An evening of music, warmth and giving at the Manila House

On 1 December, the halls of Manila House Private Members Club will glow a little brighter —not only with holiday lights, but with the generosity that marks the season. A Christmas Overture, a special fundraising concert in support of HearLife-Verein, invites guests to welcome the Yuletide through music that resonates far beyond a single evening.

This year’s program gathers an inspiring ensemble of artists whose shared purpose goes deeper than performance. Their repertoire, ranging from cherished Christmas standards to stirring classical and orchestral pieces, offers one enduring gift — the gift of hearing.

Leading the lineup is internationally acclaimed pianist Dr. Abelardo Galang II, a Berlin-based Filipino artist celebrated across Europe and Asia for his expressive solo and chamber work. Joining him is violinist Mary Joyce San Juan, a seasoned performer of more than 30 years known for her versatility across classical and contemporary styles; violist Lauro Valentino Cad, who began training at a young age and later helped strengthen youth orchestras in Cebu; cellist Irvin Roie So, a young musician who shifted from piano to cello and now performs actively with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra; and flutist Raymundo O. Sison, admired for his lyrical tone and radiant musicality, with performances that include sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli.

The vocal performers bring their own distinct artistry to the program. Evangeline Ng Lao, trained in classical voice and recognized for notable stage roles, returns to the spotlight with renewed passion. Lucia Caterina J. Boschi, a young Italian Filipino singer and multi-instrumentalist, carries top prizes from international music competitions and draws inspiration from both opera and musical theater. Tara Bahukhandi, a Filipino Indian scholar-performer, brings award-winning discipline to her classical and musical theater repertoire. Mavis Jane Tan, a young soprano with accolades from London and Europe, adds a fresh and expressive presence. Sherine Ann Koa, an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music and multi-medalist, brings her wealth of stage experience from theater and international competitions. Completing the ensemble is pianist Sharlene Morta, a MED-EL cochlear implant user who graduated cum laude in Music Business Management and continues a family tradition of musical excellence — an artist whose very presence embodies the evening’s advocacy.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit HearLife-Verein, a non-profit organization devoted to supporting the hearing and speech rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants, as well as deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Through professional development for medical and therapy practitioners, family support, hearing assessments, cochlear implant guidance, therapy scholarships and community outreach, HearLife offers a holistic approach that empowers families at each stage of the hearing journey. Early intervention, appropriate technologies, patient-centered rehabilitation and educational support form the foundation of its mission.

“The holidays remind us that connection is at the heart of every celebration. HearLife helps restore connection in its purest form —through sound, communication, and the possibility of a fuller, richer life. For many of HearLife’s beneficiaries, this gift means the chance to hear a parent’s voice for the first time, to participate in school without barriers, or to finally feel connected in a world that had once been quiet,” said Maribel Mueller, founder and president of HearLife-Verein in Buch in Tirol, Austria.

Set against the intimate charm of Manila House, A Christmas Overture welcomes the season with warmth and elegance. Guests are invited not only to enjoy exceptional performances, but to become part of a larger story — one where each ticket, each note, and each shared moment contributes to a child’s first words, a family’s joy, and a future filled with new beginnings.

Tickets are priced at P2,700 for members and P3,000 for guests. For reservations, email reservations@manilahouseinc.com. For other inquiries, contact (+63) 917-8163685.