The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala in Makati City.
The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by MSO Foundation Inc. president Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance representative Marife M. Pineda, and One Ayala general manager Khen Akot.
In attendance were Standard Insurance Group chair Judes Echauz, MSO Music Academy teachers and MSO administrative staff, and members of the MSO press family. Also present were students, faculty, families, and members of the MSO community in celebration of the Academy’s continued commitment to providing quality music education and meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians.
A special mini-recital was held to mark the occasion, featuring Paganini’s “Cantabile,” performed by Sara Maria Gonzales (violin) and Amansinaya Añonuevo (guitar); “Katakataka” for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino, performed by Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s “Caro Mio Ben,” performed by soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano; Willy Cruz’s “Sana’y Wala nang Wakas,” arranged by Jeffrey Solares, performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes (violin) with Jeremiah Valenzuela (piano); Vivaldi’s “Summer Storm” from “The Four Seasons,” performed by David Llandino with the MSO Academy Faculty Ensemble; and Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor,” featuring Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists with the MSO Academy Faculty Ensemble. It concluded with “From the Start” by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the MSO Academy Student and Faculty Ensemble.
Apart from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, the new space gives the Academy a permanent home where children, teens, and adults can learn music, develop their skills, prepare for performances and competitions, take part in its scholarship programs, or simply enjoy music-making.
The Academy has six regular studios, each equipped with a piano, for lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments.
A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.
The new space at One Ayala was made possible by the support of Standard Insurance and Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were provided by Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos.
The MSO expressed its gratitude to One Ayala and Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO trustee John Silva.
Music education remains an important part of the MSO’s work. The MSO Music Academy also continues to support its teachers through professional development, including Suzuki teacher training programs locally and internationally. By supporting both teachers and students, the Academy hopes to provide a meaningful learning experience for every learner who comes through its doors.—CONTRIBUTED
