Music lovers are invited to a magical evening of Russian Romanticism as the MSO Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, in partnership with EastWest Bank, present Dancing with Tchaikovsky on September 27, 2025, 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. This special concert celebrates the timeless genius of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, featuring the Festival Coronation March, Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, and the beloved Sleeping Beauty Suite. These works will be brought to life by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Vikulov, with cello prodigy and MSJO–Standard Insurance scholar Damodar Das Castillo taking the solo spotlight.
The program opens with the Festival Coronation March, a majestic work originally composed in 1883 for the coronation of Tsar Alexander III. Brimming with ceremonial splendor, the march is known for its brilliant brass fanfares and festive energy, as well as its inclusion of the anthem “God Save the Tsar.” It has since been performed on major stages worldwide, including the opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891. This is followed by Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, a dazzling homage to Mozart that demands both lyricism and virtuosity from the soloist. Its graceful theme and seven variations showcase soaring melodies, intricate cadenzas, and rapid passagework, making it a favorite for cellists and audiences alike. The concert concludes with the Sleeping Beauty Suite, which distills the magic of Tchaikovsky’s ballet into a series of orchestral highlights — lush waltzes, lyrical adagios, and charming character dances that capture the fairy-tale romance and courtly elegance of the beloved work.
Leading this celebration is guest conductor Alexander Vikulov, whose international career has taken him from the Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg to the Vienna State Opera, Finnish National Opera, Seoul Arts Center, and Teatro Regio di Torino. Known for his work across opera, ballet, and symphonic music, Vikulov currently serves as Permanent Guest Conductor of the Saint Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra “Klassika” and Musical Director of Manila’s Star and Aliw Theaters. Joining him on stage is 18-year-old cello virtuoso Damodar Das Castillo, a rising star who has won top prizes in international competitions in Tallinn, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna, and Italy. A scholar of the MSJO–Standard Insurance International Scholarship Program, he studied at the Mozarteum University Salzburg and performs on a George Gerl cello.
The Manila Symphony Orchestra, one of Asia’s oldest and most respected ensembles, has been at the forefront of Philippine classical music since its founding in 1926. Known for its role as a symbol of cultural resistance during World War II and for collaborating with legendary conductors and Filipino composers, the MSO continues to nurture young talent and bring world-class performances to local audiences as it approaches its centennial year in 2026.
Tickets for Dancing with Tchaikovsky are available via TicketWorld, with prices ranging from Php 650 for General Admission B to Php 3,500 for VIP seating. Special discounts include 50% off for students, 20% off for seniors and PWDs, and an early bird promotion valid until September 15, 2025.
This concert is part of the MSO’s Season 99, leading to its milestone 100th Anniversary Concert on January 22, 2026, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, featuring pianist Muyu Liu, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and guest conductor Darrell Ang.
