soundpost

volume 1, issue 2, sept. 2010

the official newsletter of The Manila Symphony Orchestra

The MSO Starts Season 2010

on a High Note
By Ida Anita del Mundo

If the MSO’s first two season concerts – Philippine Festival and Forces of Nature – are any indication of how the rest of the
season will be, music enthusiasts surely have many more exciting, diverse, and inspiring performances to look forward to from the
Manila Symphony Orchestra.

The Filipino is Worth Performing For

Among the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s goals is to bring the masterworks of Filipino artists to a wider audience. The orchestra
accomplished this with its season opener, Philippine Festival, held on June 5. The concert showcased true Filipino talent.

Enthusiastic audience members flocked to the Philamlife Auditorium to witness the MSO together with featured soloists, violinist
Gina Medina and pianist Virginia Laico-Villanueva in a concert made possible by major sponsor CATS Motors.

Medina’s rendition of Lucino Sacramento’s Violin Concerto No. 2 was an impressive display of superb technique. Medina gave
the appreciative audience the rare opportunity of hearing the seldom-performed concerto and gave well-deserved attention
to Sacramento as an important composer in Philippine music. Medina performs on a violin made by Philippine luthier Amador
Tamayo.

Laico-Villanueva gave an equally strong performance of National Artist Nicanor Abelardo’s Piano Concerto. Laico-Villanueva is a
true example of Philippine talent as she has been recognized internationally not just as a pianist but also a composer. In Philippine
Festival, she performed on a Bosendorfer piano sponsored by ROS Music.
2
Much to the delight of the audience, young musicians from
the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists
(PREDIS) gave a special intermission number, performing
Dugtong-dugtong, a medley of Filipino folksongs.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra likewise showed off their
virtuosity with principal conductor and music director Prof.
Arturo Molina leading the orchestra in performing Angel Peña’s
Philippine Festival Overture and Trinity: A Symphonic Cycle. The
concert ended, fittingly, with National Artist Lucio San Pedro’s
Lahing Kayumanggi. Obliging the enthusiastic audience, the
orchestra performed Overture to Philippine Folksongs arranged
by Bernard Green.
MSO’s Philippine Festival was well-attended, with special
guests led by the Legarda family, one of the original supporters
of the MSO who have continued to support the orchestra’s
growth through the Musician’s Chair Sponsorship program.
MSO’s season subscribers and board members were also
Conquering the Forces of Nature
3
The forces seemed to turn against the MSO when, only
two weeks before the second season concert, when slated
guest conductor from Belgium, Prof. Thanos Adamopoulos,
had to undergo an operation and was advised by his doctors
not to push through with his trip to the Philippines.
The MSO, however, persevered and Joseph Esmilla
graciously agreed to step in last minute as guest conductor.
Within a short period of time given, Esmilla was able to lead
the orchestra to a successful performance.
Forces of Nature, held on July 10, acknowledged nature
as one of the important sources of inspiration for many
composers, with their symphonic works paying tribute to the
mountains, the meadows, the rivers and the sea, as well as
their display of power in storms and tempests.
The concert’s repertoire featured Dvorak’s Symphony no.
6, Mendelssohn’s Overture to Fingal’s Cave, Smetana’s The Regina Buenaventura Diomedes Saraza, Jr.

two violinists dream big

in attendance, including MSO’s chairman Cecilia Manalo and
board president Maan Hontiveros.
In line with the advocacy of promoting Filipino talent, the MSO
was honored to be part of a momentous occasion in the
country’s history – the vin d’honneur of President Benigno
Aquino III on June 30. The orchestra was invited to perform
at the Malacañang Palace where they received many positive
comments from the attending diplomats.
The orchestra likewise looked back on its own history when they
performed at a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Theater on
June 23. The theater was the original home of the MSO and the
orchestra received a warm welcome back to the concert hall
which is in the process of being restored to its former glory.
Moldau, and Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in E flat “La Tempesta
Di Mare”.
Violinists from the MSO’s roster of musicians auditioned for
the chance to perform as soloist in the Vivaldi concerto. The
selection process left panelists Joseph and Sergio Esmilla
with high praise for the young violinists. Among those who
auditioned, Christian Tan was selected as soloist (See related
story in this issue’s Soloista, p.7).
The MSO has always supported young artists like Christian.
The orchestra also recently performed in the solo recital
of talented 14-year-old pianist Lorenzo Medel and in the
joint concert of violin prodigies Regina Buenaventura and
Diomedes Saraza Jr. dubbed My Dreams for My Children
(See related story on p.3).
By Ida Anita del Mundo
The Manila Symphony Orchestra, together with an enthusiastic audience at the Far Eastern University witnessed the fulfillment
of the musical dreams of Regina Buenaventura and Diomedes Saraza Jr., two violinists that the MSO has seen throughout their
development as young musicians. The concert, held on July 18, was aptly titled My Dreams for My Children.
Even at the young age of seven, Regina had already discovered her love for the violin. “I wish I could say there was a moment
wherein I say I heard a great violinist, was moved to tears, and decided from then on that my heart was set on the violin. Or I wish
I could continue to be dramatic to say that I was dragged kicking and screaming to music classes, was threatened at gunpoint
to begin,” she jokes, “but all I can say is that I started violin because I had nothing to do. So I made a very long voyage to the
neighboring house where my Lola Aling lives and asked if she could start teaching me.”
Also part of a musical family, Diomedes – Dio to his friends – grew up hearing his father and brother playing the violin. He
started learning it himself at the age of three, with his father as his first teacher. He then took up further studies in violin under the
Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists program at St. Scholastica’s College-Manila.

Guest conductor Esmilla encouraged the orchestra to keep
on improving their performance. “This is one of the most
disciplined groups in the country,” he said, adding that this
is greatly because of the leadership of music director and
principal conductor Arturo Molina and concertmaster Gina
Medina.
“The working environment you have provided for me gives
me such hope,” Esmilla told the orchestra. “You are the
hope.”
Catch the MSO next at the 1st National Orchestra Festival on
Sept. 22, 8pm, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and
in their upcoming season concert, “A New World” on Oct. 9,
8 pm, at the Philamlife Auditorium. Call 523-5712 for inquiries
and reservations.
Since starting their musical studies, the two have gone on to make waves both in the Philippines and abroad. Both have won
first place in the National Music Competition for Young Artists. They have performed in many of the premier concert halls in the
Philippines and abroad. As students, both have also worked hard to keep up their academics. Ultimately, Regina says, “I’m most
proud at the thought that I’m a much better violinist today than I was years ago.”
Currently, both Regina and Dio are pursuing studies in the US. At Northwestern University in Chicago, Regina says, “excellence
and brilliance are commonplace.” She adds, “Chicago is a place of museums and beautiful architecture... I once met a taxi driver
who was a classically-trained pianist! Great musicians and scholars are close by.”
Dio says that he is adjusting well to life at Juilliard, immersed in New York’s dynamic mix of arts and culture. Instead of the strict
atmosphere and fierce competition that he was expecting, Dio says, “The people there are very friendly,” adding that there are so
many good students in the school and great teachers and mentors as well.
He has been holding his own at Juilliard, recently winning second prize in the school’s William Schumann Competition, where he
was the only freshman included in the finals.
cont. on p. 6
4 2
Summer Symphony
Planning Seminar/Workshop
The orchestra spent three days at Calatagan, Batangas
The MSO at Arts in the City to set their plans for season 2010 and beyond. Members
Arts in the City, a haven for artists in were able to evaluate their performance and make
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, has added the Summer break was no vacation for the members of the personal and professional goals for their improvement.
orchestra to its roster which includes Manila Symphony Orchestra. We have spent the past few They were also divided into committees to create plans
Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal months performing, teaching, learning, and working to further for the group, with a team building activity to cap off the
Singers, and Tanghalang Pilipino. The improve the orchestra. Here are some of the orchestra’s workshop. Of course, the MSO members also enjoyed
orchestra holds open rehearsals and activities that have made all of us better musicians. a lot of time relaxing and having fun, strengthening the
performances at the venue. bond that sets the MSO apart from other orchestras.

P-Noy’s Vin D’Honneur

3rd Isabela String Orchestra Camp
Charmirose Durante (part of MSO’s first violin), started a string orchestra camp
in 2007 for promising young musicians in Isabela. This year she was joined by
Rosa Angela Lapeña (second violin) and David Tagala (viola) as they brought their
experiences from the MSO to the province. The camp includes group lessons and
orchestra sectionals. In the culminating concert, the camp participants performed
simplified versions of Vivaldi’s Spring and the Willam Tell Overture. Sugar says that in
succeeding camps, she hopes to encourage more musicians to volunteer to help out
in the program.
The MSO was honored to be part of history when the orchestra’s string section was
invited to perform for the vin d’honneur of President Benigno Aquino III. Last year, the
orchestra also performed during the wake of former president Corazon Aquino.
Suzuki Camp
MSO violinists Sara Maria Gonzales, Katerina Hernandez, Jonathan David Livioco,
Joanna Ruth Livioco, Eunice Livioco, and Jeanne Frances Marie Villar took part in the
annual Suzuki Camp, adding to their knowledge and skills both as performers and
teachers. The camp culminated with a performance at Shangri-la Plaza Mall.
Twinkle Twinkle Silver Stars
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Philippine Research for Developing
Instrumental Soloists. PREDIS alumni – many of whom have gone on to become part
of the MSO and now are PREDIS teachers – returned to take part in the summer
concert, Twinkle Twinkle Silver Stars. This summer concert is one of many other
concerts and activities to be held in conjunction with the organization’s anniversary.
6 7
cont. from p. 3
In the final leg of the competition, Dio performed against a
fourth year undergraduate and students from the school’s
masters program. “I only found out after the competition,” says
Dio, not wanting to be intimidated by his competitiors and
focusing solely on his own playing throughout the duration of
the competition. Placing in the competition “gave me more
confidence,” says Dio. “It made me realize that it does not
matter what year you are in.”
Though both have gotten used to living away from home and
have settled into their lives in the States, they still miss their
family and friends in the Philippines.
Dio’s parents play a significant role in motivating him to strive
hard in his studies. “I’ve seen how hard Mama and Papa have
worked so I can study at Juilliard,” he says. “This is the only way
I can repay them.”
Another key motivating factor for Dio is the thought that he has
finally made it – “I really wanted to go to Juilliard. I will not waste
this opportunity.”
For Regina, there are a number of factors that keep her
motivated. “One is to realize how the act of playing itself brings
joy.” She explains, “Playing is not just an aural experience, it is
an immersive physical experience, as well. The violin actually
feels a part of you – inside you are singing, but it’s your arms
and your hands that speak for you. I feel so much energy in my
core when I play.”
Not surprisingly, both violinists know the importance of practice.
“I love practicing!” Dio exclaims. Regina concurs, “The secret
in practicing, I think, is to break the big goal into smaller,
easier goals, so that there’s a constant feeling of success in
practicing.”
My Dreams for My Children showcased all that Regina and
Dio have learned on their musical journeys so far. The Manila
Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Prof. Arturo Molina has
witnessed the two violinists’ growth and have performed
alongside them in some of the milestone concerts in their early
music careers.
The MSO opened the concert with By the Hillside, composed
by National Artist (and Regina’s grandfather) Antonino
Buenaventura. Dio performed Saint-Saens’ Introduction and
Rondo Capriccioso and Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D Major –
“It’s very sexy!” he jokes of the well-loved piece. Both, he adds,
are crowd-pleasers and are no doubt on many concert-goers’
list of favorites.
Regina’s repertoire consisted of the Brahms Violin Concerto
soloista bravo!
and Tchaikovsky’s challenging Souvenir d’un lieu cher. “The
Brahms concerto is a very technically demanding piece, but
soh-loh-is-tah noun.
it is so very exciting. It contains passages that are not only
1. A person who performs a solo.
declamatory and aggressive, but also passages that are very 2. Profiles of MSO musicians, board members, or Team MSO staff featured in every issue of SoundPost.
tender and lyrical,” says Regina. The two performed Sarasate’s We hope you enjoyed these MSO
Having received local and international performances:
Navarra together as well as encores at the encouragement of
praise, Christian is one of the most
an appreciative audience.
promising young talents in the Philippine June
music scene. 5
My Dreams for My Children likewise honored those who have
Philippine Festival (Philamlife Auditorium)
helped Regina and Dio to reach their dreams so far. The
He has participated with flying colors 23
concert’s producer, Standard Insurance, is one of the violinists’ Unveiling of the Renovated Metropolitan
in various music competitions, tours, Theater/Manila Day (Metropolitan Theater,
staunch supporters, with their advocacy of championing
and master classes. In 2003, he won Manila)
education, culture, and the arts.
Third Prize in Category A in the National 27
Lorenzo Medel with the MSO (Philamlife
Music Competition for Young Artists
The concert’s title – My Dreams for My Children – highlights Auditorium)
(NAMCYA). In 2005, he again placed Third
that the journey for these two violinists is not only their own 30
in Category A in NAMCYA. In 2007, he Pres. Aquino Vin d’Honneur (Malacañang
dream, but that of their parents as well. “We hope that she will
participated in the prestigious Asian Youth Palace)
successfully finish her studies and that she will have a brilliant
Orchestra tour, where he was awarded
career in music and still remain humble,” says Regina’s mother, July
the Artistic Director’s Achievement
Cecile. Dio’s mother, Aida echoes these sentiments, adding 10
Award, given to the participants who Forces of Nature (Philamlife Auditorium)
that she hopes that Dio will “Always remember to glorify God
excelled in the orchestra, both as players 18
when he performs.”
and members. In 2008, he joined the My Dreams for My Children (FEU Auditorium)
Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and
“We also hope that that she will share her knowledge and August
Wind Ensemble. He has taken master
the art of violin playing to the younger generation of violinists,” 9
classes under William Harvey, Oscar
says Regina’s father, Art. This, in fact, is on the minds of both School Concert (Liceo de Cagayan University,
Yatco, Joseph Esmilla, Vadim Mazo, and Cagayan de Oro)
violinists. “I can see myself coming back to the Philippines
Christian Tan Juan Munoz. 10
frequently to give performances and to share whatever I know Rudolf Golez with the MSO (Liceo de Cagayan
with young violinists,” says Regina, who wants to become a Christian performed in a solo recital in 2005 at Bolipata’s CASA San Miguel, Zambales
University, Cagayan de Oro) 
teacher as well as a performer. “In the future, I want to bring and was also the featured soloist of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in 2008
21
international artists to the Philippines for workshops and where he performed Wieniawski’s Scherzo Tarantelle. Romantic Anniversaries (Philamlife Auditorium)
master classes,” says Dio. Both plan to return frequently to the
At seven years old, Christian was taught the basics of playing the violin by his uncle, The MSO applauds the following
Philippines to perform for their growing number of supporters in
the country. Jesus. He began formal violin lessons when he was nine years old, under the members for their successful
guidance of Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata. In 2007, upon entering the St. Scholastica’s concerts:
Meanwhile, Regina and Dio play on – working, studying, College School of Music as a college freshman, he began his training under Gina
Medina, the present concertmaster of the MSO. Christian has been a member of the Gerry Graham Gonzales, Cello
practicing – each note leading them closer to reaching their
dreams in a journey fuelled by music, passion, and their family’s love. MSO, since 2007. -- By Rosa Angela Lapeña Fingerdance; May 27
Joseph Brian Cimafrance, Violin
Sara Maria Gonzales, Violin
Rey Casey Concepcion, Viola
Gerry Graham Gonzales, Cello
Quartetto Espressivo; June 10
Joseph Brian Cimafranca, Violin
Sara Maria Gonzales, Violin
Jonathan David Livioco, Violin
Joanna Ruth Livioco, Violin
Vincent dela Cruz, Double Bass
Asian Youth Orchestra 2010 Delegates
 8
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Acknowledgement. Special mention in MSO souvenir programs as supporters,

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events
mso.manilasymphonyorchestra@gmail.com Concert no. 4 A New World MSO at the 1st National Orchestra Festival
October 9, 2010 September 22, 2010
Sound Post Joseph Esmilla, violin Wednesday, 8pm
Ida Anita del Mundo
Arturo Molina, conductor Cultural Center of the Philippines
Editor
For tickets, call 523-5712
Concert no. 5 Scandinavia!
Ralph Perez November 20, 2010
Art Director
David Johnson, flute
Arturo Molina, conductor
Rosa Angela Lapeña
Contributing Writer

All season concerts are at 8:00PM at For more MSO performance updates,
Eunice Livioco
the Philamlife Auditorium, UN Ave., visit www.manilasymphony.com or add
Joanna Ruth Livioco
Jonathan David Livioco
Ermita, Manila. the Manila Symphony Orchestra on
Rick Lopez Facebook.
Ticket Prizes:
Jeanne Frances Marie Villar
P1000 (Orchestra Front); P600
Jaiveeh Vismonte
Contributing Photographers
(Orchestra Back) P600 (Loge)