Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates 100th with year-long concerts

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long concert series spanning orchestral, ballet, vocal, and Philippine music programs.

The centennial season runs from March 2026 to January 2027 and will be presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance.

Concert I – Centennial Opening: “The Sleeping Beauty”

13–15 March 2026, Aliw Theater

Featuring Ballet Manila, with Alexander Vikulov as conductor

The opening concert features Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Sleeping Beauty,” performed with Ballet Manila.

Concert II – Rising Stars of the Philippines

30 May 2026, Proscenium Theatre, Rockwell, Makati

Featuring Jeanne Rafaella Marquez (violin), Damodar Das Castillo (cello), and Joshua Dos Santos (conductor)

The program includes Johannes Brahms’ Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102, performed by Marquez and Castillo with the MSO under Dos Santos.

Concert III – Symphony of a Nation: 100 Years of Music, 80 Years of Fil-Am Friendship

4 July 2026, Manila Metropolitan Theater

Featuring Emanuel John Villarin (violin) and Thanos Adamopoulos (conductor)

The concert focuses on Philippine orchestral works and the development of symphonic music in the country.

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

29 August 2026, FEU Auditorium

Featuring Rachelle Gerodias-Park (soprano), Michelle Mariposa (mezzo-soprano), Byeong In Park (baritone), and Marlon Chen (conductor)

The program includes excerpts from Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” and other vocal works from the MSO repertoire.

Concert V – Philippine Master Composers, Past, Present, and Future

24 October 2026, Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University

Featuring a new work by Ryan Cayabyab, with Marlon Chen conducting

The concert includes the world premiere of a new composition by Cayabyab alongside works by other Filipino composers.

Concert VI – MSO 100 Centennial Finale

January 2027, venue to be announced

Featuring Camille Thomas (cello) and Marlon Chen (conductor)

The final concert concludes the centennial season. Program details are subject to change.

Program, artists, dates, and venues are subject to change.

Support the Manila Symphony Orchestra by being a SEASON SUBSCRIBER. Check out their social media accounts to get up to 50% off on all MSO100 VIP Season.

Season subscriptions and centennial ticket offers will be announced through the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s official social media accounts and website.