The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the Philippines versatile orchestras, both in its breadth of repertoire styles and its flexibility of size as a full symphony or chamber orchestra. Founded in 1998, MPO has distinguished itself as one of the leading orchestras inthe country through over a decade of well-applauded live performances, records, tours and innovative programs of bringing the orchestra closer to the communities. The strong backbone of MPO is its solid passion for music.
Backed by the finest talents, the group has admirably proven the principle that music is a gift for all and not just for the chosen few. What, with number of successful concerts in the portfolio and the competitive track records of its members, both locally and internationally. The MPO creates the bridge between the orchestra and the audience by participating in music-related activities – from corporate events to stage musicales to special personal events.
To date, MPO has more than 500 concerts and has partnered with more than 100 known companies from various industries. Manila Philharmonic Orchestra takes pride in the resounding success of its 2003-2004 Season Concert Series that was followed by its 2004-2005 Season Concert Series featuring top-caliber local and international artists such as pianists Cecile Licad, Ingrid Sala Santa Maria, Aileen Chanco, Raul Sunico ; well-known violinists Anastasia Chebotareva, Alexander Tumescu and Oscar Yatco ; conductors Eduardo Browne, Mark Kadin, Dmitri Liss just to name a few. Adding to its distinguished roster is the triumphant concert with Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli. It was once in a lifetime privilege for MPO to be the chosen orchestra to perform with him in Manila, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra has also become active in the local musical theater scene. MPO was privileged to be part of the Philippine productions of The Wedding Singer, Sound of Music, King and I and Cinderella which were staged at the Resorts World from 2011 to 2013.
In 2014, MPO was honored to have been showcased as the orchestra to accompany the cast of the highly acclaimed Noli Me Tangere, The Opera at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Top billing this grand production were world-renowned musical stars Sal Malaki, Rachelle Gerodias, Antoni Mendezona, Andrew Fernando, Jonathan Velasco, Noel Azcona and many others.
The following year (2015), MPO was back at the Newport Performing Arts Theater for Bituing Walang Ningning.: The Musical. This was the first ever venture of Viva Entertainment and Resorts World in bringing iconic Philippine films to the theater stage. The musical featured the talents of Cris Villonco, Mark Bautista, Mechu, Lauchengco-Yulo, Ronnie Liang and lead star Monica Cuenco. Directed by Freddie Cruz, the production celebrated the music of the ‘80s and the inspiring compositions of Willy Cruz like Mahawi Man ang Ulap, Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, Pangarap na Bituin, Magandang Gabi, Kamusta Ka and of course Bituing Walang Ningning.
Life with Music 