MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Chamber Orchestra Foundation marks a milestone this year as it celebrates its 30th year of promoting classical music in the country. With this year’s theme of“Celebrating the Music of Life,” the foundation will present a roster of highly promising talents in its “Young Artists’ Series” at the Ayala Museum.
One of the most talented cellists in the country today, Anjo Inacay, will have his debut on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Ayala Museum, Makati City.
Praised for his “lush, exuberant tones and ravishing lyrical moments,” Antoni Josef Inacay is a gifted cellist born in Manila. He began his studies at the age of 10 under the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS) program based at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. Under the tutelage of Wilfredo Pasamba and Renato Lucas, he completed his bachelor’s degree from the aforementioned school on full scholarship granted by the Battig Foundation, and was a recipient of the Sr. Baptista Battig Certificate of Merit.
Upon graduating, Inacay had already established a busy career as a cellist. An active chamber musician, he has collaborated with pianists Christine Coyiuto, Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz, Mary Anne Espina, Greg Zuniega; violinist Gina Medina, and the Clarion Chamber Ensemble. He is also the principal cellist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2004.
Armed with a passion to further express the cello’s versatility, Inacay helped form and establish an experimental-alternative-rock band, Silent Sanctuary, where he plays the cello and electric cello. Increasing local fame and reputation with the youth resulted in invitations for them to play concerts all over the Philippines’ major cities, schools and events. He has also composed, arranged, produced, and recorded songs independently with recording contracts under Universal Records Philippines.
Concert repertoire will include Bach’s poignant Cello Suite No. 1, Mendelssohn’s joyous 2nd Cello Sonata, and Brahms’ heartwarming Cello Sonata No. 1. Assisting him is pianist Michelle Nikolasura.
The concert is made possible in partnership with Ayala Museum, Lyric Piano, DZFE.FM His Masters’ Touch, BusinessWorld and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or www.events.ph or the MCO Foundation at 997-9483 or 782-7164, (0920) 954-0053 or (0918) 347-3027.