'Concerto Ottimo' breaks traditional classical concerts

February 8, 2024

Get ready to be transported into a world of exhilaration as Enlightened Events presents "Concerto Ottimo," an electrifying and uplifting classical concert.

It is set to happen on March 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati.

The event promises to be an unforgettable musical journey that will leave the audience exhilarated and inspired. Concerto Ottimo will be a fast-paced, lively and joyously uplifting concert.

The concert will feature The Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of maestro Marlon Chen.

Concerto Ottimo will be a celebration of classical music in the way it is used to influence popular culture. From iconic movie soundtracks, to acoustic versions of infamous chart topping hits, the concert will give a performance only an orchestra can deliver.

The concert will feature The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the baton of the renowned maestro Marlon Chen, who will perform a selection of chart hits, iconic soundtracks and classical favorites.

Get ready to hear a full orchestra play the iconic "James Bond" and "Mission Impossible" themes, the legendary "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen and "Never Enough" from "The Greatest Showman," along with the all-time classics such as "Nessun Dorma" and "The Blue Danube," among many others.

Also, exceptional soloists — budding musical theater artist and classical singer Anya Evangelista, young tenor Ralf Adrian, and the talented Jenny Sugar — will take the stage to perform some of the most challenging and thrilling pieces in the classical repertoire.

Finally, unlike traditional classical concerts, "Concerto Ottimo" keeps the energy high and the tempo brisk.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience classical music in a new and thrilling way.

Tickets are available now at Ticketbooth.ph.

A dinner concert for a cause

The Children's First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC), in partnership with The Manila Hotel, will present a dinner concert to raise funds for the nutrition efforts of non-government organizations helping government address malnutrition of Filipino infants during the crucial period from conception to their second birthday.

The pre-Valentine concert called "The Greatest Love of All" will be held on February 9, 6 pm, at the Tent City of The Manila Hotel.

Main performers include former press secretary Mike Toledo, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, and The Manila Hotel president and former Senator Joey Lina.

Other performers include Beverly Salviejo, Nina Campos, Jenny Sugay, Rachelle Rule, Rachel Verns, Pam Esquivel, Bobby Alvarez, Egay Rubiano, Jeffrey Panado, Egay Banaag, and the Adeodatus Children's Choir (Baseco) with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Rodel Colmenar leads the music direction, with George Sison-Tagle and Paul Dizon supervising the overall direction of the concert.

CFDC member organizations include Rotary International, Lions Club International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Crusade Against Violence, and others.

In tandem with government, the CFDC was formed to confront a serious problem troubling the Philippines: malnutrition during a child's First One Thousand Days of Life – a very critical period when the impact of poor nutrition can be profound, long-lasting, even irreversible.

The Greatest Love of All is not merely an entertainment spectacle but a collaborative initiative to generate funds for the nutrition program of NGOs in the villages.

For details, contact John Gacutan at 09620668526 or +632 85270011 extension 1006. 

Fil-Australians to lead 'Miss Saigon' in Manila cast

Abigail Adriano as Kim CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/DANIEL BOUD ,Seann Miley Moore as the Engineer

Full casting has been announced today for The company is led by Filipino-Australians Abigail Adriano and Seann Miley Moore lead the cast of the upcoming the international tour of Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Boublil and Schönberg's "Miss Saigon," which will begin in Manila before traveling to other Asian territories.

Adriano plays Kim while Miley Moore as the Engineer. The 19-year-old Adriano made waves during the Australian run of the production and now joins the ranks of talented Filipinas like Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Joanna Ampil, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, and Eva Noblezada who have played the iconic role of Kim on Broadway and West End.

Leading the cast alongside Adriano and Miley Moore is Nigel Huckle as Chris, Sarah Morrison as Ellen, Lewis Francis as John, and Laurence Mossman as Thuy.

Local Filipina performer Kiara Dario also joins the company as Gigi. Dario was recently the lead in Repertory Philippines' "Snow White and the Prince," wherein she was nominated as Best Performer in a Musical for the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards. Miss Saigon marks her first international tour.

Sharing his excitement for this cast, Cameron Mackintosh said, "This is a cast with incredible energy and heart who totally get the true story of Miss Saigon and its contemporary resonance. I have no doubt it'll be one of the most unforgettable productions of Miss Saigon we have ever seen."

GMG Productions' CEO Carlos Candal also commented, "We're incredibly excited to bring Miss Saigon to Manila and showcase the incredible talents of this diverse and remarkable ensemble. Filipinos will undoubtedly be treated to the exceptional artistry and performances this company of world-class performers can deliver."

"This show is Asian excellence and this cast is giving Slay-Asian pride!" Miley Moore said.

"Miss Saigon is a story that resonates with so many of us and our families so seeing all of us together, ready to tell this story, is really empowering. The spotlight is now on our community, and we are going to own the stage and tell our truth." Miley Moore has garnered rave reviews for their portrayal of the challenging role of the Engineer.

The Miss Saigon company of 42 performers is completed by Michael Boyle, Carlo Boumouglbay, Ellie Chan, Shannon Cheong, Celine Cleveland, David Duketis, Natasha Dumlao, Gelina Enriquez, Sara Haruta, Leyton Holmes, Jiho Hwang, Emily Huynh, Mikaila Imaguchi, Patrick Jeremy, Hamish Johnston, Nicholas Kong, Vi Lam, Winchester Lopez, Robbie Mejica, Bailey Nathan-Park, Tetsuya Okubo, Atsushi Okumura, David Ouch, Tony Oxybel, Paloma Renouf, Annabelle Rosewarne, Jack Connor Rowan, Trevor Santos, Louis Stockil, Asmara Soekotjo, Tamsyn Thomas, Brad Veitch, Aday Velasco, Louisa Vilinne, and Sam Ward.

Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by MichaelMahler.

The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness Miss Saigon, landing at The Theatre at Solaire from March 23 to May 5. For updates, visit www.gmg-productions.com.

MSO celebrates 98 years of music with grand concert

Guest conductor Olivier Ochanine and Filipino violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr.

By MANILA TIMES

Embarking on the illustrious journey towards its centennial milestone, the Manila Symphony Orchestra joyously commemorates its 98th anniversary with a captivating concert gala that will bring together the elegant and graceful sound of the violin and the majestic but lyrical timbre of the MSO.

Titled "Peña, Nielsen, & Tchaikovsky: The MSO 98th Anniversary Concert," this performance is scheduled on January 31 at 7 pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza.

Headlining the concert is esteemed Filipino Violinist, Diomedes Saraza, Jr., a distinguished Juilliard graduate and the first Filipino violin soloist to grace Carnegie Hall. Saraza currently serves as the concertmaster of the MSO.

Guiding the orchestra with expertise is guest conductor Olivier Ochanine, the acclaimed winner of the 2015 Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition in Budapest, Hungary. Ochanine is also recognized as the former musical director of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, which previously performed at Carnegie Hall alongside Saraza. The event promises to be an exciting and memorable musical experience that will leave concert-goers enthralled.

The repertoire for the evening includes Angel Peña's "Trinity," Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 1, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto No. 1, all masterpieces poised to elevate the senses and transport the audience to new musical heights.

'Miss Saigon' extends Manila run until May 5

By MANILA TIMES

Due to overwhelming demand during pre-sale, GMG Productions announced that Cameron Mackintosh's globally acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg's "Miss Saigon" will be extending its run in Manila. The production, initially set to close on April 21 will now run until May 5.

"Due to the incredible demand for tickets to Miss Saigon, we've made the exciting decision to extend its run in Manila. The passion of the Manila audience is the driving force behind this, and we're thrilled to offer more people the chance to experience the classic production," said GMG Productions' CEO Carlos Candal.

Miss Saigon has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Alain Boublil, adapted from original French lyrics by Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler.

The new production is directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging by Bob Avian and additional choreography by Geoffrey Garratt. The production design is by Totie Driver and Matt Kinley based on an original concept by Adrian Vaux; costume design by Andreane Neofitou; lighting design by Bruno Poet; projections by Luke Halls; sound design by Mick Potter; and orchestrations by William David Brohn. Music supervision is by Alfonso Casado Trigo and Guy Simpson.

New Miss Saigon show dates have been added and are now available exclusively through TicketWorld. The Manila season is presented at The Theatre at Solaire by GMG Productions.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness Miss Saigon, landing at The Theatre at Solaire in March 2024. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow us @gmg.productions.