Teatro Pinas | Manila Symphony Orchestra's Brazilian Guitar & Cello concert all set on August 9

The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil through the Guimarães Rosa Institute (IGR) and the Embassy of Brazil in Manila, proudly present Brazilian Guitar and Cello on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Bayanihan Hall, Creative Arts Centre, British School Manila, BGC Taguig City.

The evening will feature world-renowned artists:

• Fabio Zanon (guitar)

• Fabio Presgrave (cello)

• Stephanie Quintin (soprano)

• Marlon Chen (conductor)

A Celebration of Brazilian and Global Sounds

The repertoire will highlight the fusion of classical traditions and Latin-American rhythms through two engaging parts:

Part 1

• Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7: I. Prelúdio (Ponteio) by Heitor Villa-Lobos
  Composed in 1942, this piece merges Baroque elegance with Brazilian folk nuances, turning the traditional ponteio into a sweeping orchestral prelude.

• Concierto de Cámara for Guitar, Cello, Soprano, and Strings by Jeffrey Ching
  A symbolic “quintuple concerto” that unites five musical cultures—German, Lithuanian, Brazilian, Spanish, and Chinese—into a rich tapestry of abstract and figurative sound.

Part 2

• Concerto No. 4 for Guitar and String Orchestra by Radamés Gnattali
  This 1969 composition blends classical structures with samba, choro, and bossa nova, showcasing jazz-inspired lyricism.

• Le Grand Tango for cello and string orchestra by Astor Piazzolla
  Written in 1982, the work offers an intense interplay of classical technique and nuevo tango rhythms.

• Ária and Dança from Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 by Heitor Villa-Lobos
  An evocative pairing of lyrical depth and vibrant Brazilian dance motifs, exemplifying Villa-Lobos’ signature blend of European form and local expression.

Meet the Artists

Fabio Zanon is an award-winning guitarist and graduate of the University of London, recognized for his mastery in international competitions and acclaimed recordings.
Fabio Presgrave, a Juilliard-trained cellist from Rio de Janeiro, has performed globally under celebrated conductors.
Stephanie Quintin, a multi-awarded soprano, is praised for her versatility and dramatic artistry.
Marlon Chen, the dynamic Music Director of the Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2019, continues to lead the ensemble in innovative and cross-cultural programming.

About the Manila Symphony Orchestra

Founded nearly a century ago, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is the Philippines’ oldest professional orchestra and a cornerstone of the nation’s classical music scene. Now a foundation, it remains committed to nurturing Filipino talent and expanding the reach of orchestral music.

Upcoming Performances

• September 7, 2025: Butterfly Lovers & Yellow River Concerto – Philippines-China Friendship Concert, Aliw Theater, CCP Complex

• September 27, 2025: Dancing with Tchaikovsky – Aliw Theater, CCP Complex

• January 22, 2026: MSO 100th Anniversary Concert – Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati

(Program, dates, and venues are subject to change.)

Tickets and Details

Tickets are available via TicketWorld.com:

• VIP – ₱3,500

• Premium Patron – ₱2,800

• Regular Patron – ₱1,700

• General Admission – ₱800

For more information, visit www.manilasymphony.com.