MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presented the second
concert of Celebration: The MSO Centennial Season, with a gala performance titled
“From Mozart to Mahler.” The concert took place on May 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the
Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. Co-presented by Standard Insurance and
EastWest Bank, the event was organized in partnership with the Austrian Embassy
Manila and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Conservatory of Music.
The performance featured guest conductor Joshua Dos Santos leading the orchestra,
alongside featured soloists Emanuel John Villarin on violin and Christian Wrona on viola.
For this production, the Manila Symphony Orchestra performed side-by-side with
selected members of the UST Symphony Orchestra. The highly anticipated evening drew
a completely sold-out audience, culminating in an enthusiastic standing ovation amidst
the hour-long Mahler masterpiece.
Repertoire and Historical Showcase
The concert program paired two major works from the classical and romantic canons,
featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola, and
Orchestra in E-flat Major, K. 364 and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major “Titan”.
Prior to the musical performances, the MSO screened an eight-minute documentary
summary directed by J.C. Jose, detailing the institution’s 100-year history and its deep
historical ties to Austria.
This documentary segment covered three major eras of the orchestra’s trajectory,
beginning with the founding years from 1926 to 1939, which highlighted the
establishment of the orchestra under its founder, Viennese conductor Alexander Lippay.
It then moved to the World War II and resistance era from 1940 to 1945, focusing on the
orchestra’s operation during the war years as a symbol of cultural resistance under the
leadership of Austrian conductor Herbert Zipper. Finally, the film documented the modern
initiatives and current leadership driving the MSO toward its centennial milestone. This
collaboration with the Austrian Embassy Manila serves as a central milestone in a
year-long partnership celebrating the historic cultural exchange between the musical
institution and the country of Austria.
The centennial event also featured honorary speeches delivered by Ms. Maan Hontiveros,
MSO Foundation Inc. President; Ms. Margit Loidolt, Chargé d’Affaires of the Austrian
Embassy in Manila; and Mr. Jeffrey Solares, MSO Foundation Inc. Executive Director.
This collaboration with the Austrian Embassy Manila serves as a milestone in a year-long
partnership celebrating the historic cultural exchange between the musical institution
and the country of Austria.
Dignitaries and Prominent Guests in Attendance
The gala performance was attended by an array of distinguished cultural and diplomatic
figures. Among the prominent guests was National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon Santos,
alongside MSO Foundation Trustees Maan Hontiveros, Atty. Jose Feria, Atty. Katrina
Legarda, and Corazon Alvina. Major corporate partners and sponsors were well
represented, including Standard Insurance Group Chairman Mr. Judes Echauz, as well as
Ms. Faith Mondejar representing JTI Philippines. The evening also drew significant
diplomatic representation with dignitaries attending from the Embassy of the
Netherlands, the Austrian Embassy, and the Japanese Information and Culture Center.
Dr. Renato Lucas was also present on behalf of the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts (NCCA).
About the Performers
Emanuel John Villarin, a 22-year-old violinist and Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
(MSJO) – Standard Insurance scholar, is a graduating bachelor student at the Hochschule
für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin under Prof. Eva-Christina Schönweiß. He is a recipient of
the Ani ng Dangal award and was recently awarded an academy position with the NDR
Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg starting August 2026, affirming the success of
the education programs of the MSO Foundation.
Christian Wrona, an international chamber musician and soloist playing the viola, also
graduated from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin under Annemarie
Moorcroft. He holds a computer science degree from the University of Western Ontario
and works extensively with social institutions globally through the Musethica program.
Guest conductor Joshua Dos Santos, a protégé of Maestro José Antonio Abreu, was
trained within the Venezuelan musical education program “El Sistema”. He has
previously served as an Associate Conductor of the Simón Bolívar Chamber Orchestra
and as a Conducting Fellow with The Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Established In 1927, the USTSO is a distinguished all-student symphony orchestra based
within the UST Conservatory of Music. Led by Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, the
ensemble regularly contributes to the nation’s cultural landscape and performs at major
concert venues and University events.
Upcoming concerts:
June 14 | Celli Sentimental | Centro de Turismo, Intramuros
July 4 | Season Concert III – 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship | MET
