In this event we will be featuring The Manila Symphony Orchestra.

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 played a major role in Philippine history, including acting as a symbol of resistance during the Second World War. Through the years, 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. Today, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of country’s most active artistic institution, providing a variety of high-quality performances and actively supporting the development of young Filipino talents.

Music Director and Principal Conductor

Marlon Chen’s dynamic charisma and artistic versatility have seen him conduct opera, ballet, symphonic works and chamber orchestras to sold-out concert halls across four continents.

In June 2019, Marlon Chen was appointed as Manila Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director and Principal Conductor. He likewise continues his positions as Principal Guest Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfonica de la Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hildalgo and Resident Conductor of the Aperio Ensemble in Houston, Texas. Previously he was an Associate Conductor of the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, an Assistant Conductor of the MDR Symphony Orchestra in Leipzig and an Assistant Conductor with the Orchestre de Paris. Marlon Chen appears as guest conductor on both sides of the Atlantic with many of the world’s finest orchestras including Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, National Orchestra d’ile de France, MAV Orchestra Hungary, English School of Opera Festival Orchestra London, Bulgarian State Opera, Moldova Chamber Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony, Bolivian Festival Orchestra, Singapore International Music Festival Orchestra, the Baltic Sea Philharmonic and the MDR Orchestra of Leipzig, Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Symphonic Orchestra of Natal, Brazil.

Himself a composer and arranger, Marlon Chen has performed his own works with the major orchestras he has conducted, commissioned works from composers and has conducted more than 50 premieres of contemporary compositions. Recent film projects include recording for Netflix on the award winning show Sense8 and Babylon Berlin with director Tom Tykwer.

An American-Taiwanese, Marlon Chen is fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese and currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Dane Mercado, a gifted and dedicated artist, comes from a lineage of singers and celebrities, and has been immersed in the performing arts since childhood. With her remarkable talent and charismatic presence, she made an early impression by taking on iconic Broadway roles, such as Eponine in Les Misérables and the lead role of Mulan in various musical adaptations. Her artistic journey began at the tender age of 8 when she started her training at Trumpets, one of the Philippines’ premier musical theatre workshops, and has since continued to refine her craft with unwavering passion at the prestigious Academy of the Performing Arts – —the only academy in the country offering holistic training to develop artists into true triple threats.

Dane is a true embodiment of versatility and excellence. She is not only a powerful and soulful singer coming across all genre, but also a dynamic dancer, a polished and engaging multilingual corporate host, and a commercial model. Representing the Philippines at the World Championships of Performing Arts, Dane’s extraordinary skills earned her a gold medal, and she advanced to the Semi-Finals, showcasing her talent on the international stage. She further captivated audiences with her performance at the Champion’s Circle in Hollywood, where she also demonstrated her exceptional hosting abilities at the Long Beach Center of Performing Arts.

Beyond her international accolades, Dane’s performances have shone brightly alongside notable celebrities in local concerts. She has headlined her own successful concert, “A Celebration of Love,” demonstrating her ability to connect deeply with her audience. Dane’s influence extends beyond performance; she has been instrumental in promoting the Philippine creative economy through the performing arts, taking the stage as both a performer and host at the launch of “The Future is Creative” at the House of Representatives, where she championed the value of the arts in the nation’s growth.

As a model, Dane received professional training from Krista Klayman of LA Models, who is famously known as the mentor of supermodel Tyra Banks. This accomplishment led to her recognition by the Philippine Embassy in Los Angeles, California, as the first Filipino teen model, marking her as a trailblazer in the industry. Since then, Dane has become a sought-after figure in the modeling world, representing a variety of brands across the nation with her striking presence and graceful elegance.

Dane Mercado’s impressive array of talents, combined with her relentless dedication and commitment to excellence, set her apart as an extraordinary and multifaceted artist. She continues to make significant contributions to the performing arts both locally and internationally, inspiring audiences and paving the way for future generations of Filipino talent.

Darius Miguel is an exceptional talent whose dedication to his craft has set him apart as a rising star in the performing arts. Trained by renowned mentors such as June Gonzaga, Ervin Lumauag, and Cyro Bon Moral of the prestigious Philippine Madrigal Singers, Darius has developed a strong foundation in vocal excellence. He continues to refine his skills under the Academy of the Performing Arts, the only institution in the Philippines that offers holistic training for artists, ensuring that his artistry is not only technically superb but also deeply expressive and versatile.

As a member of De La Salle University’s premier vocal performing group, De La Salle Innersoul, Darius has had the privilege of performing alongside the internationally acclaimed De La Salle University Chorale and the renowned Lasallian Youth Orchestra. These experiences have not only enriched his musical journey but also allowed him to collaborate with some of the finest young musicians and performers, further enhancing his stage presence and performance caliber.

Darius’s remarkable talent has been recognized in various prestigious competitions and performances. As a Top 20 Finalist in Idol Philippines Season 2, he showcased his vocal prowess and charisma, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide. His artistry extends beyond national boundaries, as demonstrated by his success at the Asia Arts Festival in 2018, where he was awarded the Silver Award, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Darius has also graced significant stages, such as the 2020 ASEAN Youth Convention, where he represented his artistry on an international platform. He is a multi-medalist from the 2017 World Championships of Performing Arts, highlighting his ability to excel across various performance categories and further establishing his status as a world-class artist.

Darius Miguel’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence in the performing arts. With his powerful voice, refined skills, and impressive achievements, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making significant contributions to the artistic community both in the Philippines and abroad. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Darius is undoubtedly a talent to watch, poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and performance.

She started at her craft and passion in her early years, winning many singing competitions and earning admiration from her colleagues. This much sought-after soprano siren honed her singing prowess with a scholarship at the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music, under Maestra Salvacion Oppus-Yñiguez and Mr. Eugene delos Santos.

Jen, as known to her peers, is no tyro in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in operas and musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar in her memorable portrayal of Mary Magdalene and part of the ensemble in the production hit, Lorenzo, and opera, Marriage of Figaro, to name a few.

This girl, who can sing in 13 languages and can effortlessly switch to different styles is also an in demand wedding singer and have worked with different string ensembles. She worked for a time in the Venetian Macau juggling her schedule as an opera singer, band member, street performer, and gondolier. She was also seen in Resorts World Manila, where she performed in various production shows, and travelled as part of the 6-piece vocal harmony group Allegria, that toured Grand Hyatts in Asia.

Being the all-around performer that she is, stints include being a back up singer in Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez’ concert R3.0, and performed with Eurovision 2013 winner, Alexander Rybak from Norway. She was also seen as Christine, Jasmine, Elsa, Grizabella, or even one of the wicked stepsisters in Moviestars Café, a mom in ADP Pharma’s touring musical theater, and a performer in Venice Grand Canal.

She was also instrumental in the Philippine’s first Idol group, MNL48’s first album and aided them in the recordings and was their voice coach for a while. Currently, she performs with a pianist in Solaire Resorts and Casino, and is the newest and only female member of the pop tenor group, The Angelos.