#TheaterPH - When Italy Meets The Islands: A Night of Chamber Music and Cultural Memory
There’s a quiet kind of magic when cultures meet in music—not in competition, but in conversation. On October 16, 2025, that magic will unfold at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium in Magallanes, Makati, where the Philippine Italian Association (PIA), Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Joel’s Place, and 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch come together for the Filipino-Italian Chamber Music Concert.
If you’ve ever felt the tug of nostalgia from a kundiman or the cinematic sweep of a Morricone score, this evening promises to be more than a concert—it’s a shared memory waiting to happen.
A Symphony of Cultures
This isn’t just a musical event. It’s a celebration of heritage, artistry, and the kind of collaboration that feels both intimate and expansive. At the helm is Maestro Alessio Benvenuti, concertmaster of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, (MSO) and a Makati-based violinist whose global career spans over 2,000 performances. He’ll be joined by a stellar ensemble: Alfonso Encina (Violin II), Sara Gonzales (Viola), Arnold Josue (Cello), Lawrence Palad (Bass), and Mariel Ilusorio (Piano).
Together, they’ll perform a curated blend of Filipino and Italian masterpieces—from Rossini’s Sonata No. 1 in G Major and Tartini’s haunting Didone Abbandonata to beloved film scores like Cinema Paradiso and La Califfa. And just when you think you’ve traveled far enough, the program brings you home with Abelardo’s Cavatina, Velarde’s Dahil Sa Iyo, and folk treasures like Ili-Ili Tulog Anay and Salidumay.
Where Music Meets Lifestyle
Joel’s Place, the grocerant sponsor, adds a contemporary twist to the collaboration. It’s not just a venue—it’s a lifestyle hub that blends gourmet grocery, dining, and specialty retail. Their support reflects a commitment to cultural exchange and healthy living, proving that art and everyday life can harmonize beautifully.
And then there’s 98.7 DZFE-FM The Master’s Touch, the country’s only classical music station, whose decades-long dedication to “masterworks and Master’s Word” makes them a natural partner in this sonic celebration.
Why This Matters
PIA, now in its 63rd year, continues to build bridges between Filipino and Italian communities—not just through language and welfare services, but through shared experiences like this. The MSO, one of Asia’s oldest orchestras, remains a beacon for Filipino musical talent and cultural pride.
This concert is a reminder that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a form of diplomacy, a way of saying “we see you” across borders and generations.
Event Details
- Concert Date: October 16, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Venue: Asia Pacific College Auditorium, 3 Humabon Place, Magallanes, Makati City
- Ticket Price: ₱1,500
- Discounts: 20% for Senior Citizens/PWD, 10% for PIA Members
- RSVP Contact: Toots Tolentino, Publicist – 0947-2985003
If you’re someone who finds meaning in melody, or simply wants to witness cultures syncing in symphonies, this is your moment. Come for the music, stay for the feeling that something timeless is being passed between hands, hearts, and histories.
And if you’re like me—someone who listens with both ears and memory—this concert might just become part of your personal soundtrack.
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