The Centennial Season of the MSO and the 40th Performance Season of Ballet Manila open with Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic, featuring Maestro Alexander Vikulov and live orchestral music.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Ballet Manila are set to open their 2026 seasons together in a historic collaboration, marking two momentous milestones: the MSO’s Centennial Season and Ballet Manila’s 40th Performance Season. The partnership celebrates the enduring legacy of these two pillars of Philippine performing arts through three performances of Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty, featuring live orchestral music conducted by Maestro Alexander Vikulov.
The performances will take place at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay City on March 13 at 8:00 PM and March 14–15 at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available at bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMSleepingBeauty.
Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty reimagined
Ballet Manila’s version of Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Philippines’ prima ballerina Lisa Macuja Elizalde, is the third installment in the company’s Princess Trilogy, following Cinderella and Snow White. This production offers a fresh perspective on Princess Aurora, suggesting that her heart had already awakened to love before the fateful sleep.
The ballet opens with the Dance of Aurora, portraying the princess’s youthful grace and innocence, and sets the emotional tone for the entire performance. Tchaikovsky’s score flows seamlessly from ceremonial openings and courtly marches to delicate waltzes and fairy variations, giving each character a distinct musical identity. One of the highlights is the Pas de Deux (No. 28), featuring a solo violin performance by MSO Concertmaster Alessio Benvenuti, which enriches the emotional journey of the ballet.
Celebrated artists and orchestra
Ballet Manila is the country’s leading ballet company, trained in the Russian Vaganova method, and is dedicated to bringing ballet to wider audiences under the artistic direction of Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
Maestro Alexander Vikulov, the guest conductor for this production, is an internationally acclaimed Russian conductor with extensive experience in opera, symphonic, and ballet repertoire. Since his professional debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in 2002, he has conducted at prestigious venues including the Vienna State Opera and Seoul Arts Center. Vikulov has been a longtime musical director and conductor for Ballet Manila, celebrated for bridging Russian and Western traditions while fostering audience engagement.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1926, is one of Asia’s oldest and most enduring orchestras. Renowned for its international standards of excellence, the MSO continues to nurture Filipino musical talent and enrich the nation’s cultural heritage under Music Director Marlon Chen and Executive Director Jeffrey Solares. Now celebrating 100 years, the orchestra remains a cornerstone of Philippine performing arts.
MSO’s Centennial Season
Ballet Manila’s Sleeping Beauty kicks off a landmark MSO Centennial Season, which will also feature:
- From Mozart to Mahler
- Concert Celebration: 80 Years of Filipino-American Friendship
- Opera and Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal
- Cellist Camille Thomas with the MSO
- World Premiere: Filipino Master Composers
Programs, artists, dates, and venues are subject to change.
Special offers and connections
Fans can enjoy up to 50% off with the MSO All-Access Season Pass. For updates and ticket information, follow the MSO on Facebook, Instagram (@manila.symphony), TikTok (@manilasymphonyorchestra), YouTube, or visit www.manilasymphony.com.
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