MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Symphony Orchestra opens its 2011 concert season with “The Viennese Symphonic Tradition: A Gustav Mahler Centennial Celebration.” The concert features a highly challenging repertoire of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 and Franz Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, with Wilfredo Pasamba as soloist and Arturo Molina as conductor.
Pasamba is considered one of the best Filipino cellists and has mentored many of the cellists active today in the Philippine music scene. Now based in the US, this concert marks Pasamba’s return to the Manila Symphony Orchestra, of which he was one of the original members when it was reinstated in 2001.
The concert traces the beginnings of the symphonic tradition with Haydn, the Father of the Symphony and ends with Mahler, who is considered as one of the last great composers under the Viennese symphonic tradition.
The MSO’s performance likewise pays tribute to Gustav Mahler on his 100th death anniversary. It is part of a worldwide celebration, with performances of Mahler’s works by prestigious orchestras in various countries.
Tickets are at P1,000 (orchestra center), P800 (orchestra sides), P500 (balcony 1), and P200 (balcony 2). Subscription packages are also available, with special discounts and benefits for subscribers. For inquiries and reservations, call Jedi Villar at 0916-7015628 or the MSO at 523-5712.