Manila Symphony Orchestra to perform in Iloilo

Manila Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in Asia, will be in Iloilo on August 25 to 26. This 55-piece world-class ensemble conducted by Prof. Arturo Molina, is set for two performances with a diverse repertoire in its premiere with the Iloilo crowd.

On August 25, the orchestra will present “Sweet Symphonies: Bach vs. Beatles” at Molo Church while the concert dubbed as “Soundtracks and Symphonies” is scheduled on August 26 at the Iloilo Convention Center.  Ilonggos will have an inspiring experience of orchestral music that features soundtracks from American and Filipino hit movies.

 “Iloilo was once the center of culture and the arts in the Philippines. We have started promoting our visual arts and now, we will focus on the performing arts,” according to Sen. Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo senator who is a major catalyst in the on-going rapid developments in the city and province.

This musical treat of international standards aims to spark the interest of the local talent pool and a move towards a grander vision for Iloilo and the Ilonggos. It collaborates with the advocacy of the MSO as a vital contributor to the appreciation and enjoyment of music by people from all walks of life.

Manila Symphony Orchestra was established in 1926 by Viennese conductor Alexander Lippay, and, to this day, continues to enrich the Filipino’s vibrant cultural life through fine music.



Free Music Workshop for Students
Manila Symphony Orchestra will also hold a half-day workshop in Iloilo City on August 26, 2017. The free musical workshop is exclusive for a pre-selected group of 100 students from Iloilo City.

Jeffrey Solares, Executive Director of the Manila Symphony Orchestra said the students were highly recommended by their schools based on their musical aptitude and the level of performance in playing their choice of musical instruments.

“This workshop will enhance the students’ stock knowledge of orchestral music and hopefully, through this brief exposure, they will find enjoyment and appreciate a different genre of music,” Solares said.

The local budding artists will have an MSO-experience to upgrade their approach on strings, percussions, and wind instruments.

“We have a rich pool of talent in music and arts as proven by our world-renowned Ilonggo performing artists like violinist Mr. Gilopez Kabayao and tenor Othoniel Gonzaga.  By bringing the likes of Manila Symphony Orchestra to the local audience, we are enhancing the creativity of our artists and ensuring Iloilo as a premiere center of performing arts,” according to Sen. Franklin Drilon. The Ilonggo senator is one of the patrons of the 2-day performances.

Inquiries about the free, by-invitation only concert of the Manila Symphony Orchestra as well as the workshop may be directed to the Secretariat c/o Iloilo Economic Development Office (33) 335-0333 and 337-8341.

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