The Manila Symphony Orchestra officially opened the new home of the MSO Music Academy at One Ayala.
The new space was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by the ribbon cutting by MSO Foundation President Ms. Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance Representative Ms. Marife M. Pineda, and the One Ayala General Manager Mr. Khen Akot.
The studio was graced by the presence of Standard Insurance Group Chair Mr. Judes Echauz, the 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 students Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by young 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 strings faculty; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring students Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists. The program concluded with From the Start by Spencer Stuart/Laufey, performed by the string ensemble in celebration of the grant given by The Laufey Foundation to the MSO Foundation.
Aside from MSO’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, this 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 Mr. Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The pianos for the studios were generously provided by Mr. Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos. The MSO is especially grateful to One Ayala and Ms. Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy into their home, with the aid of MSO Trustee Mr. 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. Today, the doors of the new academy in One Ayala are open. MSO looks forward to seeing the studios filled with God-given talents, friendships, and many new beginnings. With its new home, MSO hopes to welcome more families and learners into music education.
ACADEMY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ms. Kaye Sison
09164087549
msomusicacademy@gmail.com
