The Manila Symphony Orchestra officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala on Tuesday, October 6.
The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by the ribbon cutting made by MSO Foundation, Inc. President Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance Representative Marife M. Pineda, and the One Ayala General Manager Khen Akot.
The studio was graced by the presence of Standard Insurance Group Chair Judes Echauz, MSO Music Academy teachers and MSO administrative staff, and members of the MSO Press Family.
The occasion brought together students, faculty, families, and members of the MSO community in celebration of MSOMA’s continued commitment to providing quality music education and meaningful performance opportunities for young musicians.
Adding to the celebration was a special mini-recital featuring MSO Music Academy students and faculty.
The program included Paganini’s Cantabile, performed by Sara Maria Gonzales (violin) and Amansinaya Añonuevo (guitar); Katakataka for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino, performed by Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano; Willy Cruz’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, arranged by Jeffrey Solares, performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes (violin) with Jeremiah Valenzuela (piano); Vivaldi’s Summer Storm from The Four Seasons, performed by David Llandino with the MSO Academy Faculty Ensemble; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists with the MSO Academy Faculty Ensemble.
The program concluded with ‘From the Start’ by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the MSO Academy Student and Faculty Ensemble.
Aside from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, the new space gives the academy a permanent home where children, teens, and adults can learn music, develop their skills, prepare for performances and competitions, take part in its scholarship programs, or simply enjoy the joy of music-making.
The academy has six regular studios, each equipped with a piano for lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments. A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.
The new branch in One Ayala was made possible by the generous support of Standard Insurance and Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were generously provided by Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos.
The MSO is especially grateful to One Ayala and Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO Trustee John Silva.
Music education remains an important part of the MSO’s work. The MSO Music Academy also continues to support its teachers through professional development, including Suzuki teacher training programs locally and internationally. By supporting both teachers and students, the Academy hopes to provide a meaningful learning experience for every learner who comes through its doors.
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