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 NovemberAfter 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 orchestraThe 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 pianoComing 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 melodiesIn 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.
