The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil through Guimarães Rosa Institute and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, are presenting a Brazilian guitar and cello concert on Aug. 9 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre British School Manila, in BGC Taguig City.

The featured artists are Fabio Zanon on guitar, Fabio Presgrave on cello, and soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila. Marlon Chen is the conductor.

The repertoire includes works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Jeffrey Ching, Radamés Gnattali, and Astor Piazzolla. 

Zanon earned his master’s degree from the University of London and won major guitar competitions in 1996, including the Francisco Tárrega, GFA, and Alessandria contests. He has received numerous honors and awards, including an honorary doctorate from the Universidad Nacional del Rosario and the Carlos Gomes Prize and Bravo! Award.

Presgrave graduated from The Juilliard School and has performed as soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the Qatar Philharmonic and the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, under renowned conductors Rafael Payare and Lior Shambadal.

Quintin-Avila is a multi-awarded soprano praised for her vocal flexibility and commanding presence. She has received such honors as the Delphic Lyra Award and the Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of the Philippines and a master’s degree in contemporary music performance from the University of California in San Diego.

Chen is known for his charisma and versatility, and has led performances in opera, ballet, and symphonic music in four continents. He was appointed music director and principal conductor of the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2019 and holds guest conducting roles with leading ensembles worldwide.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia’s oldest and the Philippines’ longest-running artistic institution. Now nearing its 100th year, it has grown into a foundation dedicated to discovering and training Filipino talent, and aiming to make music a vibrant part of everyday Filipino life.