Manila Symphony Orchestra turns 100; concert series set

CENTENNIAL MARKED ON A HIGH NOTE Soprano Rachelle Gerodias interprets Nicanor Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig” as Jeffrey Solares directs the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), in a performance during a recent press launch announcing events in celebration of MSO’s centennial. A photo collage retraces a part of MSO history, particularly in 1941 before the outbreak of World War II. —PHOTOS BY AMADÍS MA.GUERRERO

One of the oldest cultural institutions in Asia, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), was founded by Alexander Lippay on Jan. 22, 1926, with the inaugural concert staged at the Manila Grand Opera House.

Lippay led the symphony orchestra through the turbulent 1930s, with the threat of war looming over Europe (and later in Asia). He died in 1939 and was succeeded by the Austrian Herbert Zipper, a survivor of the Nazi Germanys’ Dachau concentration camp.

Came the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941, and during the occupation Zipper was imprisoned by the Japanese military authorities. In protest, MSO musicians refused to perform and hid their instruments.

The Japanese reacted by creating a puppet “New Philippine Orchestra.”

It was the MSO’s shining moment, an encounter with history.

Postwar years

Zipper was released after four months, and with war’s end in February 1945—a costly “liberation” with 100,000 civilians dead in Manila—Zipper went on to lead the orchestra in its first postwar concert, held amid the ruins of the Santa Cruz church.

The decades flew by, with the MSO holding regular concerts, often with leading international artists as guests.

It ceased operations some years ago but was revived and quickly regained its reputation as a leading symphony orchestra of the nation.

This year is the 100th birth anniversary of the MSO.

MSO executive director Jeffrey Solares recently hosted a press launch at the MSO Concert Hall in Circuit Makati to announce plans for the centennial concert which will be held at Samsung Theater for the Performing Arts, Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

Through a video screen, Solares reviewed the history of the MSO, discussed the program for the Jan. 22 event, and announced the repertoire for the rest of the year, from March to January 2027.

Performers at the event included leading soprano Rachelle Gerodias, who interpreted Abelardo’s “Mutya ng Pasig”; mezzo soprano Michelle Mariposa, who sang the Habanera from “Carmen” in Tagalog; viola player Charmers Bersaba; and pianist Gabriel Pagurigan.

The repertoire for the centennial concert will include Beethoven’s “Leonor Overture,” which Lippay conducted at the Manila Grand Opera House; movements from Ryan Cayabyab’s “Missa 2000” and his “Te Deum,” a song of thanksgiving; and Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 5” by Muyu Liu.

Celebratory concerts

Around 100 members of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, along with conductors Darrell Ang and Mark Carpio, will also perform at the centennial concert.

The rest of the year will showcase an array of celebratory concerts from March to the finale in January 2027.

Concert 1 is Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” with Ballet Manila and conductor Alexander Vikulov; March 13 to March 15, Aliw Theater.

Concert 2 is “Rising Stars of the Philippines,” with violinist Jeanne Marquez, cellist Damodar Das Castillo, and conductor Joshua Dos Santos; May 30, Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati City.

Concert 3 is “Symphony of a Nation,” with violinist Emmanuel John Villarin and conductor Thanos Adamopoulos; July 4, Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Concert 4 is “Legacies in Song,” with soprano Rachelle Gerodias, mezzo soprano Michelle Mariposa, baritone Byeong In Park, and conductor Marlon Chen; Aug. 29, Far Eastern University Auditorium.

Concert 5 is “Philippine Master Composers,” featuring new works by Ryan Cayabyab, with Marlon Chen as conductor; Oct. 24 at Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

And Concert 6 is the MSO 100 Centennial Finale, with cellist Camille Thomas and conductor Marlon Chen; January 2027 (exact date and venue to be announced)

Highlights

In an interview with the Inquirer, Solares said, “I would count our concerts in China (June 2019) and Japan (2022), as a featured orchestra of the Asia Orchestra Week, as a major highlight of the MSO.”

He added, “It’s memorable for me every time the MSO travels and performs outside Metro Manila. Our workshops and outreach concerts in the provinces are always exciting and meaningful, as we are able to share something which our fellow Filipinos in the provinces do not normally experience.”