mature mastery.

Philippine Madrigal Singers

A couple of works by MSO Trustee and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Misa 2000 and Te Deum, comprise the other half of the program to be conducted by Mark Anthony Carpio that will also feature the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers. Cayabyab's Misa 2000 is a visionary and profoundly moving sacred work that unites Western liturgical form with Filipino musical identity. Written for dance and recognized by the Onassis International Cultural Competition, it combines chorus, orchestra, and indigenous instruments in a vibrant tapestry of sound and spirit.

Mark Anthony Carpio

On the other hand, Te Deum is a grand choral-orchestral work that radiates joy, gratitude, and praise. Setting the traditional Latin hymn to music, Cayabyab infuses the composition with his signature rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness, blending classical structure with contemporary sensibility. Celebratory and uplifting, Te Deum reflects both the universality of faith and the Filipino spirit of thanksgiving, a fitting conclusion to the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s centennial concert.

Along with the announcement of the upcoming centennial concert program comes the much awaited lineup of the MSO Season 100 for 2026-2027.

Concert I: Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty

March 13-15, 2026

Aliw Theater

Concert II: Centennial Rising Stars of the Philippines

May 30, 2026

Proscenium Theatre

Concert III: Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of FilAm Friendship

July 4, 2026

Manila Metropolitan Theater

Concert IV: Legacies in Song: MSO’s 100 Years and the Voice of Conching Rosal

August 29, 2026

FEU Auditorium

Concert V: Centennial Finale Gala: Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future

October 2026

Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University

Concert VI: MSO 100 Centennial Finale

January 2027

Venue TBA

*program, artists, date, and venue subject to change

Tickets for The MSO 100th Anniversary Concert are currently available via Ticketworld. Prices are as follows:

Price Zone 1: P5,000

Price Zone 2: P4,700

Price Zone 3: P4,500

Price Zone 4: P4,000

Price Zone 5: P3,000

Price Zone 6: P2,000

Price Zone 7: P1,800

Special offers include 50% discount for students and 20% discount for senior citizens and PWDs. There is also a 20% Early Bird Discount Code: MSO100EB20 that remains valid untiil December 1, 2025 11:59PM.

Triumph, thanksgiving and Mark Bebbington's return at PPO's November concert

After joining the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in its successful UK tour back in May, British pianist Mark Bebbington returns once again to the Philippines to grace the PPO's upcoming concert this November 14, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.

Billed as Triumph and Thanksgiving, the fourth concert of the 41st season sees Bebbington perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73 which is also known as the Emperor Concerto.

Another highlight of the concert is Sergei Gorchakov's arrangement of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Hearing the Gorchakov version this time is a welcome change from the wildly popular and most performed arrangement by Maurice Ravel of the Mussorgsky solo piano suite. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni Overture serves as the concert opener.

Mark Bebbington

This upcoming PPO concert marks Bebbington's third time to perform in the country. His first being the opening concert of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak's inaugural season with the PPO back in September 2023 and the second being the send-off concert just in April of this year right before the UK Tour.

Reprinted below is the press release for the concert.

Triumph, Thanksgiving, and timeless classics in PPO Concert IV this November

After a series of performances showcasing technical mastery and global artistry, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its 41st season with CONCERT IV: TRIUMPH AND THANKSGIVING on November 14, 2025, 7:30 p.m., at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

With the passionate Maestro Grzegorz Nowak at the helm, PPO’s Concert IV promises an evening of sweeping emotions and classical brilliance, highlighting the timeless works of master composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Modest Mussorgsky.

A timeless repertoire for the world-class orchestra

The November concert opens with the drama of Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, one of the composer’s most celebrated operas. The opera follows the legendary character Don Juan as he seduces women while roaming around Spain with his trusted servant Leporello. Their daring escapades are set to Mozart’s enthralling music.

As it balances sharp wit with the impending consequences of Don Juan’s actions, Don Giovanni Overture displays Mozart’s ingenious ability to weave contrasting elements into one captivating piece.

The program continues with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73. Titled Emperor, this monumental piece embodies the German composer’s interpretation of heroism, as seen through his student and patron Archduke Rudolf. Composed in 1809 when Vienna was under siege by the French, the “Emperor” ultimately shows the triumph of the human soul.

PPO’s Concert IV: Triumph and Thanksgiving concludes the night with Sergej Gorchakov’s orchestral arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The composition vividly takes its listeners on a walk through a gallery, inviting them to reflect on the works of Viktor Hartmann. The Russian painter and architect who had died young was a dear friend to Mussorgsky.

Originally written as a piano suite, Gorchakov’s lush orchestration beautifully transforms Pictures at an Exhibition into a gallery of sound.

Bringing classical elegance to life on the piano

Coming back to the country to bring to life the classic masterpieces, internationally recognized pianist Mark Bebbington will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat Major, Op. 73.

A certified champion of British music, Bebbington has emerged as one of Britain’s innovative pianists. He had also toured with the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia, and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. His prowess in performances and recordings promises to illuminate Mozart and Beethoven’s majestic passages.

Carrying musical sensitivity, Bebbington previously joined the PPO in its nine-concert tour across the United Kingdom. He was declared a “hidden gem” by the orchestra’s concertmaster and artist-in-residence violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr.

Offering gratitude with melodies

In revisiting a classical repertoire, the PPO underscores its own evolution as a dynamic and world-class ensemble in its 41st concert season. The fourth installment bears the theme “Triumph and Thanksgiving,” reflecting the celebration of artistic excellence and appreciation.

Through Concert IV, the PPO also offers heartfelt gratitude to its audiences who continue to support the orchestra’s mission of bringing classical music closer to every Filipino. Slated on November 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, expect an evening of enchanting melodies with the nation’s premier orchestra.

Tickets for PPO concerts are priced at Php3,000, Php2,500, Php2,000, and Php1,500, available at TicketWorld. For an exclusive 20 percent discount, be a PPO subscriber. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880 to purchase a PPO’s 41st concert season subscription.

For more updates on the PPO and its upcoming performances, visit the CCP’s website (https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/). You may also follow the CCP’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

PPO reprises UK Tour program in "Le Retour" season concert

A week after championing romantic pieces at the season opening concert, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra harkens back to its UK Tour last May with its second concert of the season happening on September 19, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

With PPO Music Director and Principal Conductor Grzegorz Nowak at the helm, the PPO reprises pieces performed at the tour like Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Waltz from Swan Lake Suite, and Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67.

The concert, billed as Le Retour, also sees PPO's concertmaster and artist-in-residence Diomedes Saraza, Jr. as the featured soloist in Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines' President, Kaye C. Tinga announced in her welcome remarks at the opening concert that the PPO is slated once again to go on tour towards the end of the current season buoyed by the success of its UK Tour over the summer.

Reprinted below is the press release for the PPOs' Concert II: Le Retour

PPO serenades Filipinos with UK Tour repertoire in Concert II: Le Retour

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) reprises the repertoire from its successful tour across the United Kingdom (UK) in CONCERT II: LE RETOUR, slated on September 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

Revisiting British classics in PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour

Led by the commanding Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, Concert II: Le Retour ushers in the brilliance of the PPO with their iteration of Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1. To familiarize himself with the sounds of southern Spain in the early 19th century, Bizet went to great lengths in constructing the world he borrowed from Prosper Mérimée’s novella of the same name.

Bizet, however, passed three months after the premiere of Carmen. Unbeknownst to him, his friend Ernest Guiraud compiled the opera’s remarkable moments into two orchestral suites.

PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour sustains its beautiful momentum with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Inspired by George Meredith’s poem of the same title, Vaughan Williams creates the vivid image of a soaring lark through his melodies. Diomedes Saraza, Jr., PPO’s very own guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence, performs the solo violin that had captivated hearts in the UK.

Composed before World War I, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending portrays a simpler England, one devoid of war and industrial change. It was received with admiration after Marie Hall played the violin under the guidance of conductor Adrian Boult in 1921. Over time, it evolved to be one of the most beloved British classics.

With Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite: Waltz, the PPO continues its excellent display of Filipino artistry in Concert II: Le Retour. Arguably among the most well-known orchestra pieces, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake: Waltz draws elements from the Russian and German folklore of a young princess transforming into a swan.

When Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered in 1877, its production was uninspired and underwhelming. Later in 1895, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov gave the ballet a new choreography attuned to the intricacy of Tchaikovsky’s music.

PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour concludes the night with an exhilarating rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5, op.67, C minor. Beethoven had already begun composing his Fifth Symphony as early as 1804. Often interpreted as “fate knocking on the door,” the piece’s four-note opening motif has been referenced across musical genres as it elaborates on human perseverance in the face of adversity.

A glimpse into the PPO’s UK tour

“The UK tour proved that Filipino musicians are truly world-class, and are on par with the very best orchestras in the world,” said Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Kaye C. Tinga proudly.

The conclusion of PPO’s remarkable tour in the UK is clear proof of Filipino artistry. Despite standing on unfamiliar stages, the orchestra relayed its unparalleled commitment to music to global audiences. PPO’s same brand of versatility, as presented in its repertoire in the UK, will be revisited in Concert II: Le Retour.

Witness PPO’s world-class renditions of British classics in Concert II: Le Retour on September 19, 2025, in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. PPO’s 41st concert season, dubbed Versatile, runs until April 2026.

Tickets for PPO concerts are priced at Php3,000, Php2,500, Php2,000, Php1,500, Php800, and Php500, available at TicketWorld. For an exclusive 25 percent discount, be a PPO subscriber. Email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63931-033-0880 to purchase a PPO’s 41st concert season subscription.

For more updates on PPO’s 41st Concert Season: Versatile, visit the CCP’s website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). You may also follow the CCP’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

Cecile Licad holds solo piano concert at Gallery MiraNila on October 1

Whenever world-renowned pianist Cecile Licad performs piano concertos with an orchestra, the final note is always greeted by deafening applause by a dazzled and enthralled audience. The combination of a large theater packed to the brim, a full symphony orchestra, technically demanding pieces, and Licad's larger than life stage presence all add up to a grand experience.

The above paragraph is mainly why the switch to a solo concert, with Licad and just a piano, at an intimate venue surrounded by the garden of an historic heritage house, make Cecile Licad Up Close, happening on October 1, 2025, 6:30 PM at the Gallery MiraNila, a must see.

Presented by the MiraNila Heritage House & Library in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and the P. Ilusorio Foundation and in collaboration with Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf, Cecile Licad Up Close sees Licad performing Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2 Quasi una fantasia or more popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata, Robert Schumman's Carnaval, Op. 9, Franz Liszt's St. Francis of Paola Walking on the Waves, a handful of Scott Joplin's ragtime pieces namely The Entertainer, Rose Leaf Rag, Stoptime Rag, and Easy Winters, and Frédéric Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23.

A recipient of the Leventritt Gold Medal, Grand Prix du Disque, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award, Ms. Licad has also worked with esteemed orchestras and distinguished conductors, including the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Claudio Abbado, as well as Sir Georg Solti, the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich, the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, the London Symphony Orchestra under Kurt Masur, the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Andre Previn, and the Russian Academy State Orchestra (Moscow) under People’s Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein.

Cecile Licad
Photo ©Patrick Diokno

She continues to captivate audiences at the Carnegie Hall and, most recently, on tour with famed Wynton Marsalis and his brass band playing alongside Louis, a modern silent film based on the early years of the legendary trumpetist Louis Armstrong.

The Gallery MiraNila concert offers a rare opportunity to hear this most decorated of Filipino classical artists in the intimate setting of the hall.

Tickets for her one-night-only solo concert in Metro Manila are priced at P3,500 (premium) and P3,000 (regular).

For tickets, text Bern at 0906-547-8268 or email miranilaheritage@gmail.com.

Apart from the concert, guests can avail of pre-concert cocktails and post-concert dinners on offer. The pre-concert sunset cocktail hour from 5:00-6:00 PM, serving cocktails and charcuterie with panoramic sunset views is priced at P1,000 per guest. While the post-concert dinner, a curated late dinner under the stars by Bizu on the rooftop cost P2,000 per guest.

Spots can be booked at: https://bit.ly/3JvaG9q

Other guests can avail of the Bizu pasta station and light snacks for sale during the intermission and after the concert.

MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy Bagong Lipunan Crame, Q.C. Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House Events.

Cecile Licad Up Close is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts, P. Ilusorio Foundation, and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf.

PPO's jampacked send off concert previews UK tour

Maestro Grzegorz Nowak and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra gave a sneak peek of their upcoming UK tour program during a send-off concert that was recently held at the Metropolitan Theater.

Clocking over two and a half hours and featuring two soloists and two full symphonies(!), the concert was definitely stacked. Consider also the orchestra had having to adjust rehearsal schedules in order to play, on short notice, at the Necrological Service of National Artist Nora Aunor just a couple of days prior to the send-off concert date. But the PPO, under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, managed to pull it off and showing that the orchestra is more than ready for its 9 stop UK tour scheduled for May 13-24, 2025.

Mark Bebbington, CCP President Kaye C. Tinga, and Diomedes Saraza, Jr.

The concert started with the Nimrod from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 or more popularly known as the Enigma Variations". Quite a somber beginning since a bombastic overture typically opens a performance.

Mark Bebbington

Mark Bebbington gave what is believed to be the Philippine premiere of the revised, one movement version of Frederick Delius' Piano Concerto in C minor. He mentioned at the press conference prior to the concert that he's excited to perform this piece on tour especially at the penultimate stop in Bradford where Delius was born. Bebbington then evoked the captivating flow of the tides in his encore, The Island Spell from John Ireland's trio of piano miniaures Decorations.

The last time the PPO performed Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op.90 "Italian" back in October 2023, Nowak conducted the orchestra almost to the point of exhaustion as he steered the finale at such a frantic pace. But this time, the PPO was up to the task and confidently looked to have enough gas for yet another symphony later in the program.

The second half began with Il Maestro di Cappella by the PPO's Composer-in-Residence Jeffrey Ching. This work, that will serve as an opener in each of the concerts at the tour,  displayed some bits of humor, especially from Nowak who conducted the orchestra as if directing traffic on a busy intersection.

Diomedes Saraza, Jr.

PPO Concertmaster and Artist-in-Residence Diomedes Saraza, Jr. then gave a performance of Ralph Vaughan William's The Lark Ascending less than two months since his last take on the same piece back in March. A pastoral romance that evoked peace and calm, Saraza Jr. exhibited the restraint that is demanded with this piece. Audience members who yearned for more fireworks from him got their wish though with Saraza Jr.'s own take on the folk song Magtanim ay 'Di Biro that had a healthy dose of his contemporary leanings.

The concert wrapped up with the very popular Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Ludwig van Beethoven. By this time, the send-off concert felt bogged down by its length. But the PPO's unwavering endurance coupled with the popularity of the piece managed to close out the concert on a high note.

Diomedes Saraza, Jr. and Mark Bebbington

With the send-off concert in the bag, the PPO is now ready to depart to the UK. It's remarkable to think that the opportunity for the PPO to do a UK tour only happened after the Buenos Aires Symphony Orchestra of Colón Opera had to cancel its due to the economic situation in Argentina. By that time, the concert program have already been set and Nowak managed to have some tweaks like the inclusion of Ching's new work. Also joining the tour is cellist Wen-Sinn Yang who was the guest soloist during the PPO's October 2023 concert.

Wen-Sinn Yang and Grzegorz Nowak from October 2023

Listed below are the dates, venues, and respective programs of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's UK Tour.

May 13, 2025

Bristol Beacon

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Diomedes Saraza Jr., violin

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op.90 "Italian"

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

May 14, 2025

Cadogan Hall London

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op.90 "Italian"

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Edward Elgar Nimrod from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma Variations"

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

May 15, 2025

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Diomedes Saraza Jr., violin

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

May 16, 2025

G Live, Guildford

Mark Bebbington, piano

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op.90 "Italian"

Frederick Delius Piano Concerto in C minor

Edward Elgar Nimrod from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma Variations"

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

May 18, 2025

Theatre Royal, Norwich

Mark Bebbington, piano

Diomedes Saraza Jr,. violin

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Frederick Delius Piano Concerto in C minor

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

May 19, 2025

Bridegwater Hall, Manchester

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Grzegorg Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op.90 "Italian"

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Edward Elgar Nimrod from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma Variations"

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

May 21, 2025

City Hall, Sheffield

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Grzegorg Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

May 22, 2025

St. George's Hall, Bradford

Mark Bebbington, piano

Diomedes Saraza Jr., violin

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Frederick Delius Piano Concerto in C minor

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

May 24, 2025

Perth Festival, Scotland

Wen-Sinn Yang, cello

Diomedes Saraza Jr., violin

Grzegorz Nowak, conductor

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Jeffrey Ching Il Maestro di Cappella

Georges Bizet Carmen Suite No. 1

Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Manila Symphony Orchestra inches forward to 100 years

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Several years ago as I was reading James A. Grymes' Violins of Hope, a book that told the stories of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, I encountered the name Herbert Zipper in one of the earliest chapters. The chapter detailed Zipper and his other inmates' experience in Dachau, one of the earliest concentration camps established by the Nazis. While detained inside, Zipper did the unthinkable and formed a clandestine orchestra. Despite being forbidden, Zipper and his fourteen-piece orchestra continued to play in secret, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to spark hope even in the darkest of times. Zipper got transferred to Buchenwald when Dachau became too crowded, but then got eventually released and was able to return to Vienna. The chapter last mentioned Zipper as one of the fortunate ones who were able depart from Vienna just before the Nazis put a stop on Jewish emigration.

Herbert Zipper's name definitely rang a bell for although it was no longer mentioned in Violins of Hope, he eventually ended up in the Philippines in 1939 taking over conducting duties of the Manila Symphony Orchestra soon after the death of its founder Alexander Lippay. He might have escaped the Nazis but Zipper had to contend with the Japanese invaders during World War II.

One could just imagine that all that Zipper had experienced played a crucial role in mounting the historic post-liberation concerts especially the one at the ruins of the Sta. Cruz Church that has now gained legendary status. And according to the Academy Award Nominated short documentary Never Give Up: The 20th Century Odyssey of Herbert Zipper directed by Terry Sanders, a war correspondent who was at the concert later wrote that "The Eroica has been performed by many greater orchestras but never with greater feeling."

It's this intertwining of music and world history that makes the Manila Symphony Orchestra so fascinating. The MSO's storied past comes to the forefront as the orchestra inches closer to its centennial year. In line with this, the MSO has launched its 2025-2026 concert series, offering an exciting season that is a hundred years in the making.

Sara Gonzales performs
with Jeffrey Solares conducting

Commemorating the Past

The MSO honors the past with their season opener commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the post-liberation concerts of 1945-1946, a prolific time for the orchestra performing over 150 concerts soon after World War II. To be performed in this concert, billed as Music for Peace, are Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "From the New World" aka New World Symphony and Ludwig van Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61. The Dvořák symphony was one of the pieces performed by the MSO at the first post-liberation concert at the Sta. Cruz Church ruins mentioned earlier. The Beethoven violin concerto was also performed by the MSO during this time with then 18-year old Basilio Manalo as the soloist. Manalo later on spearheaded the 2001 reorganization of the MSO.

Music for Peace, the MSO 2025-2026 concert series opener happens on May 24, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater located at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Emanuel John "EJ" Villarin is the guest soloist performing the Beethoven violin concerto while MSO Music Director/Principal Conductor Marlon Chen conducts.

Spotlighting the Future

Along with EJ Villarin, a few of MSO's scholars will get their share on the spotlight this season namely violinist Monica Bacus, and cellist Damodar Das Castillo. Bacus will perform Chen Gang and He Zhanhao's Butterfly Lovers Concerto, one of the most classical music pieces to come out from China, while Das Castillo will take on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. Aside from these promising soloists, the season will also feature a yet to be announced children's choir.

Forging Links

Over the years, the MSO has featured numerous conductors and guest soloists from all around the world and this season is no exception. The Embassies of Brazil and the People's Republic of China will co-present concerts this season. The Braziilian Guitar and Cello concert will show that there is more to Brazilian music than samba and bossa nova. This concert will also feature Brazilian guest artists namely cellist Fabio Presgrave and guitarist Fabio Zanon. On the other hand, the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao headlines the concert bearing the same name. A yet unannounced Chinese guest conductor will be leading the MSO.

Other notable foreign guests appearing this season include Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, American conductor Angel Velez, Chinese pianist Muyu Liu, and the Los Angeles Film Composers Intensive (LAFCI). Frequent MSO collaborators Alexander Vikulov from Russia and Darrell Ang from Singapore will conduct concerts this season as well.

Championing the Filipino

The season will also feature the works of Jeffrey Ching and Conrado del Rosario, both of whom were born in the Philippines and later on had further studies in Europe. Del Rosario's works can be characterized as sweeping and cinematic while Ching's avant-garde compositions challenge both the listener and the performer. One performer who has tackled Ching's demanding works with flying marks is soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila who incidentally is also among the artists making an appearance this season.

Jeffrey Solares conducts the MSO

Below is a rundown of the Manila Symphony Orchestra's 2025-2026 concert series.

Music for Peace

May 24, 2025

Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Emanuel John Villarin, violin

Marlon Chen, conductor

Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "From the New World"

Ludwig van Beethoven Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61

A Night in Hollywood

June 28, 2025

Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Zoltán Onczay, cello

Angel Velez, American guest conductor

New Works for Film by the Los Angeles Film Composers Intensive (LAFCI) Conducting Fellows

Brazilian Guitar and Cello

August 9, 2025

Venue: TBA

Fabio Presgrave, cello

Fabio Zanon, guitar

Stefanie Quintin-Avila, soprano

Marlon Chen, conductor

Music by Heitor Villa-Lobos and Jeffrey Ching

Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto

September 7, 2025

Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Monica Bacus, violin

Children’s Choir

Chinese guest conductor

Chen Gang, He Zhanhao Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto

Filipino Work for Children’s Choir and Orchestra

Dancing with Tchaikovsky

September 27, 2025

Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Damodar Das Castillo, cello

Alexander Vikulov, guest conductor

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Suite from the Ballet “Sleeping Beauty”

The MSO 100th Anniversary Concert

January 22, 2026

Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati

Muyu Liu, piano

Darrell Ang, guest conductor

*Dates and venues may be subject to change

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld:

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PPO celebrates Women's Month with conductor Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng in March concert

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates Women's Month with guest conductor Dr. Beverly Shangkuan-Cheng on the podium at its upcoming concert on March 17, 2023, 8:00 PM at the Metropolitan Theater.

The concert program will be highlighted by a selection of pieces by Philippine female composers namely Marie Jocelyn Marfil’s Pyagsawitan Wedding and Harvest, National Artist for Music Lucrecia R. Kasilag’s Festival from Philippines Scenes, and Denise Santos’s The Light of Extreme Darkness.

Also to be performed are Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Serenade to Music featuring a 16 voice choir, and Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92.

Dr. Shangkuan-Cheng is the incumbent president of the Philippine Choral Directors Association, and the artistic director of the Las Piñas International Bamboo Organ Festival. She is an associate professor at the University of the Philippines College of Music, teaching conducting for both graduate and undergraduate music students. She is currently the Philippine representative to the Asia Pacific Choral Council and the Asia Choral Association.

Shangkuan-Cheng has a degree in music from the University of the Philippines, a master’s from the Yale School of Music and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a doctorate degree in musical arts from the University of Michigan. Conductor Shangkuan-Cheng has performed with various international orchestras in South Africa, Germany, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, China, Spain, Vietnam, Portugal, and Singapore.

She has gained numerous awards including the Phyllis Curtin Career Entry Award from the Yale School of Music, the Margot Fassler Award and the Hugh Giles Prize from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music for her conducting, first prize at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Graduate Conducting Competition. She participated as a fellow at the Levi Barbour Fellowship from the University of Michigan.

Manila Pianos Artist Series presents violinist Leila Neynes, cellist John Paolo Anorico, and pianist Brian Berino in recital

The Manila Pianos Artist Series presents violinist Leila Neynes, cellist John Paolo Anorico, and pianist Brian Berino in Synergy, a chamber music recital happening on January 15, 2023, 6:00 PM at the Manila Pianos Showroom located at Paseo de Magallanes, Makati.

This recital features solo and duo performances of Impromptu G flat Major Op. 90 No. 3 D 899 by Franz Schubert, the Allegro from Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24 "Spring" by Ludwig van Beethoven, Le cygne/The Swan from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns, Caprice No. 1, Op. 25 by Alfredo Piatti, Caprice No. 2 in A minor, Op. 22 by Pierre Rode, Concert Étude Op. 40, No. 3 "Toccatina" by Nikolai Kapustin, and Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla.

The recital will be capped by a performance of Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49.

Tickets are priced at P800. Discounted tickets at P500 are available for seniors, PWDs, and students. Reservations can be made via GCash payment to 0917-4158876 under the name of Richard S. After paying, send confirmation, along with payer's name and number of tickets to the same number. Reserved tickets can be claimed at the gate on the day of the performance.

Orchestra of the Filipino Youth to perform in 10th anniversary concert

The National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA), in celebration of its 49th Anniversary, presents the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth in a special 10th anniversary concert on October 8, 2022, 5:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).

Billed as OFY X: Celebrating 10 Years of Music, this concert is the orchestra's first live performance since the pandemic.

Conducted by Gerard Salonga, the OFY will perform Mikhail Glinka's Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila, Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, Antonino Buenaventura's Mindanao Sketches, Lucio San Pedro's Lahing Kayumanggi, and Ryan Cayabyab's Tsismis.

The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth is a non-profit organization founded in 2012, institutionally funded by First Philippine Holdings and First Gen Corporation. Its program structure is inspired by El Sistema, which originated in Venezuela as an alternative after school activity to help at-risk children and to spark social change through music. OFY supports the musically talented, less privileged youth, and provides programs that focus on orchestral training and instrument support. It has performed in local and international venues and events. Currently, OFY is led by Gerard Salonga, Ang Misyon’s Music Director and Chief Conductor of Orchestras.

Roi Aldric Trawon

OFY gave me an opportunity to develop as a leader by challenging me to step up when the conductor is not present the organization as a whole also motivated me to see music education as a vehicle for social change.

-Roi Aldric Trawon, OFY Concertmaster 2012-2015

Admission to the concert is for free but tickets have already been committed. Additional tickets may be released to the public if ticket holders do not come.