ITALIAN MUSIC. Manila Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Marlon Chen, performs opera music of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi at the Ateneo de Manila University's (ADMU) Areté in Quezon City on Sunday (May 7, 2023). The classical music concert was organized by the Italian Embassy in Manila and the ADMU. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – The Italian Embassy in Manila and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) brought Giuseppe Verdi’s overtures and ballet music to ADMU’s center for creativity and innovation Areté to promote classical music in the country.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the baton of Marlon Chen, performed Sunday the Italian composer’s opera music from I Vespri Sicilliani, La Forza del Destino, Giovanna d’Arco, Otello, Luisa Miller, Macbeth and Nabucco.
“We think that this must be the first time that this music has ever been performed in the Philippines, and maybe even in Asia,” Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente said in his remarks.
Clemente added that the overtures and symphonies played by the MSO were Verdi’s compositions for the opera in Paris in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Italian envoy emphasized the need to promote classical music to the younger generation in order not to lose these "treasures" from centuries ago.
“This concert is devoted to the younger generation… And we have a responsibility to keep the torch, but most importantly to pass it to the younger generation,” he said.
Clemente also encouraged the diplomatic corps to organize events promoting classical music and support artistic institutions like MSO.
“I urge everyone…these people need our support. Performing artists need to perform, and need to perform in live audience. This is particularly important after three years of lockdown… It’s important to make these things happen,” he said, adding that putting up this kind of event requires financial and logistics support.
ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap SJ said the university is active in promoting music, including classical music, with Areté being a venue for classical and pop music performances.
“With its unique fusion of music, acting, dancing, poetry, costumes, and scenery, opera is a theatrical experience like no other. Moreover, with its rich intricacies, opera reflects human emotions naturally and paints a vivid picture of Italy’s culture, thus, making it a fantastic way to learn about the country’s cultural heritage,” Yap added.
The MSO is one of the oldest symphonies in Asia and the longest-surviving artistic institution in the country.
It was founded by Viennese conductor Alexander Lippay in 1926. (PNA)
