ASIA’S Nightingale Lani Misalucha. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) under the baton of its founder and musical director, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a grand concert performance at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines on 1 September 2018 at 8 p.m.

To say that the show is bound to be the greatest musical spectacle this year, as it features an all-Filipino stable of world-class musicians, will seem like an understatement as MPO has painstakingly crafted a repertoire that combines the best of both classical and contemporary music, to be performed by the country’s premiere singers led by special guests Lani Misalucha, Raul Sunico, UST Singers, among others.

By revisiting its historical musical journey, the MPO will perform great classical works of composers like Beethoven and Gershwin, which have defined the early and humble beginnings of the orchestra, during the first part of the show. Featured in this segment is special guest artist Dean Raul Sunico.

The second half will highlight how MPO has evolved into an orchestra that has become more relevant and instrumental in bringing symphonic music closer to the hearts of the Filipino people. Having pioneered out-of–the-box ideas like the “Philharmonic in Jeans” concert series in the early 2000s, the orchestra will render classical pieces with a modern twist. This is some kind of a tribute to “Guess Philharmonic in Jeans Mall” concert series.

MPO music director, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, says that ‘there is a wealth of memorable repertoire attached to every milestone in our colorful career and that is what we hope to bring to our audience.’ A portion will also give prominence to the orchestra’s current spirited involvement in the local musical theater and concert scenes. The kids of musical theater will perform excerpts from Annie and a surprise pop number for their second song. UST Singers will be featured in a George Canseco medley – MPO’s tribute to OPM Classic.

Not to be missed is the debut concert performance of MPO’s very own big band with Lani Misalucha. She will give life to the timeless rock songs of Queen to be highlighted in a grand production number with the big band, along with the UST Singers. It’s a production number that the audience will surely remember.

Stage direction is by Direk Freddie Santos.

Tickets to “MPO Opus 20: Trailblazing Music Excellence” are available at TicketWorld Outlets and TicketWorld.com.ph, (02) 891-9999. For inquiries, contact MPO office at 0917-5478787, 0917-576-2502, manilaphilharmonic@gmail.com or through our Instagram account, @manilaphilharmonic.