The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Music Academy officially opened its new home at One Ayala on October 6, marking a new chapter in its commitment to making quality music education and performance opportunities more accessible to young musicians, families, and lifelong learners.
The new facility was blessed by Fr. Benny Tuazon of Manila Bahay Pari, San Carlos Seminary, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by MSO Foundation, Inc. President Maan Hontiveros, Standard Insurance representative Marife M. Pineda, and One Ayala General Manager Khen Akot.
The opening brought together Standard Insurance Group Chair Judes Echauz, MSO Music Academy teachers and administrative staff, students, families, and members of the MSO Press Family. The occasion celebrated the Academy’s continuing efforts to provide students with quality instruction, meaningful performance opportunities, and avenues to further develop their musical talents.
A special mini-recital highlighted the opening, featuring performances by MSO Music Academy students and faculty. The program included Paganini’s Cantabile performed by Sara Maria Gonzales on violin and Amansinaya Añonuevo on guitar; Katakataka for piano four hands, arranged by Augusto Espino and performed by Julia Reanna Aquino and Endrei Joashu Lejano; and Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben, performed by soprano Eina Lejano with Jeremiah Valenzuela on piano.
The recital continued with Willy Cruz’s Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, arranged by Jeffrey Solares and performed by Dione Lhorrell Reyes on violin with Valenzuela on piano; Vivaldi’s Summer Storm from The Four Seasons, performed by David Llandino with the MSO Academy Faculty Ensemble; and Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, featuring Eliana Mariano and Lois Quitane as soloists with the faculty ensemble. The program concluded with From the Start by Spencer Stuart and Laufey, performed by the MSO Academy Student and Faculty Ensemble.
Located at One Ayala, the new branch complements the Academy’s existing studio at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati. The facility features six regular studios, each equipped with a piano, offering lessons in voice, piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, trumpet, saxophone, harp, and other instruments. A larger studio is also available for group lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and small recitals.
The new facility was made possible through the generous support of Standard Insurance and Ernesto Echauz, who fully funded its construction. The studio pianos were provided by Christopher Varlez of Varlez Pianos. MSO also expressed its appreciation to One Ayala and Mariana Zobel Aboitiz for welcoming the Academy, with the assistance of MSO Trustee John Silva.
Beyond lessons, the Academy provides opportunities for students to prepare for performances and competitions, participate in scholarship programs, and experience the rewards of music-making. The MSO also continues to invest in its teachers through professional development initiatives, including Suzuki teacher training programs both locally and internationally.
With its new One Ayala home, the MSO Music Academy hopes to welcome more children, teens, adults, and families into music education while creating a space where students can build skills, form friendships, and discover new possibilities through music.
