MSO centennial concert features world premiere by Ryan Cayabyab

MANILA — The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will premiere a new work by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab at its fifth centennial concert on October 22 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati City.

Titled “Pasasalamat,” the new work for choir and orchestra was commissioned by the MSO for its 100th anniversary season. It features music by Cayabyab and text by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bagong Himig Serenata joining the orchestra.

The work explores gratitude as both a personal feeling and a responsibility to others and the community. Almario’s text considers compassion, respect for differences, freedom, justice, culture and knowledge, as well as the willingness to accept criticism and change.

MSO principal conductor Marlon Chen will lead the orchestra in the world premiere.

Meanwhile, Franco-Belgian cellist Camille Thomas, an exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2017, will join the MSO for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme,” Op. 33. Written in 1876, the work draws on the elegance of the Classical style while showcasing the soloist’s technical skill and expressive range.

The program will conclude with Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem,” Op. 48, performed by the MSO and the PUP Bagong Himig Serenata. The choral work offers a contemplative approach to remembrance, emphasizing comfort, hope and peace.

Thomas has performed with orchestras and conductors across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her recording “Voice of Hope,” released in partnership with UNICEF, reflects her advocacy for music as a means of connection and inspiration.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from P1,000 to P5,000 and are available through TicketWorld. Discounts are available for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.