Taguig City, Philippines – The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc., in partnership with Standard Insurance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil through the Guimarães Rosa Institute (IGR), and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, proudly presents:
Brazilian Guitar and Cello
Saturday, August 9, 2025
7:30 PM
Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre, British School Manila, BGC, Taguig City
This special evening of classical and contemporary works will feature world-renowned Brazilian artists:
- Fabio Zanon, guitar
- Fabio Presgrave, cello
- Stephanie Quintin, soprano
- Marlon Chen, conductor
Program Highlights
Part I
- Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7: I. Prelúdio (Ponteio) – Heitor Villa-Lobos
A lyrical orchestral prelude blending Baroque form with Brazilian folk rhythms. - Concierto de Cámara for Guitar, Cello, Soprano, and Strings – Jeffrey Ching
A symbolic “quintuple concerto” representing five nationalities, fusing global musical traditions in an intricate tapestry of sound.
Part II
- Concerto No. 4 for Guitar and String Orchestra – Radamés Gnattali
A jazz-infused masterpiece weaving samba, choro, and bossa nova with classical form. - Le Grand Tango for Cello and String Orchestra – Astor Piazzolla
An emotionally charged single-movement work that fuses classical technique with the rhythmic drive of nuevo tango. - Ária and Dança from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 (for Orchestra) – Heitor Villa-Lobos
A compelling fusion of Baroque structure and Brazilian color, from lyrical introspection to vibrant dance.
About the Artists
Fabio Zanon (Guitar)
A master’s graduate of the University of London, Zanon rose to international prominence in 1996 after winning the Francisco Tárrega, GFA, and Alessandria guitar competitions. He has since earned accolades such as the Carlos Gomes Prize, the Bravo! Award, and an honorary doctorate from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario.
Fabio Presgrave (Cello)
A Juilliard-trained cellist from Rio de Janeiro, Presgrave has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras including the Qatar Philharmonic and Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, collaborating with conductors such as Rafael Payare and Lior Shambadal.
Stephanie Quintin (Soprano)
An acclaimed soprano known for her vocal flexibility and commanding stage presence, Quintin has received awards including the Delphic Lyra Award and the Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of the Philippines and a Master’s in Contemporary Music Performance from UC San Diego.
Marlon Chen (Conductor)
Appointed Music Director of the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2019, Chen has conducted symphonic, operatic, and ballet performances on four continents. His dynamic leadership continues to elevate MSO’s artistic vision both locally and internationally.
About the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO)
Established in 1926, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia’s oldest orchestras and the Philippines’ longest-running artistic institution. As it approaches its centennial, MSO continues to champion Filipino talent and make classical music an essential part of everyday life.
Tickets
Available at TicketWorld.com
- VIP: ₱3,500
- Premium Patron: ₱2,800
- Regular Patron: ₱1,700
- General Admission: ₱800
For more information, visit www.manilasymphony.com
Upcoming Concerts
September 7, 2025 – Butterfly Lovers, Yellow River Concerto
Philippines-China Friendship Concert
Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Featuring Wang Yimi (erhu), Oliver Salonga (piano), Chen Shushu (soprano), Zeng Xin (tenor), Young Voices of the Philippines
Guest Conductor: Maestro He Jianguo (China)
September 27, 2025 – Dancing with Tchaikovsky
Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations for Cello and Orchestra, Suite from Sleeping Beauty
Soloist: Damodar Das Castillo (cello)
Guest Conductor: Alexander Vikulov
January 22, 2026 – The MSO 100th Anniversary Concert
Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati
Soloist: Muyu Liu (piano)
Guest Conductor: Darrell Ang
Featuring the Philippine Madrigal Singers
Program, dates, and venues subject to change.
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Embassy of Brazil in Manila – Embaixada do Brasil em Manila
