MSO 'Legacy' benefit concert on January 25 at Proscenium Theater

MSO presents LEGACY: Carmen Sipin-Aspiras and Inna Montesclaros, two generation of pianists in a benefit concert set on January 25

Experience the magic of piano and orchestral music in the beautiful acoustics of the new Proscenium Theater!

The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc. and The HSTL Foundation proudly present “LEGACY: Carmen Sipin-Aspiras and Inna Montesclaros, pianists” with the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Darrell Ang on January 25, 2026 Sunday, 7:30PM at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell, Makati City.

LEGACY brings together two generations of pianists, Ms. Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras and Ms. Inna Montesclaros, in a meaningful performance that celebrates the passing on of musical tradition and mentorship. Under the direction of Darrell Ang, the Manila Symphony Orchestra joins the artists in an evening featuring works by Brahms and Chopin, highlighting the enduring beauty and emotional depth of the piano repertoire.

THE ARTISTS

CARMENCITA SIPIN-ASPIRAS, piano

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras gave her first orchestral performance as soloist in Manila at the age of 10, and her subsequent performances earned her a scholarship grant from the Philippine government to study at the prestigious Vienna Musik Hochschule in Austria. She obtained her Concert Artist Diploma and pursued a concertizing career in various countries in Europe, the Philippines, and the United States, where she now resides. Her artistry has received critical acclaim, with the Stuttgart newspaper Rheinische Volksblatt describing her as “a pianist of extraordinary capabilities and refinement of taste,”

INNA MONTESCLAROS, piano

Filipina multi-awarded pianist, Inna Montesclaros, has made waves in the music scene since her premier recital at age 8 at the Molina Hall, and her orchestral debut at age 11, performing Mozart’s D minor Concerto with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. Noted for her warm tones and sincere musicality, the piano prodigy turned Promil Kid has developed her love for her craft into a fulfilling concert career.

DARRELL ANG, conductor

One of Asia’s most sought-after conductors, Darrell Ang conducted orchestras in over twenty countries across the globe in just one season. He is the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of The Sichuan Orchestra of China since December 2016 and is a regular guest conductor at the Mariinsky Theatre by invitation of Maestro Valery Gergiev. Born in Singapore, Darrell has become the youngest Associate Conductor of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to date.

MANILA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1926, the Manila Symphony Orchestra is one of Asia’s oldest and most enduring orchestras, recognized for bringing an international standard of excellence to the Philippine cultural landscape. Throughout its history, MSO has collaborated with world-class conductors, artists, and guest soloists, continuously elevating the country’s symphonic performance tradition. Driven by its mission to be the Philippines’ premier orchestra, the MSO remains committed to presenting exceptional performances, nurturing Filipino musical talent, and enriching the nation’s artistic heritage.

THE REPERTOIRE

JOHANNES BRAHMS

Academic Festival Overture, op. 80

Manila Symphony Orchestra and Darrel Ang, Dirigent

Johannes Brahms composed the Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 in 1880 in response to the honorary doctorate awarded to him by the University of Breslau. Instead of a solemn tribute, he created a spirited work built on familiar German student songs such as Gaudeamus igitur, Wir hatten gebauet ein stattliches Haus, and Der Landesvater, skillfully weaving them into a rich orchestral texture. 

Intermezzo in A Minor, Op. 118 No. 1

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras, piano

Johannes Brahms’ Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 118 No. 1 is a deeply introspective piano work composed late in his life, reflecting a mood of quiet intensity and restrained emotion. Marked Allegro non assai, ma molto appassionato, it combines restless energy with lyrical tenderness, revealing Brahms’ intimate glimpse into the composer’s inner world, balancing passion with thoughtful reflection.

Intermezzo in A Major, Op. 118 No. 2

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras, piano

Written in 1893, this Intermezzo is one of Johannes Brahms’s final piano works and reflects the intimate character of his late style. Rather than showcasing virtuosity, the piece emphasizes warmth, lyricism, and quiet expression. Its gentle opening is balanced by a more reflective middle section, creating a sense of emotional contrast within a calm overall mood, revealing Brahms’s deep sensitivity in his later years.

Rhapsody in G Minor, Op. 79

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras, piano

Composed in 1879, the Rhapsody in G Minor is one of two rhapsodies that reflect a more dramatic and passionate side of Johannes Brahms’s piano writing. Although titled “rhapsody,” the work is carefully structured, combining bold, restless themes with contrasting lyrical passages. The piece reveals Brahms’s ability to unite emotional intensity with formal control, offering listeners a compelling blend of drama and depth.

Johannes Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major

Inna Montesclaros (piano), Manila Symphony Orchestra, and Darrell Ang (conductor)

Completed in 1881, Johannes Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is a large-scale work that combines symphonic breadth with the piano’s expressive range. Unlike a traditional concerto, the piano and orchestra engage as equal partners, sharing thematic material throughout the four movements. The concerto moves between moments of grandeur and intimacy, highlighted by the serene cello solo in the third movement.

FREDERIC CHOPIN

Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 55 No. 2

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras, piano

Composed in 1844, this Nocturne reflects Frédéric Chopin’s refined lyrical style and expressive use of ornamentation. The piece unfolds with a graceful, singing melody supported by a flowing accompaniment, creating an atmosphere of calm and elegance. More restrained than Chopin’s earlier nocturnes, the work exemplifies his approach to piano writing, where clarity, balance, and expressive nuance are carefully intertwined.

Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60

Carmencita Sipin-Aspiras, piano

Composed in 1845–46, Chopin’s Barcarolle is inspired by the gentle rocking motion of a Venetian boat song. Set in a lilting compound meter, the piece combines a flowing accompaniment with an expansive, song-like melody. While rich in color and virtuosity, it remains lyrical and controlled, reflecting Chopin’s mature style. 

Tickets available at Ticketworld

VIP P3000

Premium Patron A P3000

Premium Patron B P2500

General Admission A P1500

General Admission B P1000

This performance is for the benefit of the MSO Foundation’s Basilio Manalo Scholarship Program, supporting the next generation of young Filipino musicians.

Special Offer:

20% Senior Citizen and PWD*

50% Students*

*Please DM MSO your valid IDs

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