One of the Oldest in Asia, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is on the Road to 100

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of the oldest orchestras in Asia and the longest surviving artistic institution in the Philippines. Founded by Alexander Lippay in 1926, the orchestra has played a major role in Philippine history, including acting as a symbol of resistance during the Second World War. 

In 2026, the MSO is celebrating its 100th anniversary, but it has already begun a campaign ahead of the milestone with Road to 100. More than just a countdown, Road to 100 is a blueprint for the MSO's future. Concerts and events leading up to the centennial aim to reflect its purpose—uniting people through music across time and generations.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra today

Photo by MSO.

“We carry the torch with joy, pride, and dedication,” says Maestro Marlon Chen, MSO's current musical director. “This isn't just a celebration of longevity; it's a commitment to a legacy that belongs to every Filipino—a Symphony for the People.”

But before then, it helps to look back at the story of the MSO, and its incredible history that is closely linked with the country’s own.

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History of the Manila Symphony Orchestra

The MSO was founded in 1926 by the Asociacion Musical de Filipinas and held its first-ever concert in on January 22, 1926 at the Manila Grand Opera House. The group also played at the inauguration concert of the Metropolitan Theater on December 10, 1931. 

Dr. Zipper conducts the MSO for troops and residents, May 1945

Photo by MSO.

As with many artistic endeavors at the time, the orchestra was plagued with financial difficulties, but the introduction of the Popular Sunday Concerts in 1935, which offered tickets as low as 30 centavos, proved to be a large success and greatly helped the orchestra financially. According to archival stories, the PSC proved so popular that it once filled the Metropolitan Theater during a signal no. 4 typhoon.

Prominent individuals of the time were patrons and supporters of the MSO, including President Manuel Quezon and his wife. After Lippay’s sudden death on May 3, 1939, Herbert Zipper, who was at the Nazi concentration camps of Dachau and Buchenwald, took over as conductor.

Dr. Herbert Zipper

Photo by MSO.

It was under Zipper that the MSO expanded its activities with the formation the Manila Concert Chorus. Under his direction Beethoven's 9th Symphony was first performed in the country in 1940.

During World War 2, Zipper was briefly detained by the Japanese as a political prisoner. In retaliation, the MSO refused to perform for Japanese officials and hid their instruments. Zipper reformed the orchestra after the war and performed their first show at the ruins of Sta. Cruz Church on May 9, 1945.

Conductors and artists

The MSO carried on amid the political upheavals of the 1960s to the1980s. In the 1970s, various conductors led the orchestra including Oscar Yatco, Helen Quach, and Regalado Jose. The MSO was reorganized in 2001 by its long-time concertmaster Prof. Basilio Manalo who appointed Prof. Arturo Molina to succeed him.

Throughout the years, the MSO has hosted artists such as Montserrat Caballé, Yehudi Menuhin, Igor Oistrakh, Eugene Istomin, Fou Ts'ong, Barry Tuckwell, Paul Badura-Skoda and Rony Rogoff, as well as conductors Andre Kostelanetz, Arthur Fiedler, Mendi Rodan, Robert Feist, Gareth Nair, Helen Quach, and Eduard Strauss II. Among those who have performed with the orchestra are several National Artists of the Philippines such Antonio Molina, Antonino Buenaventura, Lucio San Pedro, Ernani Cuenco Levi Celerio, and Ryan Cayabyab.  

The MSO with Alexander Lippay

Photo by MSO.

Today, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of the country’s most active artistic institutions, providing a variety of high-quality classical performances through its annual season concerts and actively supporting the development of young Filipino talents. Currently, the MSO’s artistic team is led by Marlon Chen as Music Director, Jeffrey Solares as Associate Conductor, and Diomedes Saraza Jr. as Concertmaster.

Road to 100

Road to 100 commences with a tribute to the timeless compositions of Giacomo Puccini in the first concert of the new season. Puccini, a composer whose works continue to stir emotions even a century after his death, becomes a testament that music is not just a bridge of time but also a unifying force across cultures.

In April this year, the MSO will embark on a nationwide tour that will continue through 2025. The tour will take the orchestra to the hills of Batanes to the lush landscapes of Mindanao, staying true to its mission of being a Symphony for the People. Patron cities like Cebu and Iloilo are already on board, with the MSO extending an invitation to more cities and provinces to join this historic musical journey.

MSO’s Herbert Zipper with Legarda and President Magsaysay

Photo by MSO.

In its the centennial year in 2026, the MSO will perform culminating concerts, projects, and will launch the MSO's commemorative book. Chronicling the journey of the MSO so far, the book will also contain contributions from guest conductors and its own musicians.

The MSO will also push forward with its commitment to artistic excellence and community support. Its attached organizations—the MSO Foundation, which actively seeks backing for financial stability and a suitable venue for its diverse activities, the MSO Music Academy (currently serving over 300 students in three training centers), and the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra—all play vital roles in shaping the landscape of classical music in the Philippines. The orchestra also champions young talent through programs like the Basilio Manalo College Scholarships and international music scholarships. Furthermore, they actively collaborate with local governments to establish orchestras in public schools, ensuring that the influence of classical music extends beyond the confines of traditional concert halls.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra 

Photo by MSO.

"How, then, do we cultivate and foster the next generation of classical music enthusiasts, soloists, professional orchestra members, music educators, public and private orchestra board members, audiences, and arts advocates amidst budget constraints and the allure of instant gratification?” Chen says. “We do so by taking cues from our past in order to build a robust future.

“You can immerse yourself in the brilliance and accomplishments of generations before us through their music,” Chen adds. “Failing to pass this on to future generations is a significant loss to our shared humanity and could create a cultural void. Recognizing and appreciating the past is not merely indulgence in sentimentality; it is a crucial act of preservation that ensures the richness and continuity of the human experience. We cherish the past for a reason and this gives us cause for celebration.”