The Philippine Italian Association (PIA), in partnership with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), proudly presents the Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert on October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati City. Sponsored by Joel’s Place and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch, the concert is a celebration of two cultures brought together by the universal language of music.
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The evening will feature works by both Filipino and Italian composers, including Nicanor Abelardo, Antonio Molina, Antonino Buenaventura, Antonio Vivaldi, Tomaso Albinoni, and Gioachino Rossini. These selections highlight the deep emotional and melodic similarities shared by both traditions.
As Tats Manahan, VP for Culture of the Philippine Italian Association, explains: “I really think that music is the common denominator between Italian and Philippine culture. I have to quote Ryan Cayabyab, and he said sympathetic notes – these are, when you listen to them, it’s the notes that are heart-tugging. Both Filipino and Italian music have that same quality, and if you want to be very colloquial about it, it’s the hugot notes that break your heart and make you cry. It’s the same thing if you listen to Italian music and Filipino music – that’s the common denominator. And I think that’s what makes this collaboration and this show very special because then you will see the similarities between the two music genres where you see that it’s the same.”
At the helm of the performance is Maestro Alessio Benvenuti (Violin I), concertmaster of the MSO, whose career spans more than 2,000 concerts worldwide. He is joined by Alfonso Encina (Violin II), Sara Gonzales (Viola), Arnold Josue (Cello), Lawrence Palad (Bass), and Mariel Ilusorio (Piano).
Audiences can look forward to timeless Italian pieces such as Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Tartini’s evocative Didone Abbandonata, and Ennio Morricone’s beloved film scores Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa. Adding further variety are the spirited classic Funiculi Funicula and Debussy’s Piano Trio, 3rd Movement.
Maestro Benvenuti reflects on the Italian set list and his personal connection to the music: “For many reasons, my favourite is Rossini because it reminds me about the first piece I played. “Funiculi Funicula” is a traditional Italian piece which talks about the building of a train and my second job is a train driver. All the rest of the program is just lovely music. Maestro (Ennio) Morricone, he conducted me many times. I know him personally so all these Italian music is a beautiful reminder of my nation.”
Complementing the European works are Filipino musical treasures including Constancio de Guzman’s Bayan Ko (arr. Orlando Dela Cruz), Abelardo’s lyrical Cavatina, and Mike Velarde’s timeless Dahil Sa Iyo. Also featured are cherished folk songs like Si Nanay Tatay Di Ko Babayaan (Bicolano), Ili-Ili Tulog Anay (Ilonggo), and Salidumay (Igorot).
Now in its 63rd year, PIA continues to build bridges between Filipino and Italian cultures through language education, social services, and cultural programs. MSO, one of Asia’s oldest orchestras, remains committed to nurturing local talent and enriching the nation’s musical landscape.
Joel’s Place, a modern lifestyle grocerant, brings a unique and contemporary flair to this partnership. Meanwhile, 98.7 DZFE-FM, the country’s only classical music radio service, upholds its decades-long tradition of delivering “masterworks and Master’s Word” to Filipino audiences since 1954.
Tickets are priced at ₱1,500, with a 20% discount for Senior Citizens and PWDs, and 10% for PIA Members. 📞 For reservations, contact Ms. Jan Dacera at 09954305118 or philitalassociation@gmail.com.
Through this meaningful collaboration, PIA, MSO, Joel’s Place, and DZFE-FM invite audiences to experience the shared soul of Filipino and Italian music—bound by emotion, melody, and a deep cultural resonance.
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