Musica Iuvenalis Philippine Tour: 50 Years of Majestic Music at the Heart of Manila
Musica Iuvenalis, a string chamber orchestra based in Kosice, Slovakia, recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in their first ever Philippine tour last July 2014. Organized in partnership with the UP Manila Chorale, Musica Iuvenalis had three performances: two mall concerts and one joint concert at the Rizal Park. Arriving in Manila last July 11, conductor Igor Dohovic led a total of 44 individuals consisting of young students and established professionals. The youth orchestra's repertoire consisted of classical pieces by composers such as Purcell, Zeljenka, Puccini and Britten, as well as string arrangements of themes of The Godfather and Schindler's List.
Their concert series started with a one-hour performance at the EDSA Shangri-La Mall East Atrium. This was followed the next day by the Concert at the Park, a joint concert featuring Coro Tomasino (led by conductor Ronan Ferrer) and the UP Manila Chorale (under the baton of Emmanuel de Leon, Jr.) at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium. The concert featured the Philippine premiere of two works: Pater Noster and Ave Maria by John August Pamintuan, arranged for choir and string orchestra from a suite entitled Rosarium. On the final day, the orchestra concluded the concert series with a performance at Ayala Alabang Town Center. All three productions received loud applause from the audience.
Last May 2013, Musica Iuvenalis served as the host organization for the UP Manila Chorale during their 20th anniversary European tour. The stop in Kosice, Slovakia forged a friendship that paved the way for the orchestra's tour in the country.
The success of their Philippine tour serves as a link between the musical communities of Europe and the Philippines, establishing a bridge for classical as well as choral music. Both Musica Iuvenalis and the UP Manila Chorale aim to further strengthen their partnership for the promotion and exchange of good will and culture between the two nations – a testament indeed, that music knows no boundaries.
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The Musica Iuvenalis Philippine Tour is made possible by the University of the Philippines Manila, National Parks Development Committee, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Alabang Town Center, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Consulate General of Slovakia, Double Dragon Properties Inc., University of the Philippines College of Music, University of Makati Center for Culture and the Arts, and Armada Hotel; and our media partners Inquirer.net, 99.5 Play FM and 98.7 DZFE.
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Related links on the Musica Iuvenalis Philippine Tour:
Musica Iuvenalis Introduced in the Philippines by Musica Iuvenalis Official Site: http://musicaiuvenalis.sk/?q=node/471
Music Knows No Boundaries (video and article) by Inquirer.net: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKtDgXuUeoU http://entertainment.inquirer.net/147148/music-knows-no-boundaries
