The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), in cooperation with the MSO Foundation Inc. and Standard Insurance—and in partnership with EastWest Bank—invites you to Dancing with Tchaikovsky, a one-night-only celebration of the Russian composer’s most iconic works.

Set for Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater, the concert features a spectacular program of Tchaikovsky’s Festival Coronation March, the beloved Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra, and a sweeping suite from the ballet Sleeping Beauty.

Acclaimed Russian conductor Alexander Vikulov will lead the MSO in this performance, joined by cello prodigy and MSJO–Standard Insurance scholar Damodar Das Castillo, hailed as one of the brightest young stars in classical music today.

The Programme

Festival Coronation March
Originally composed in 1883 for the coronation of Tsar Alexander III, Tchaikovsky’s Festival Coronation March is known for its bold brass fanfares, festive spirit, and a now-controversial quote from “God Save the Tsar.” Written in just a few weeks, the piece gained international prominence after being performed at the 1891 opening of Carnegie Hall.

Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra
A lyrical and virtuosic tribute to Mozart’s classical style, the Rococo Variations (1877) is a demanding centerpiece of the cello repertoire. It features a graceful theme followed by seven contrasting variations that showcase both the soloist’s technical brilliance and expressive depth.

Sleeping Beauty Suite
Drawn from Tchaikovsky’s legendary 1889 ballet, the Sleeping Beauty Suite brings fairytale magic to life with elegant waltzes, lyrical adagios, and colorful character dances. A masterclass in orchestration and melodic charm, it remains one of the composer’s most enduring stage works.

Featured Artists

Alexander Vikulov, Guest Conductor
Born in Saint Petersburg to renowned ballet dancers Sergey Vikulov and Tatiana Udalenkova, Alexander Vikulov has conducted at the Vienna State Opera, Finnish National Opera, Seoul Arts Center, and Teatro Regio di Torino. He made his debut at the Mariinsky Theater in 2002 with Le Nozze di Figaro and currently serves as permanent guest conductor of the Saint Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra “Klassika” and musical director of Manila’s Star and Aliw Theaters.

Damodar Das Castillo, Cello
A multi-awarded cellist and scholar of the MSJO–Standard Insurance International Scholarship Program, Damodar Das Castillo has won top prizes in international competitions in Tallinn, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna, and Gorizia. He studied at the Pre-College of Mozarteum University Salzburg under Prof. Barbara Lübke-Herzl and performs on a George Gerl cello.

About the Manila Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1926, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia’s oldest and most storied orchestras. It has been a symbol of cultural resilience through wartime and beyond, collaborating with legends and showcasing Filipino musical excellence for nearly a century.

Now in its 99th season and preparing for its centennial in 2026, the MSO remains a vital force in the Philippine arts scene, led by Music Director Marlon Chen and Associate Conductor Jeffrey Solares.

Ticket Information

• VIP: PHP 3,500
• Premium Patron: PHP 2,800
• Regular Patron A: PHP 2,000
• Regular Patron B: PHP 1,500
• General Admission A: PHP 1,000
• General Admission B: PHP 650

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Special Discounts

• 50% OFF for Students
  Code: TCHAIKOVSKYSTUDENT50 (Valid ID required)
• 20% OFF for Seniors and PWDs
  Code: TCHAIKOVSKYMSO20 (Valid ID required)
• 20% Early Bird Discount
  Code: TCHAIKOVSKYEB20
  Valid until September 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM

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