The MSO: A summing up / Sunday tribute to Cornejo / Syjucos dominate exhibit

The Manila Symphony Orchestra’s plea for continuing patronage is so inspiring that I am quoting it herewith: “Every musical event is a celebration - a celebration of a composer’s genius, a celebration of each musician’s talent, a celebration of an auspicious occasion, a celebration of the human spirit.

“Orchestra concerts are not only occasions for listening to excellent music, they are also occasions to witness what discipline, organization, dedication and generosity can achieve. In those few moments between the opening phrases of an overture to the final chords of a symphony or a concerto, we become participants in a ritual that celebrates the years of dedication, the sparks of inspiration, and the gift of life itself. Come celebrate music, come celebrate excellence, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.”

Appended to the foregoing is its brief history: Established in 1926, it is one of Asia’s first symphony orchestras. During the 40s and 50s, Austrian conductor Dr. Herbert Zipper introduced some major symphonic works, ballet and opera productions, giving Manila a significant place in Asia’s cultural landscape.

In 1989, owing to lack of public and private support the orchestra was temporarily disbanded. In 2001 it was reinstated by Prof. Basilio Manalo, with members coming from the training program he started with Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB - the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS).

The MSO is now based at St. Scholastica’s College with a complement of over 60 highly trained musicians under the direction of Prof. Arturo Molina. A significant part of the orchestra is composed of young musicians enrolled in different colleges and conservatories which give them an opportunity to develop themselves professionally. Many have been NAMCYA winners and have represented the country in various international music festivals.

An orchestra of MSO’s caliber helps to create a vibrant cultural life in Manila, thus helping to promote the country’s globally competitive image.

Herewith are the year’s remaining MSO concerts: June 4, 8 p.m., CCP main theater, The Viennese Symphonic Tradition: A Gustav Mahler Centennial Celebration/Symphony No. 5 by Mahler/Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major by Haydn, Wilfredo Pasamba, cellist, Arturo Molina, conductor.

The following concerts are at Philamlife Auditorium: July 9, 8 p.m. Overture to Marriage of Figaro by Mozart, Violin Concerto in D Major by Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in E Minor by Tschaikovsky, Thanos Adamopoulos, Belgian violinist/guest conductor.

August 27, 8 p.m., Celebrating the 10th Year of MSO’s “Rebirth:” Symphony No. 2 “Reformation” by Mendelssohn, “By the Hillside” by Antonino Buenaventura, Violin Concerto by Aram Kachaturian, Diomedes Salarza, violinist.

Oct. 8 at 8 p.m., “Facets of Romanticism:” Waltz from “Der Rosenkavalier” by Richard Strauss, Hungarian Fantasy by Liszt, Symphony No. 4 in E Minor by Brahms, Rudolf Golez, pianist, Arturo Molina, conductor.

November 12 at 8 p.m.: An All-Beethoven Concert, Prometheus Overture, Triple Concerto, Symphony No. 7 in A Major. Arturo Molina, violinist, Victor Michael Coo, cellist, J. Greg Zuniega, pianist, Russian guest conductor Alexander Vikulov.

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Tomorrow, Sunday, at the UP Abelardo Hall, 6:30 p.m., members of the UP Alumni Music Association will perform the works of UP alumnus Dr. Rodolfo S. Cornejo in a tribute concert entitled “Pamana”. Cornejo received his Bachelor, Master, Doctorate (Honoris causa) degrees from the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt U.

Incidentally, the adagio of Cornejo’s Piano Concerto is a pasyon. According to the composer’s son Rod, the traditional Lenten ritual was “hummed” to Dr. Cornejo by his mother-in-law.

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By sheer numbers, the Syjucos dominated the recent art exhibit at the Nova Gallery: Cesare A.X. Syjuco, his wife Jean Marie, daughters Michelline, Beatrix and Maxine. Cesare excels as visual artist; critic, poet, essayist and instrumentalist; Jean Marie is a highly gifted artist, their daughters have doubtless inherited their genes. Thus, there is no end to the surprises they spring on their admirers.

Other exhibiting artists at Nova Gallery were Red Mansueto, Pandy Aviado, Joe Bautista and Junyee.