The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Ballet Manila are opening their respective centennial season and 40th performance season with Ballet Manila’s “Sleeping Beauty” on March 13, 14 and 15, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky presented live by the MSO under the baton of conductor Alexander Vikulov and choreography by Lisa Macuja Elizalde. 

This staging is the third installment of Ballet Manila’s Princess Trilogy after “Cinderella” and “Snow White.” It offers a flashback to Princess Aurora’s story, suggesting that her heart had awakened to love even before her fateful sleep. It opens with “Dance of Aurora,” a portrait of her youthful grace and innocence, setting the work’s emotional tone.

Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty Op. 66” (version of Ballet Manila) balances symphonic richness with graceful dance rhythms from the ceremonial opening and courtly marches to the waltzes and fairy variations. 

One of the highlights is the “Pas de Deux (No. 28),” which features a special solo violin passage by MSO concertmaster Alessio Benvenuti. 

Ballet Manila under its artistic director, the prima ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde, is the country’s most prolific ballet company that trains in the Russian Vaganova method. It remains consistent in fulfilling its mission of bringing ballet to the people and more people to the ballet.

Maestro Vikulov is a Russian conductor of international distinction whose work spans opera, symphonic, and ballet performances. He made his professional debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in 2002 with “Le nozze di Figaro,” launching a global career with leading institutions including the Vienna State Opera, Teatro Regio di Torino, and Seoul Arts Center. He is the permanent guest conductor of the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra “Klassika” and has long served as Ballet Manila’s musical director and conductor.

Now at 100 years, the MSO remains one of the Philippines’ most active artistic institutions, presenting excellence while nurturing young Filipino musicians through its educational and training programs. Guided by its mission to be the Philippines’ premier orchestra, the MSO continues to uphold international standards of symphonic performance and to enrich the nation’s cultural life. It is currently led by music director Marlon Chen and executive director Jeffrey Solares.—CONTRIBUTED

Performances of “Sleeping Beauty” are on March 13 (8 p.m.) and March 14 and 15 (5 p.m.) at Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Tickets: bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMSleepingBeauty

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