A grand celebration for the Manila Symphony Orchestra

The MSO is one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines. Founded in 1926, it has survived wars, endured hardships and emerged as a pillar of artistic achievement. The 'In Pursuit of Excellence Season' will reflect this legacy while looking toward the future with exciting collaborations, world premieres and performances that bring together the best of local and international talent.

- BABY A. GIL

Music lovers are in for a wonderful treat as the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) gears up for its hundred years celebration with one concert event after another. The MSO together with Standard Insurance presents the aptly titled "In Pursuit of Excellence." This is the "MSO 99 Concert Series."

There is one event scheduled for almost every month starting this May, with the grandest of titles and featuring some of today's best soloists.

First off, here is "Music for Peace," the first concert of the season on May 24 at the Aliw Theater on the CCP Grounds in Pasay City. Featured are Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 From the New World and Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61, which will be performed with Berlin-based violin soloist Emanuel John Villarin and conductor Marlon Chen.

This opener is one that the MSO is very sentimental about. This commemorates the 80th anniversary of the series of over 150 post-liberation concerts that the MSO organized between 1945 and 1946. It was probably the MSO's way of helping the battered city of Manila and its people find solace and hope through music. The Dvorak and the Beethoven were among those performed by the MSO during this period.