The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation is excited to welcome back the MSO Concerto Competition 2025.
This long-standing tradition, first held in the 1960s and 1970s, has been an important part of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s history of discovering and encouraging young Filipino talents. Many outstanding soloists had their first big break through this very competition, and now, the MSO is continuing that legacy for today’s generation of musicians.
The MSO Concerto Competition 2025 hopes to give gifted young instrumentalists the chance to shine, grow in their artistry, and experience the joy of performing as a soloist with a professional orchestra.
CATEGORIES
1. Instrument
- – Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, guitar)
- – Woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone)
- – Brasses (trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba)
- – Piano
2. Age Levels
- – Level A: Not more than 12 years old by October 8, 2025 (3 winners)
- – Level B: 13-18 years old as of October 8, 2025 (3 winners)
- – Level C: 19 to 25 years old as of October 8, 2025 (3 winners)
REPERTOIRE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must prepare one complete movement from a standard concerto of the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic period. The piece must be performed from memory.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. Video Submission
- – Applicants must submit a video recording of their chosen concerto movement, performed from memory.
- – Piano accompaniment is recommended but not mandatory.
- – The video must be unedited, recorded in a single take, and should not be older than 2 months.
2. Application Form
- – Applicants must complete the official MSO Concerto Competition Application Form and submit alongside the video link.
- – Proof of age (valid ID) required.
- – ₱1,000 application fee applies.
3. Deadline
October 8, 2025
SELECTION PROCESS
A screening committee composed of MSO musicians and qualified guest adjudicators will evaluate all submissions.
Finalists will be chosen based on technical mastery, musicality, artistic expression, and overall musicianship.
Winners from each level will be announced no later than October 10, 2025.
PRIZES AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY
Winners will be invited to perform with the Manila Symphony Orchestra in the Concert of Winners at the GSIS Theater on October 15, 2025.
Each winner will perform the same concerto movement submitted during the competition.
A total of 9 winners will be selected: 3 from Level A, 3 from Level B, 3 from Level C.
GENERAL RULES
1. The competition is open to all Filipino citizens and foreign students currently studying in the Philippines within the specified age brackets.
2. Judges’ decisions are final.
3. By submitting an entry, applicants grant the MSO Foundation permission to use their recordings and performance materials for promotional, archival, or educational purposes.
The MSO Concerto Competition 2025 for the concert winners is on October 15, 2025 (Wednesday) at 7:30 PM at the GSIS Theater, Pasay City.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld.
- Orchestra Center – P2,000
- Orchestra Sides – P1,000
- Balcony – P500
CONTACT INFORMATION
Manila Symphony Orchestra – Circuit Makati Office is located at 3/F Circuit Lane, AP Reyes Street, Circuit Makati, Makati City, Metro Manila. Call (02) 8523 5712, email info@manilasymphony.com, or visit ww.manilasymphony.com for more information.
