A Night in Hollywood: Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Dazzling Ode to Cinematic Music This June 28

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By Saul de Jesus, Unsaulicited Blog

When was the last time you let an orchestra pull you into the heart of a movie—no screen, no CGI, just the living, breathing power of a hundred musicians bringing Hollywood’s magic to life? This June 28, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) throws open the doors to the soundstage of your imagination, inviting Manila’s dreamers and music lovers to A Night in Hollywood at the ALIW Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

An Immersive Symphony Experience for Film Lovers

The lights dim, the first notes tremble through the air, and suddenly you’re swept into cinematic worlds. The MSO’s second featured concert of its 99th Season is not just another night at the orchestra—it’s a sonic adventure through movie history and new worlds, guided by award-winning international artists. Led by the charismatic American guest conductor Angel Velez, whose résumé reads like a Hollywood credits roll (think Captain Marvel, The Mandalorian, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars), the evening unites a constellation of global talent.

Sharing the stage is Hungarian cello virtuoso Zoltán Onczay, along with composers and conductors from the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI)—the same creative minds shaping today’s cinematic soundtracks from L.A. to the world.

Star-Studded Guest Lineup: Film, TV, and Beyond

Angel Velez is a maestro of the movies. He’s led live concerts for Green Book, Tom and Jerry in New York, and Book of Boba Fett, while his baton has brought HBO’s For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story and Star Wars: Past and Present to electrifying life. He’s even directed music for Miss World 2022—one of the globe’s biggest TV spectacles.

Cellist Zoltán Onczay is both a virtuoso and a champion of Hungarian and contemporary music, his playing steeped in the folk and modern traditions of Europe. He’s won international awards from Oslo to Berlin, and he brings a Romantic intensity to every note.

Meanwhile, the LAFCI bridges the gap between classical training and the cutting-edge demands of film and TV scoring, cultivating new talent and championing media composers. This partnership brings the pulse of Hollywood directly to Manila, offering fresh perspectives and original scores you won’t hear anywhere else.

New Composers, New Stories

Among the lineup, you’ll encounter a global roster of boundary-pushing creators:

  • Sophia Bass (U.S.)—a “Wunderkind” mentored by Hollywood legend Roger Neill, known for fusing Carnatic, Hindustani, and cinematic traditions.

  • Julia Sanchez (Argentina)—poetic, visual, and deeply sensitive in her approach to musical storytelling.

  • Jennifer Jolley (U.S.)—an in-demand composer for orchestras, bands, and even video games, whose work has echoed in Carnegie Hall and beyond.

  • Yuxuan Liu (China/U.S.)—award-winning screen composer whose pieces shimmer with emotion and sonic detail.

  • Mohamad Rasull (Singapore)—anime and video game concert arranger, lighting up Comic Con with symphonic tributes.

  • Robin Raisch (U.S.)—dedicated to music education and orchestral outreach in L.A.

  • Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez (U.S.)—blending Latin rhythms, jazz, and minimalism for a uniquely global sound, with conductor Ricardo Reyna at the helm.

Concert Program: An Evening of Cinematic Masterpieces

PART I: A Tribute to Film’s Unsung Heroes

  • Tribute to the Film Composer (arranged by John Williams)—a loving homage to the greats: Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, Henry Mancini.

  • Original Scores by LAFCI Composers—including pieces inspired by myth, magic, video games, cultural identity, and beloved folk melodies.

  • Hungarian Rhapsody (David Popper) with Zoltán Onczay on cello—a whirlwind of Romantic virtuosity and folk dance energy.

PART II: The Magic of John Williams

  • Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter)—mystery and wonder spun from celesta and orchestra.

  • End Titles from Seven Years in Tibet—solo cello conjuring distant mountains and inner peace.

  • Adventures on Earth (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial)—a masterclass in musical storytelling.

  • Theme from Schindler’s List (with violin soloist Alessio Benvenuti)—achingly beautiful, timelessly poignant.

  • Theme from Superman—heroic, bold, unforgettable.

  • Por Una Cabeza (Carlos Gardel, arr. John Williams, violin solo by Jeanne Rafaella Marquez)—passion and tango rhythm immortalized on stage.

  • Theme from Jurassic Park—majestic, awe-inspiring, instantly recognizable.

  • Olympic Fanfare and Theme—a celebration of athletic spirit and unity.

Why You Can’t Miss A Night in Hollywood

A Night in Hollywood isn’t just a concert. It’s a celebration of storytelling, a chance to feel the full sweep of movie music’s emotional power. Whether you grew up on John Williams’ magical themes or crave the thrill of new, boundary-breaking scores, the MSO’s immersive performance promises something unforgettable. Bring a friend, dress up, and lose yourself in a night where every note conjures a memory, a dream, a cinematic universe.

Save the Date, Join the Celebration

Date: June 28, 2025 (Saturday), 7:30 PM
Venue: ALIW Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Secure your seats now—visit www.manilasymphony.com, or follow the Manila Symphony Orchestra on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Upcoming Concerts for Manila Symphony Orchestra Season 99

  • August 9: Brazilian Guitar and Cello (BGC, Taguig)

  • September 7: Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto (ALIW Theater, Pasay)

  • September 27: Dancing With Tchaikovsky (ALIW Theater, Pasay)

  • January 22, 2026: The MSO 100th Anniversary Concert (Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati)

For full details and ticket info, check www.manilasymphony.com.

FAQ: Manila Symphony Orchestra’s A Night in Hollywood

Q: What is ‘A Night in Hollywood’?
A: It’s the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Hollywood-themed concert, spotlighting iconic film scores, original works, and star soloists.

Q: Where and when is the event?
A: June 28, 2025, 7:30PM at ALIW Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Visit www.manilasymphony.com for ticketing and event information.

Q: Who are the featured artists?
A: Angel Velez (conductor), Zoltán Onczay (cello), LAFCI composers, Alessio Benvenuti (violin), Jeanne Rafaella Marquez (violin), and many more.

Q: Will there be music from famous movies?
A: Yes! Expect selections from Harry Potter, E.T., Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, Superman, and more.


About the Author:
This feature was crafted by the Saul de Jesus of Unsaulicited Blog, known for immersive arts journalism and a passion for Filipino music and culture. The blog's coverage brings you closer to Manila’s creative pulse, spotlighting local and global artists who inspire the city.

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