The Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Symphonic Explorations 2026 unfolded in Albay as a landmark celebration of music and community spirit, bringing world‑class symphonic artistry to Legazpi City and the Marian pilgrimage town of Joroan, Tiwi. Over two days—May 16 and 17, 2026—the MSO engaged students, local artists, parish musicians, and the wider Bicolano public through workshops, outreach concerts, and deeply meaningful cultural collaborations.
A Celebration of Music, Community, and Cultural Heritage
Presented by the MSO Foundation, Inc. and JTI Philippines, the Symphonic Explorations series is the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s unique initiative to bring the experience of live orchestral music all over the various regions of the Philippines. It is a prelude to the “Road to 100” celebration of MSO’s 100th year anniversary in 2026. The Workshop and Outreach Concert event is led by Jeffrey Solares, Executive Director and Conductor. A violinist, educator, and music arranger, he is a leading advocate of music arts in the Philippines.
Early this year, workshops were held by the MSO at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel with the culminating concert at the Naga City Cathedral (February 28). Later, workshops and the concert were also held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sto. Tomas Campus in Batangas (April 25). Prior to these events, the MSO had already engaged hundreds of local musicians and thousands of listeners in Cebu, Bacolod, Las Pinas, Lipa City, Lian City, Cagayan De Oro, Ilocos Sur, Davao, and Tacloban.
Warm Welcomes and Shared Aspirations at Mariners’ Polytechnic in Legazpi City
The Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legazpi City laid out its welcome mat to the Manila Symphony Orchestra on May 16 for the official launch of the 2026 Workshop and Outreach Concert Series. The Audio-Visual Resource Learning Hall buzzed with anticipation as students, faculty, guests, and music lovers gathered for an afternoon dedicated to learning and inspiration.
Mariners’ President Merle Jimenez San Pedro delivered heartfelt words of gratitude, emphasizing the significance of MSO’s presence in nurturing young musical talent in the region. The Tourism Office OIC Ricky Loterte expressed the city’s commitment to strengthening cultural and artistic programs.
Jeffrey Solares, MSO Executive Director and conductor, encouraged participants to pursue excellence and passion, reminding them that music thrives where communities believe in its transformative power.
Hands-On Workshops with MSO Musicians
After the opening program, MSO musicians dispersed into classrooms to conduct sectional workshops. Students received personalized guidance—bowing techniques, breathing exercises, ensemble discipline, and interpretive coaching—turning MPCF-Legazpi into a vibrant hub of musical discovery. The Mariners workshop participants and the Manila Symphony Orchestra performed The Sound of Music Medley by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Jeffrey Solares, conductor. Click link to view the video.
Evening Program at Sawangan Park: A Symphony by the Sea
Dubbed “Feel the Joy: A Sawangan Summer Experience,” the event offered festive fun to the city residents for free: trampoline and inflatables, face painting, magic show, cinema under the stars, bonfire night, beats by the bay featuring a popular deejay. As dusk settled at the scenic waterfront, Sawangan Park transformed into an open-air concert ground. Families, students, and visitors gathered for an evening of music and community celebration.
Messages of Culture and Community
Former Vice Mayor Bobby Cristobal and Mayor Hisham Ismael highlighted the importance of culture, unity, and shared identity—values that resonated throughout the night.
Local Talent Takes the Stage
Intermission performances by local artists—including the dynamic Teatro Marinero—brought color and energy to the program, showcasing Legazpi’s thriving creative community.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra in Concert
The highlight of the evening was the MSO’s grand performance with the Mariners’ Band and local artists. Their repertoire blended classical masterpieces with beloved Bicolano melodies: Franz von Suppé – Light Cavalry Overture; Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67; W.A. Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major, K. 218; Rodgers & Hammerstein – The Sound of Music Medley; Potenciano Gregorio – Sarung Banggi; and, Traditional Bicolano – Kudut-kudutan
The iconic “da‑da‑da‑daaa” of Beethoven’s Fifth echoed across Sawangan Park, drawing cheers from the crowd. The performance of Sarung Banggi—a song deeply rooted in Albay’s soul—became a moment of collective pride, especially as the region commemorates the 146th birth anniversary of its composer, Potenciano V. Gregorio (1880–1939).
One of the highlights of the evening came as the Manila Symphony Orchestra took the stage alongside talented local performers and the Mariners’ Band. The evening concluded with a warm closing message from Albay Vice Governor Farida “Diday” Co, celebrating the success of the event and the enduring power of music to bring communities together.
A Marian Offering in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay
On May 17, the second day of Symphonic Explorations 2026 and after a quick side trip to the Cagsawa Ruins, the MSO team made it to the sacred grounds of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Salvation in Joroan, Tiwi—one of Bicol’s most cherished Marian pilgrimage sites. In partnership with The Pilgrim Village Foundation, Inc., the orchestra offered a program of Marian hymns and devotional music.
A Historic Premiere: Gozos ki Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Medley
One of the most meaningful moments was the performance of the Gozos ki Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, a prayerful hymn arranged by Victor Buenconsejo and orchestrated by Jeffrey Solares. The piece was performed by the Manila Symphony Orchestra with the Mariners’ Band Legazpi, Joroan Male Cantors, and Shrine Singers of Our Lady of Salvation
Buenconsejo shared that this medley—his first orchestral performance—was born from collaboration with Noel Andres Madrigal Perdigon and Maestro Solares. He described the work as a tapestry of melodies from Albay and Sorsogon, woven together to inspire prayer and devotion.
The result was a luminous offering of faith and music, echoing through the shrine and touching the hearts of pilgrims and parishioners.
The Stories Behind the Music
Franz von Suppé – Light Cavalry Overture (1866)
Famous for its galloping rhythms, this overture has become a staple of popular culture, often heard in films and cartoons. Click link to view video by Wonderful Bicol.
Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (1804–1808)
Composed during Beethoven’s struggle with hearing loss, the symphony’s opening motif is often interpreted as “fate knocking at the door.” Its journey from C minor to triumphant C major symbolizes resilience and hope. Click link to view video by Wonderful Bicol.
Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 4 (1775)
Written when Mozart was only 19, this concerto is admired for its elegance, youthful charm, and expressive lyricism. Click link to watch video by Wonderful Bicol.
Potenciano Gregorio – Sarung Banggi (1910)
Inspired by a moonlit night in Santo Domingo, Albay, this song has become the unofficial anthem of Bicol. Its composer, Potenciano Gregorio, remains one of the region’s most beloved musical figures. Click link to watch video by Wonderful Bicol.
A Triumph of Collaboration and Cultural Pride
Symphonic Explorations 2026 was more than a concert series—it was a homecoming, a cultural bridge, and a celebration of Bicolano identity. Through workshops, performances, and sacred offerings, the Manila Symphony Orchestra reaffirmed its mission to bring classical music to communities across the Philippines. Legazpi City and Joroan witnessed not only world-class performances but also the power of music to unite, uplift, and inspire.
The header photo features the Manila Symphony Orchestra performing at Legazpi City’s Sawangan Park (credit: North to South). This article was written by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on content posted on FB by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Mariners Collegian of the Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legazpi City.