Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), one of the most prestigious philharmonic orchestras in the country, is up for a broadway concert at the Holy Angel University (HAU) in Pampanga on March 8, which also marks the university’s 85th foundation anniversary.
The concert ‘Return to Broadway’ will be staged at the University Theatre where the MSO first performed during the venue’s inauguration and Professor Arturo R. Molina returns as the orchestra’s musical director and conductor.
The popular husband-and-wife vocal tandem Isay Alvarez and Robert Seña of Miss Saigon fame will also perform in the much-awaited return of MSO.
“We have used the University Theatre as venue for the best creative outputs of Kapampangan artists as well as venue to bring Manila’s best talents here so that our fellow Kapampangans do not have to travel far and spend more,” Robby Tantingco said, HAU Vice President for Student Services and Affairs and Director of the Center for Kapampangan Studies.
MSO will relive the old and contemporary broadway musicals including West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Carousel, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Oliver, Miss Saigon and others.
“We want Kapampangan millennials to be introduced to broadway songs and experience the same kind of music we experienced during our time. And they will experience it in the best possible venue in town,” Tantingco added.
The University Theatre is considered one of the best acoustically designed concert halls in the country, according to experts and artists who have performed in it, including pianists Cecile Licad and Raul Sunico, Ryan Cayabyab, Jose Mari Chan and soprano Rachelle Gerodias.
The local cultural group ArtiSta. Rita has premiered its Kapampangan productions in the University Theatre, including Juan and Nena, the musical about Juan and Teresa Nepomuceno, and Ciniong, the musical depicting the life of Archbishop-Emeritus Paciano Aniceto.
For ticket reservation, contact Dr. Raymond Patterson at [email protected] and 0999 994 9385. Tickets are priced at P250, P500, P800 and P1000.