The magic of the silver screen comes to life on June 28.
Get ready for an evening of spine-tingling scores, heart-thumping tributes, and the unmistakable magic of the silver screen as the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents A Night in Hollywood, a cinematic concert experience on June 28, 2025, 7:30 pm at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex in Pasay.
The concert marks the second featured performance of MSO’s 99th season, and it promises to be a showstopper. Merging the grandeur of orchestral music with the wonder of Hollywood, the event features award-winning international artists and original film compositions never before heard in Manila. At its helm is American guest conductor Angel Velez, known globally for his work on iconic franchises like Star Wars, Captain Marvel, and The Mandalorian.
The concert brings together an extraordinary ensemble of talent. Joining the Manila Symphony Orchestra on stage is Hungarian cellist Zoltán Onczay, whose dynamic artistry has taken him from the prestigious Liszt Music Academy in Budapest to concert halls across Europe. In Manila, he will take center stage in David Popper’s Hungarian Rhapsody and John Williams’ end titles from Seven Years in Tibet.
Also featured is a dazzling lineup of soloists including violinists Alessio Benvenuti and Jeanne Rafaella Marquez, who will lend their artistry to beloved works such as Il Postino and Por Una Cabeza, respectively.
Related story: Louvre shuts down as staff go on sudden strike due to overtourism
Related story: Precious but empty: The contradictions of Nicola Bolla’s ‘Van Gogh’ chair
Related story: REVIEW: The humanity of ‘Come from Away’ and the hilarious brutality of ‘Art’
What makes A Night in Hollywood a truly unique experience is its creative collaboration with the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI)—a mentorship and training program for film, TV, and game composers aiming to master the conductor’s baton.
Seven original works by LAFCI composers will premiere during the concert, each one a cinematic journey in sound: Heart of a Warrior by Sophia Bass, Seeming Chrysalis by Julia Sanchez, Theme from Stolen Realm by Jennifer Jolley, Sigh of Spring’s Farewell by Yuxuan Liu, Concert Prelude on Chan Mali Chan by Mohamad Rasull, Journey through the Celestial Gate by Robin Raisch, and Mosaic Mambo by Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez (conducted by Ricardo Reyna).
From the heart-pounding thrill of Jurassic Park to the nostalgic charm of Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter, and the triumphant fanfare of Superman, the repertoire reads like a love letter to Hollywood’s greatest hits. All arranged by the legendary John Williams, whose music is arguably as iconic as the films themselves.
Audiences will also be treated to a stirring tribute to the golden age of film music, honoring composers Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, and Henry Mancini, whose works helped define cinematic storytelling.
At the podium is Angel Velez, whose conducting credits read like a who’s who of pop culture. A regular presence in the studios of Los Angeles, Velez has conducted live performances of major motion picture scores and is known for his flair in bringing visual storytelling to vibrant, symphonic life. From live scoring The Book of Boba Fett to staging Star Wars: Past and Present, Velez brings an energy that bridges Hollywood and classical music with seamless brilliance.
This concert isn’t just a performance—it’s a week-long artistic fusion. As part of their Manila visit, the LAFCI team and composers will work closely with the MSO, engaging in rehearsals and cultural exchanges that affirm music as a truly global language.
As MSO nears its centennial in 2026, A Night in Hollywood is both a celebration of the orchestra’s rich legacy and a nod to the exciting future of music performance in the Philippines.
Whether you’re a film buff, music aficionado, or someone looking for an unforgettable night out, A Night in Hollywood is not to be missed. Expect goosebumps. Expect drama. Expect a show that proves—once again—that movie magic begins with music.
Tickets for the June 28 concert are available at TicketWorld. Follow The Manila Symphony Orchestra on Youtube and Facebook @Manila Symphony Orchestra, on Instagram @manila.symphony, and on TikTok @manilasymphonyorchestra
