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.

Philippine Madrigal Singers perform at outreach concert at Lipa Cathedral

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the City Government of Lipa, Batangas, presents the Philippine Madrigal Singers in concert on January 18, 2023, 7:00 PM at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, Lipa City.

Led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, the Madz will be joined in this concert by crossover violinist Jobry Cimafranca.

Tickets are free and are open to the public. The concert will also be live-streamed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Facebook page.

This performance of the Philippine Madrigal Singers at Lipa City is part of the outreach program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines that aims to cultivate and enhance public interest and appreciation for the arts and culture, bringing them closer to the people, especially to the regions.

12 choirs compete at 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Fest

With the stakes getting higher and slots for the 2nd Asia Choral Grand Prix up for grabs, the 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival takes place this July 18-21, 2019 the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this biannual competition will see a total of twelve choirs from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Poland competing in three categories namely Folk Song, Equal Voices, and Mixed Choir.

The twelve competing choirs are Don Bosco Makati – Boscorale, Chór Pueri et Puellae Cantores Plocenses (Poland), Chorus Vocales Philippines, Far Eastern University Chorale, Gloria Patri Singers, Miriam College High School Glee Club, Philippine Normal University (PNU) Kalibnusan Chorale, Philippine Vocal Ensemble, St. Paul Pasig High School Chorale, Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Choral Society, University of Baguio (UB) Voices Chorale, and the Voice of Satya Wacana Christian University (Indonesia).

Aside from the competition, the AOV International Choral Festival will feature a Gala Concert by the Philippine Madrigal Singers with choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and also lead up to the inaugural Asia Choral Grand Prix at the final day of the festival.

Members of the jury are Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand (USA), Werner Pfaff (Germany), Digna Guerra (Cuba), David Squire (New Zealand), and Mark Anthony Carpio (Philippines). They will also name the two choirs who will compete at the 2nd Asia Choral Grand Prix to be held in Bali, Indonesia in July 2021.

Here is the schedule for the 4th Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival.

July 18, 2019

5:00 PM Opening Ceremonies

7:00 PM Philippine Madrigal Singers Gala Concert

July 19, 2019

7:00 PM Folk Song Category Competition

July 20, 2019

4:00 PM Equal Voices Category Competition

7:00 PM Mixed Choir Category Competition

July 21, 2019

6:00 PM 1st Asia Choral Grand Prix

8:40 PM Closing and Awarding Ceremonies

Madz concert to celebrate 50 years of the CCP

The Philippine Madrigal Singers with choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Cultural Center of the Philippines via the concert Tahanan Naming Tahanan on June 29-30, 2019 at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

A couple of CCP's resident companies join the Madz at this concert namely the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and The Bayanihan, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines. Also joining are the Mini-Madz, the Schola Cantorum, the Male Ensemble Nine (MEN), the Musika Filipina, the UP Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Paolo Panagsagan and contemporary dancer Al Bernard Garcia.

The CCP has served as the home to numerous artists and cultural practitioners for the past five decades. The Philippine Madrigal Singers is one of the nine resident companies of the CCP.

Performances will be on June 29, 2019, 8:00 PM and June 30, 2019, 5:00 PM.

Himig ng Bayan: a refresher course on National Artists for Music

As part of the celebrations for the National Heritage Month, a Gala tribute for National Artists for Music was held earlier this month at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The show, billed as Himig ng Bayan, paid tribute to the fourteen National Artists for Music with performances that satisfactorily covered everyone namely Antonio Molina, Jovita Fuentes, Honorata "Atang" dela Rama, Antonino R. Buenaventura, Lucrecia Kasilag, Lucio D. San Pedro, Levi Celerio, Felipe Padilla de Leon, Jose Maceda, Ernani Joson Cuenco, Andrea O. Veneracion, Francisco Feliciano, Ramon P. Santos, and Raymundo Cipriano "Ryan" Cayabyab.

Of the fourteen, only two, Santos and Cayabyab still survive. And it was only fitting that they were in attendance that night.

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Herminigildo Ranera opened the tribute with Buenaventura's Mindanao Sketches. Soprano Rachelle Gerodias performed Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal (by Cuenco and Celerio) and Kay Tamis ng Buhay (Padilla de Leon).

Violinist Coke Bolipata performed a movement from Lucrecia Kasilag's Violin Concerto No. 2 and Antonio Molina's Hatinggabi. Cayabyab's Pepe en Pilar performed by the PPO was an interesting choice considering the vast number of works that were available.

Tenor Cristiani Rebada then gave tribute to Fuentes through his performance of Ay, Kalisud before wrapping up the first half with Cuenco and Celerio's Kalesa wherein he was joined by dancers from Danspace Ballet School.

The second half began with Himig Sanghaya Chorale performing Maceda's Udlot-udlot, the only unfamiliar piece for me that night. The Philippine Madrigal Singers paid tribute to their founder Veneracion and composers Francisco Feliciano, Ramon Santos, and Lucio San Pedro with performances of Pokpok Alimpako and Pamugon (Feliciano), Tuksuhan (Santos), and Sa Mahal Kong Bayan (San Pedro).

Rebada returned onstage for a tribute to dela Rama and Abelardo with a rendition of the latter's Bituing Marikit. The popular Sa Ugoy ng Duyan (San Pedro/Celerio) was then performed by Gerodias with Danspace Ballet School dancers. The gala was capped by all the performers with Cayabyab's patriotic O Bayan Ko.

The show, directed by Dennis Marasigan, indeed covered a lot of ground although it just skimmed the surface regarding the enormous combined catalogue of the National Artists. What left me a bit wanting was that there were no recordings nor clips (if ever they exist at all) of Jovita Fuentes and Atang dela Rama. While the composers' respective legacies could go on indefinitely through performances of their works (especially those with existing scores), the vocalists like Fuentes and dela Rama do not enjoy this and their greatness could only be gathered through what were written about them. This made me appreciate more of the videos of Celerio making music with leaves.

The gala tribute served as a refresher course for me with some works coming back to me upon hearing them again after what seemed like ages. But there is still a lot of work to be done regarding making these works known to the general public. Prior to the show at the cocktails, I found myself conversing with two teenage girls who couldn't even name a single National Artist, not even Ryan Cayabyab.

I am all for tributes such as this but the real work is out of the theater and into the classrooms primarily. Exposing the young to these National Artists (not just limited to music) and their works do not only instill Pinoy Pride but they serve to encourage the creation of new works that take into major consideration Philippine sensibilities and aesthetics.

Madz go inspirational at the Ayala Museum

The Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Ayala Museum present Awit ng Panalangin on March 21,  2019, 6:30 PM at the Ayala Museum.

The Madz led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio perform songs of faith, love and inspiration in one musical night.

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Valentine’s Day concert at the Ayala Museum

After the wildly successful Mmmm…. Madz! concert last weekend, the Philippine Madrigal Singers continue to spread the love with Madz in Love this February 14, 2019, 6:30 PM at the Ayala Museum.

This Valentine’s concert is the next best thing for those who missed the most recent concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, for those who just couldn’t get enough of the Mad or for those who want this day to be highlighted with choral music courtesy of the Philippine Madrigal Singers led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio.

Special guests in this evening are the Male Ensemble Nine (MEN) and MusiKa Filipina which long with the Madz makes it three out of the four m’s from Mmmm… Madz!.

Madz to make you go mmmm in pre-Valentine concert

The Philippine Madrigal Singers, along with their choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, are tight lipped regarding the details about their upcoming pre-Valentine concert entitled Mmmm... Madz! Happening on February 9, 2019, 8:00 PM and February 10, 2019, 5:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo).

A female guest has been teased but her identity remains a secret. What we know for sure is that program will be a mix of classic and current love tunes that is always a huge hit with audiences throughout the years.

Noli Me Tangere, the Opera's final bow and this week in concerts

Noli Me Tangere, the Opera takes a final bow

Despite a packed Friday schedule, I was able to rush back to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and catch the second half of the closing performance of Noli Me Tangere, the Opera. I was finally able to see Bianca Camille Lopez as Maria Clara and also Mari Yapjoco as Basilio. I would've wanted to see a different Ibarra and Sisa aside from Ronan Ferrer and Stephanie Aguilar respectively but the alternates already took their final bows in earlier shows. As expected, the intense scene of Sisa and Basilio near the end was the most applauded. I felt sorry for the impatient young woman beside me who left during the Awit ng Gabi ni Sisa. She missed one of the best moments of the entire opera. Such a shame.

Like one cast member told me, the opera does grow on you. With just a second viewing of the second half, the music started to make a stamp on me with the leitmotifs (especially that of Sa Lupang Pangako) becoming more evident. The charming quartet Pusong Pinagtali has also endeared itself to me. And the pacing that I felt was disjointed before was now tighter and flowed better. The production was also able to remedy some of the technical miscues. I only had some issues with the lighting as the patterns on the floor looked contemporary and out of place in a period piece like this.

I was extremely pleased to see a lot of young people among the audience. Opera productions in here are often joked as a gathering of senior citizens. But such was not the case for Noli Me Tangere, the Opera. with a great mix of the young and old in attendance. For once, I was glad to have belonged to the older demographic.

The opera may have taken its final bows (for now) but that doesn't mean that there aren't any more shows to look out for this week. Here's a selection of music performances happening over the next few days. 

First off is the return of Korean superstar soprano Sumi Jo for a one night cnthis February 7, 2017, 8:00 PM at the Meralco Theater. This performance comes at the heels of her successful concerts in Hong Kong. Learn more about Sumi Jo Divine Diva concert here.

The night of February 9, 2017 will be filled with music with at least three performances happening.

The Ayala Museum kicks off its 2017 Concert Series with a pre-Valentine’s Day presentation Caught in a Madz Romance featuring the world renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers led by choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio at 6:30 PM at the Ayala Museum.

Caught in a Madz Romance

February 9, 2017, 6:30 PM | Ayala Museum

Featuring:

Philippine Madrigal Singers

Mark Anthony Carpio, choirmaster

Ticket prices:

P700 Regular | P560 Discounted Rate| P500 Senior Citizens | P300 Students

For a unique music crossover in a club atmosphere experience, head over to the Beato Angelico Gallery at the University of Sto. Tomas at 7:00 PM for Classical X Electro featuring Hamburg based string orchestra Ensemble Resonanz and local electronic artist similarobjects. Check out more details about this performance here.

At 8:00 PM over at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) will be the world premiere performance of Diwata ng Bayan. With music by Carmela Buencamino Sinco and libretto by Ed Maranan, this opera is presented by the University of the Philippines’ College of Music in line with the celebrations of its 100^th year anniversary.

Diwata ng Bayan, a new full-length lyric opera is a love story between two characters named Matias Ylagan and Mayumi Lualhati, set during the turbulent years of the Philippine-American war in the 1900s, touching on critical issues such as clash of cultures, dispossession of land, collaboration with the colonial power and the unfinished revolution of 1896. The hero and heroine also play the roles of mythical characters named Dimalupig and Diwata in the sarsuwela which is integrated into the middle part of the opera.

Ervin Lumauag and Criselda Go lead the cast that also includes Keith Segura, Rica Nepomuceno, Maria Carmila Molina, Jeconiah Retulla, JM Espiritu, Emlyn Santos, Malvin Bethoven Macasaet, Paul Manet Martinez, Michelle Mariposa, Angelica Rose Benipayo, Ma. Rovelyn Bautista, Keisha Joy Paulo, Bianca Louise Nicole Baltazar, Cassandra Imperial, Joshua F. Cadeliña, Myron de la Cruz, Jhon Paul Fino, Rodney Erick Abuel, Airo Saret, Raymond Leslie Diaz, and Jomar de la Cruz.

Heading the creative and technical team is Dr. Ramon G. Acoymo as the overall Production and Artistic Director. Prof. Rodney Ambat conducts the Diwata ng Bayan orchestra. Rounding up the team is Jose Christe Nombres for Light Design and Technical Direction, Eric Anthony Pineda for Costume Design, and Ricardo Eric Cruz for the Set Design.

Diwata ng Bayan

February 9, 2017, 8:00 PM | Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Ticket prices:

P1500 | P1300 | P1200 | P1000 | P800 | P700 | P500

50% discount for students

20% discount for senior citizens, PWD, government and military personnel

Back by popular demand, the power vocals of Aegis and the symphonic sounds of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra team up once again for Aegis in Symphony, Symphonic Aegis #HugotPaMore on February 11, 2017, 8:00 PM at the CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Find out more about this concert here.

See the next generation of concert pianists via the Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Mozart Piano Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert this February 12, 2017, 4:00 PM at the Fleur de lis Theater of St. Paul University Manila.

Pianists Gabriel Allan Paguirigan, Ye Yun Yi, Miguel Lorenzo Panagsagan, Jet Stephen Chong, Kirsten Chantrice Fabellar, Rinaldi Alvin Yonathan, Betina Edith Bernabe, and Klyde Francis Ledamo will perform works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, and Camille Saint-Saëns. The Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Aries Caces accompanies Ledamo and Chong’s performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto for Two Pianos in E major.

This concert is presented by the Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Piano Competition, in cooperation with the Piano Teachers' Guild of the Philippines Foundation, Inc. and Steinway Boutique Manila, and in partnership with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and St. Paul University Manila.

The best thing about this concert? Admission is free. Years later, when these young pianists make it big, one can say that he/she was there to witness their budding greatness at this concert.

Henrietta Sydeco Tayengco-Limjoco Mozart Piano Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert

February 12, 2017, 4:00 PM | Fleur de lis Theater, St. Paul University Manila

Ticket price:

Free admission

The Società Dante Alighieri Manila and Lyric Opera of the Philippines present the Gala Premier of Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi which is now going to be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on February 12, 2017, 7:00 PM.

This production, under the music direction of Michelle Nicolasora , is the 2017 opener of L’Opera on Wheels that aims to make classic opera accessible to a much broader audience. Baritone Noel Azcona sings the title role. Joining Noel in this production are Elisanta Cortes, Jasmin Salvo, Randy Gilongo, and Nomher Nival.

Following the Gala Premier, subsequent performances on March 3-4, 2017, 7:00 PM will be staged at the Power Mac Spotlight Center in Circuit Makati.

Gianni Schicchi

February 12, 2017, 7:00 PM | Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

For inquiries:

SDA Manila (0998) 858-1695, sda.manila@dantemanila.com

Such a packed week and unfortunate that it's physically impossible for me to see all of them. See you at the concerts!

PPO, Rachelle Gerodias, Byeong-In Park, Madz, et al in enthralling Brahms Requiem

Featuring:

Rachelle Gerodias, soprano

Byeong-In Park, baritone

Philippine Madrigal Singers, et al

     Mark Anthony Carpio, choir master

Philippine Madrigal Singers Alumni

UE Chorale

     Anna Piquero, choir master

UP Choral Class

Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra

Olivier Ochanine, conductor

Programme:

Herminigildo Ranera

     Philippine Symphonic Folksongs

Johannes Brahms

     Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45

As his stint as outgoing principal conductor/music director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra nears its end, Olivier Ochanine drew another ace from his sleeve with the Philippine premiere performance of Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45. With a choir of at least a hundred members and soloists Rachelle Gerodies (soprano) and Byeong-In Park (baritone) joining the orchestra, the Brahms performance proved to be a feast not just for the ears but for the eyes as well.

But first, the concert opened with Herminigildo Ranera’s Philippine Symphonic Folksongs. This was just the second time this piece has been performed since its debut by the Orchestra Nipponica Tokyo for the Japan-Philippines Contemporary Music Festival held in February 2013. With this short work steeped in folk idiom, the PPO took the audience on a musical journey of the Philippines’ three main islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each island/movement had a distinct orchestral color with Luzon having only the winds, brass and percussion section playing, Visayas just the strings and harp, while Mindanao had the full orchestral complement.

Then it was off to the evening’s main work: the Brahms German Requiem. The combined forces of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, Alumni, et al with choir master Mark Anthony Carpio, the UE Chorale with choir master Anna Piquero, and the UP Choral Class were expected to produce a wall of sound and they did. More impressive were the deft handling of the softer passages with the entire choir sounding as if their voices were just mists hovering/floating above the ground. But it was during the fugues that the choir truly shone and that’s something coming from me who isn’t too keen on fugues. It is interesting to note the presence in the choir of a handful of countertenors who sang the alto parts which is something I don’t see very often.

For the audience members who weren’t familiar with the Brahms piece, they were let down when they realized how brief the parts of Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-In Park were. Byeong-In was imposing and firm, quite a contrast with the delicate solo of Rachelle. Being husband and wife, I wouldn’t be surprised that some expected a duet between the two, but none was written for this Requiem. No wonder that the talk at the lobby after the concert was wishing to hear more from the two of them. Personally, I wish the Olivier conducted this with a more glacial pace but doing that would’ve added at least five more minutes to the program. And that is five minutes more that the choir had to endure standing at the risers.

I admit that during this concert, it was very difficult for me to keep my eyes from the choir and the soloists during the Requiem. If not for the Philippine Symphonic Folksongs, I would’ve probably ignored the orchestra altogether. Well, not quite since I did savor the harp parts and also the low strings passages that opened the Brahms.

It is a remarkable coincidence that the last PPO concert that featured a huge choir happened exactly five years before and that the piece back then was also a Requiem albeit the one by Giuseppe Verdi. I think that the concerts seeming to go full circle serve as a reminder for everyone that Olivier Ochanine’s term with the PPO is about to wrap up and that next month's concert will be his last.

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Valentine's Day concert

February 14, 2015, 5:00 PM

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

Cultural Center of the Philippines

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

It’s time to get giddy with love as the Philippine Marigal Singers kick off their 2015 concert season with the Valentine’s Day concert KakaKILIG on February 14, 2015, 5:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

This presentation features not only timeless love themes but also new compositions that will surely bring that “mountain top, floating, on cloud nine, invincible, i-could-keep-smiling, heart aching goodness feeling”.

Or in other words…

Kakatuwa, kakalungkot, kakakiliti, kaka-emote, kaka-senti, kakagiliw, kaka-windang, kaka-lito, kakatawa, kaka-retro, kaka-feel good, kakakaba, kaka-excite, kakabighani, kakagitla, kaka-gigil, kakalerki, kaka-chorva, kaka-in love, kaka... aaaaawww

Ticket prices:

P2000 Orchestra Center

P1500 Orchestra Side A

P1000 Orchestra Side B

P800 Balcony I Center

P600 Balcony I Side

P400 Balcony II Center

P300 Balcony II Side

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

+applicable service charges

For inquiries:

Chichi Abella (0917) 882-4400

CCP Box Office 832-1125, 832-3704

TicketWorld 891-9999

Cultural Center of the Philippines launches Center for Choral Performance

The Philippine Madrigal Singers and Madz et al. member choirs

The Cultural Center of the Philippines recently announced the establishment of the Center for Choral Performance, bringing together the various choir programs of the CCP. Under the helm of CCP’s resident company, the Philippine Madrigal Singers and its choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio, the Center for Choral Performance’s choral music program offers workshops for choirs and choral conductors, presents choral music performances and also stages an international choral festival.

The CCP has various choral music events lined up this year. First up is the Madz et al. Choral Festival entitled Think happening on April 1-6, 2014 at the CCP Little Theater which is in celebration of the Madz et al.’s 30^th year. Coming on June 28 & 29, 2014 is the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 50^th Anniversary Closing Concert. After their European tour happening this May to June 2014, the Madz returns home and caps their 50^th year with a special concert that will also feature the Sing Philippines Choir made up of selected singers representing each region of the Philippines.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers

The CCP Hands-on Choral Workshop will also resume this year on October 21-25, 2014. After an absence of two years, due to the Madz busy touring schedule, the annual choral workshop at the CCP gets back on track. This training program gathers choirs and conductors from different parts of the country and they undergo an intensive five day training program in choral singing, conducting and performance. The workshop culminates in a choral performance by the participants at the CCP Main Theater on the final day.

And on July 21-25, 2015, the 2nd edition of the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival will take place. This follows the successful inaugural competition wherein choirs from different parts of the world competed in the folk, vocal ensemble and chamber choir categories. The competition back in 2013 marked the first international choral competition in the country.

Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio

The Center for Choral Performance is an addition to the facility based schools at the CCP Conservatory that includes Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors’ Company, the CCP Dance School, the recently held New York-Manila Musical Theater Workshop and the various masterclasses conducted by visiting artists.

Think Choral Festival celebrates 30 years of Madz et al.

April 1-6, 2014

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

One of the music events lined up in line with the CCP’s Center for Choral Performance is Think, the Madz et al. Choral Festival celebrating the 30^th anniversary of Madz et al. happening on April 1-6, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). The Madz et al. was formed 30 years ago establishing a network of choirs under the helm of conductors who are either present members, alumni or are trained by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

This week long festival will feature eight shows featuring over 50 choirs ranging from children’s choirs, church choirs, school/college/university choirs and community choirs. Each of the choirs participating in this festival is required to premiere a new work by a Filipino composer.

Shows during April 1-4 starts at 7:00 PM while on April 5 & 6, there will be two shows, a matinee at 2:00 PM and an evening performance at 7:00 PM. Seven choirs will be featured at every concert of the festival.

Ticket prices:

P700 Orchestra Center

P500 Orchestra Side

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-1125

TicketWorld 891-9999