Asia’s Oldest Orchestra Holds Press Launch Announcing its Centennial Concert Series

Marking the beginning of its centennial year, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) hosted a press launch inside the MSO Concert Hall last January 7, with a mini program, which was, in a way, a prelude and sneak peek to what they had in store: a series of six exciting concerts throughout the year, well into January of 2027. 

The program was both artistic and informative. Executive director and associate conductor Jeffrey Solares began with a history of the MSO, reaffirming the orchestra’s status as Asia’s oldest orchestra and narrating its founding by Alexander Lippay in 1926. 

Besides being one of the Philippines’ leading orchestras today, the MSO was also a significant institution in our country’s history. Throughout its early years, the orchestra has survived multiple struggles, including financial difficulties and even political issues during the Japanese occupation, with its then-conductor being detained as a political prisoner. 

After his introduction, Jeffrey Solares opened the floor for Brahms’ Gestillte Sehnsucht (Longing at Rest). The art song holds a historic noteworthiness for the MSO, being first performed on January 22, 1926, for the viola, clarinet, and piano, which was played by the orchestra’s very own Alexander Lippay. 

This time, the piece was performed with the talented soprano Michelle Mariposa. Mariposa was the Grand Finals Winner of the 2025 Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition. 

The next piece was Mozart’s “Overture” to The Marriage of Figaro. Solares proceeded to the front, leading the orchestra to a remarkable display of control and balance over its various timbres; each section, from the brass and winds to the strings, was clear and resonant. 

Performed next was another significant piece in the MSO’s history, Bizet’s “Habanera” from Carmen. In 1956, the orchestra had staged the aria, only this time with the text translated into Tagalog. Mariposa returned to the front to perform that same translated aria, creating a multicultural mix of French romanticism, Spanish rhythm, and Filipino inflection. 

Mariposa’s performance, in a way, set up the mood for the program’s Filipino works, Nicanor Abelardo’s Mutya ng Pasig, composed in 1926, and Ryan Cayabyab’s Limandipang Tao. 

Performing Abelardo’s song was the MSO’s veteran soprano, Rachelle Gerodias, whose reputation holds national and international renown. Gerodias’ performance was wrought with emotion that conveyed the Filipino brand of romanticism present in composers like Abelardo.

The orchestra’s rendition of Limandipang Tao properly marked the program’s finale, with Cayabyab’s playful rhythms and melodies lighting up the room. 

Overall, the program was a show and testament to the MSO’s capabilities and reputation both in the past and present. 

The future as well shines bright for the orchestra as it celebrates its 100th year. The series of concerts they will host is as follows:

Concert I - Centennial Opening: The Sleeping Beauty

• March 13-15, 2026
• Aliw Theater
• Featuring Ballet Manila with conductor Alexander Vikulov

 Concert II - Rising Stars of the Philippines

• May 30, 2026
• Proscenium Theatre
• Featuring violinist Jeanne Marquez, cellist Damodar Das Castillo, and conductor Joshua Dos Santos

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

• July 4, 2026
• Manila Metropolitan Theater
• Featuring violinist Emanuel John Villarin and conductor Thanos Adamopoulos

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

• August 29, 2026
• FEU auditorium
• Featuring soprano Rachelle Gerodias, mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa, baritone Byeong In Park, and conductor Marlon Chen

Concert V - Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, Future

• October 24, 2026
• Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila
• Featuring the works of Cayabyab to be conducted by Marlon Chen

Concert VI - MSO 100 Centennial Finale

• January 27, 2027
• TBD
• Featuring cellist Camille Thomas and conductor Marlon Chen

 

Photo courtesy of Manila Symphony Orchestra