Repertory, Ballet Philippines and MSO Share Stage for the First Time

A historic collaboration among three cultural institutions — Repertory Philippines, Ballet Philippines and the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) — happened for the first time on one stage Friday night at The Theatre at Solaire.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

The timeless tales of the reimagined classics "Peter and the Wolf" and "Little Red Riding Hood" were brought to the audience through music, theater, and dance.

Ballet Philippines, which celebrates its 56th season with the theme, "Our Stage, The World," was represented by its president, Kathleen Lior-Liechtenstein.

"The theme is a mission that reflects our ambition for Filipino artistry to rise, resonate and redefine what it meant to perform on the world stage," said Kathleen.

"This year, we took our first bold step overseas in Osaka World Expo 2025 in Japan, where Ballet Philippines proudly transformed architecture into living dance, arts performance at the Philippine Pavilion designed by Carlo Calma, our very own."

"This November, Ballet Philippines will be in Europe to bring Filipino ballet to some of the world's major theaters. The world is our stage, but here at home is where our heart beats."

"Tonight is destiny and history unfolding," added Kathleen. "With the 56th season of Ballet Philippines, the 58th year of Repertory Philippines and MSO standing strong at 99 years."

The heart of Ballet Philippines beats for its outreach programs and together with Rep and MSO, they have shared more than a thousand free tickets to their various special guests, their beneficiaries, the men and women in uniform — the Navy, the Philippine Army, the Marines, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine National Police — the out-of-school youth, the orphans, the indigenous people, the NGOs (non-government organizations) and the Good Shepherd sisters.

"Art is not just a privilege but art is for everyone," Kathleen said. "So as Ballet Philippines dances to far off stages, we ask you to stand with us, champion us as we proudly carry the banner of Philippine culture with us."