Words cannot express enough how the power of live music transports each person to a world of heavenly harmonies. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) embodies this otherworldly phenomenon as it celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on October 29, 2024. Entitled Lights, Camera, Encore!, the musicians, guest artists, and conductor left the audience speechless with nostalgia.

 

Leading the orchestra, founder and conductor Maestro Rodel Colmenar guided the musicians through musical and beloved cinema compositions, and classic songs such as The Winner Takes It All from Mamma Mia and Duel Of Fates from Star Wars. The former was sung by guest artist Arman Ferrer who astounded the audience with his potent voice, reaching the peak of the chorus. The accompaniment of the orchestra sent chills as the instruments rose to power. This was followed by the song You’ll Be Back from Hamilton where Ferrer channeled the character from the musical with expertise, incorporating the silly mannerisms that made it all the more entertaining.

 

Another guest artist, Bituin Escalante, emerged afterward and swept my feet away as she performed Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl. Her exceptional voice and stage presence astonished the audience along with her rendition of the musical song. It was as if the musicians danced along to the lyrics through playing the instruments. Later on, when Escalante sang the James Bond Theme/Skyfall, the orchestra encapsulated the power of unity with each percussion, string, wind, and brass instrument as she displayed her outstanding vocal range.

 

The most anticipated composition for me was the La La Land Epilogue, as the film’s cinematography captivated me and its emotional story grasped me. When the piano solo started the piece, I romanticized and visualized how it would feel to be in the movie — to be in the characters’ shoes. It was even more stunning as the instruments translated notes into sounds of falling in love when it reached the chorus. MPO concluded with the Star Wars Theme and Duel of Fates which brought back memories of childhood exhilaration and the movies that brought my family together. Its explosive beginning was incomparable, proving itself an iconic theme song from 1977 to the present. The Madrigal Singers and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Singers sang along in Duel of Fates. They recreated the intensity of the scene of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi dueling Darth Maul in the film. Each composition mentioned and unmentioned was performed remarkably in this orchestration. The performance’s nostalgia, thrill, romance, and intensity gave the audience a heartwarming memory. I hold deep respect for all the musicians, guest artists, and the conductor who exhibited their passion and work through this incredible performance.