CEBU, Philippines - Arts Council of Cebu closes its 50th Anniversary Celebration with nothing less than a rare full orchestral presentation featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Prof. Arturo Molina with soloists Joseph Esmilla (violin) and Rudolf Golez (pinao) on Friday, November 12 at the newly opened Radisson Blu Hotel.
The MSO, one of Asia’s first symphony orchestras was originally established in 1926. In 2001, its longtime concertmaster, Prof. Basilio Manalo, reorganized the MSO with members coming from a training program he started with Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB, known as the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS). The present MSO is composed of around 55 musicians under the music direction of Prof. Arturo Molina and is now based at the St. Scholastica’s College School of Music. Many of its members have been winners in the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and have represented the country in various international music festivals and workshops.
Violinist Joseph Esmilla, who was mentored by Oscar Yatco and Basilio Manalo will also be performing with Cebuano pianist Rudolf Golez.
As a special Christmas treat, a 12-member MSO String Ensemble will also perform popular and well-loved concert pieces at the SM Northwing Atrium at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2010.
For inquiries please contact Arts Council of Cebu at 233-0452, 09173287917, or email: artscouncilcebu@yahoo.com.