Professional Documents
Culture Documents
If the MSO’s first two season concerts – Philippine Festival and Forces of Nature – are any indication of how the rest of the
season will be, music enthusiasts surely have many more exciting, diverse, and inspiring performances to look forward to from the
Manila Symphony Orchestra.
Enthusiastic audience members flocked to the Philamlife Auditorium to witness the MSO together with featured soloists, violinist
Gina Medina and pianist Virginia Laico-Villanueva in a concert made possible by major sponsor CATS Motors.
Medina’s rendition of Lucino Sacramento’s Violin Concerto No. 2 was an impressive display of superb technique. Medina gave
the appreciative audience the rare opportunity of hearing the seldom-performed concerto and gave well-deserved attention
to Sacramento as an important composer in Philippine music. Medina performs on a violin made by Philippine luthier Amador
Tamayo.
Laico-Villanueva gave an equally strong performance of National Artist Nicanor Abelardo’s Piano Concerto. Laico-Villanueva is a
true example of Philippine talent as she has been recognized internationally not just as a pianist but also a composer. In Philippine
Festival, she performed on a Bosendorfer piano sponsored by ROS Music.
2
Much to the delight of the audience, young musicians from Conquering the Forces of Nature
3
the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists The forces seemed to turn against the MSO when, only
(PREDIS) gave a special intermission number, performing two weeks before the second season concert, when slated
Dugtong-dugtong, a medley of Filipino folksongs. guest conductor from Belgium, Prof. Thanos Adamopoulos,
had to undergo an operation and was advised by his doctors
The Manila Symphony Orchestra likewise showed off their not to push through with his trip to the Philippines.
virtuosity with principal conductor and music director Prof.
Arturo Molina leading the orchestra in performing Angel Peña’s The MSO, however, persevered and Joseph Esmilla
Philippine Festival Overture and Trinity: A Symphonic Cycle. The graciously agreed to step in last minute as guest conductor.
concert ended, fittingly, with National Artist Lucio San Pedro’s Within a short period of time given, Esmilla was able to lead
Lahing Kayumanggi. Obliging the enthusiastic audience, the the orchestra to a successful performance.
orchestra performed Overture to Philippine Folksongs arranged Forces of Nature, held on July 10, acknowledged nature
by Bernard Green. as one of the important sources of inspiration for many
composers, with their symphonic works paying tribute to the
MSO’s Philippine Festival was well-attended, with special mountains, the meadows, the rivers and the sea, as well as
guests led by the Legarda family, one of the original supporters their display of power in storms and tempests.
of the MSO who have continued to support the orchestra’s
growth through the Musician’s Chair Sponsorship program. The concert’s repertoire featured Dvorak’s Symphony no.
MSO’s season subscribers and board members were also 6, Mendelssohn’s Overture to Fingal’s Cave, Smetana’s The Regina Buenaventura Diomedes Saraza, Jr.
Guest conductor Esmilla encouraged the orchestra to keep Since starting their musical studies, the two have gone on to make waves both in the Philippines and abroad. Both have won
on improving their performance. “This is one of the most first place in the National Music Competition for Young Artists. They have performed in many of the premier concert halls in the
disciplined groups in the country,” he said, adding that this Philippines and abroad. As students, both have also worked hard to keep up their academics. Ultimately, Regina says, “I’m most
is greatly because of the leadership of music director and proud at the thought that I’m a much better violinist today than I was years ago.”
principal conductor Arturo Molina and concertmaster Gina
Medina. Currently, both Regina and Dio are pursuing studies in the US. At Northwestern University in Chicago, Regina says, “excellence
and brilliance are commonplace.” She adds, “Chicago is a place of museums and beautiful architecture... I once met a taxi driver
“The working environment you have provided for me gives who was a classically-trained pianist! Great musicians and scholars are close by.”
me such hope,” Esmilla told the orchestra. “You are the
hope.” Dio says that he is adjusting well to life at Juilliard, immersed in New York’s dynamic mix of arts and culture. Instead of the strict
atmosphere and fierce competition that he was expecting, Dio says, “The people there are very friendly,” adding that there are so
Catch the MSO next at the 1st National Orchestra Festival on many good students in the school and great teachers and mentors as well.
Sept. 22, 8pm, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and
in their upcoming season concert, “A New World” on Oct. 9,
8 pm, at the Philamlife Auditorium. Call 523-5712 for inquiries He has been holding his own at Juilliard, recently winning second prize in the school’s William Schumann Competition, where he
and reservations. was the only freshman included in the finals.
cont. on p. 6
4 2
Summer Symphony
Planning Seminar/Workshop
The orchestra spent three days at Calatagan, Batangas
The MSO at Arts in the City to set their plans for season 2010 and beyond. Members
Arts in the City, a haven for artists in were able to evaluate their performance and make
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, has added the Summer break was no vacation for the members of the personal and professional goals for their improvement.
orchestra to its roster which includes Manila Symphony Orchestra. We have spent the past few They were also divided into committees to create plans
Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal months performing, teaching, learning, and working to further for the group, with a team building activity to cap off the
Singers, and Tanghalang Pilipino. The improve the orchestra. Here are some of the orchestra’s workshop. Of course, the MSO members also enjoyed
orchestra holds open rehearsals and activities that have made all of us better musicians. a lot of time relaxing and having fun, strengthening the
performances at the venue. bond that sets the MSO apart from other orchestras.
Those interested may choose to subscribe to the whole season (P4,000), four
concerts (P3,500), or three concerts (P2,700).
Unit 1602
Marbella Manila
Roxas Boulevard, Manila
523.5712
events
mso.manilasymphonyorchestra@gmail.com Concert no. 4 A New World MSO at the 1st National Orchestra Festival
October 9, 2010 September 22, 2010
Sound Post Joseph Esmilla, violin Wednesday, 8pm
Ida Anita del Mundo
Arturo Molina, conductor Cultural Center of the Philippines
Editor
For tickets, call 523-5712
Concert no. 5 Scandinavia!
Ralph Perez November 20, 2010
Art Director
David Johnson, flute
Arturo Molina, conductor
Rosa Angela Lapeña
Contributing Writer
All season concerts are at 8:00PM at For more MSO performance updates,
Eunice Livioco
the Philamlife Auditorium, UN Ave., visit www.manilasymphony.com or add
Joanna Ruth Livioco
Jonathan David Livioco
Ermita, Manila. the Manila Symphony Orchestra on
Rick Lopez Facebook.
Ticket Prizes:
Jeanne Frances Marie Villar
P1000 (Orchestra Front); P600
Jaiveeh Vismonte
Contributing Photographers
(Orchestra Back) P600 (Loge)