The Manila Symphony Orchestra presents A Night in Hollywood, the second concert in its 99th season, happening on June 28, 2025, Saturday at 7:30 PM at the ALIW Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.
This special event brings together international talents for a celebration of film music and new cinematic works. Joining the MSO are American conductor Angel Velez, Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, and composers and conductors from the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI), who will be in Manila for a week-long collaboration with the orchestra.
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The program features a dynamic mix of beloved Hollywood scores and original music written for film. Zoltán Onczay will perform Hungarian Rhapsody by David Popper, a dramatic and expressive piece featured in film, showcasing his virtuosity on the cello. The concert will also include a tribute to legendary film composers Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, and Henry Mancini, arranged by the iconic John Williams.
Seven original works by LAFCI composers will make their Manila debut. These include Heart of a Warrior by Sophia Bass, Seeming Chrysalis by Julia Sanchez, Theme from Stolen Realm by Jennifer Jolley, Sigh of Spring’s Farewell by Yuxuan Liu, Concert Prelude on “Chan Mali Chan” by Mohamad Rasull, Journey Through the Celestial Gate by Robin Raisch, and Mosaic Mambo by Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez, conducted by Ricardo Reyna. Each piece brings a fresh perspective on storytelling through music, blending cinematic themes with the energy of live orchestration.
The concert also pays tribute to John Williams, one of the most influential composers in film history. Audiences will hear selections from Harry Potter (Hedwig’s Theme), Seven Years in Tibet (featuring Zoltán Onczay), E.T. (Adventures on Earth), Schindler’s List (with Alessio Benvenuti on violin), Superman, Jurassic Park, Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel arranged by Williams (with Jeanne Rafaella Marquez on violin), and the iconic Olympic Fanfare and Theme.
Guest conductor Angel Velez is widely recognized in the film and television music scene. He has led live performances of scores from Captain Marvel, Green Book, The Book of Boba Fett, and many others. His work spans major studios, live televised events like Miss World, and concert productions such as Star Wars: Past and Present and For Love or Country featuring Arturo Sandoval.
Zoltán Onczay is a versatile cellist known for his work across various genres, including electroacoustic and improvisational music. He brings both technical brilliance and emotional depth to the stage, and his performances are celebrated across Europe and Asia.
The Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive is a training ground for media composers, offering workshops and resources to help them grow as conductors. Their mission is to support the next generation of composers working in film, television, and games, and to connect them with top musicians in the industry.
A Night in Hollywood promises a thrilling evening of cinematic sound, performed live by the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are available at TicketWorld.com.
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