The Manila Symphony Orchestra proudly announces the second featured concert for its 99th season, dubbed as ‘A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD,’ set on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 7:30PM in ALIW Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Noted international artists Zoltán Onczay, Hungarian Cellist; Angel Velez, American
Guest Conductor; and the Composers and conductors from the Los Angeles Film
Conducting Intensive (LAFCI) are coming over to Manila for a week-long
collaboration with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. This exciting concert will
feature new music composed for movies as well as a suite of iconic Hollywood
compositions.

The repertoire will be in two parts.

Part I

1. Tribute to the Film Composer
   Arranged by John Williams
   Tribute to the Film Composers is an orchestral work that pays homage to the
   influential composers of Hollywood’s classical era. Through sophisticated
   orchestration and theme, Williams acknowledges the contributions of figures such
   as Max Steiner, Bernard Herrmann, and Henry Mancini, celebrating the emotional
   and the narrative power of music in cinema.
2. Original compositions from the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI) Composers
   • Heart of a Warrior by Sophia Bass
   • Seeming Chrysalis by Julia Sanchez
   • Theme from Stolen Realm by Jennifer Jolley
   • Sigh of Spring’s Farewell by Yuxuan Liu
   • Concert Prelude on Chan Mali Chan by Mohamad Rasull
   • Journey Through the Celestial Gate by Robin Raisch
   • Mosaic Mambo by Noah N. Zubia-Sanchez, to be conducted by Ricardo Reyna
3. Hungarian Rhapsody
   Composed by David Popper and Zoltan Onczay, cello
   Hungarian Rhapsody is a virtuosic piece for cello that reflects the Romantic era’s
   fascination with Hungarian folk idioms and nationalistic expression. The work
   combines lyrical passages with fiery dance rhythms, exemplifying David Popper’s
   dual mastery as both a composer and one of the 19th century’s foremost cellists.

PART II: The Music of John Williams

1. Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter
   Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter (2001) film series, has become the most
   iconic musical motif. Written for celesta and orchestra, the theme blends whimsical
   textures with a sense of mystery, capturing the magical atmosphere of J.K.
   Rowling’s world. Its distinctive melodic contour and orchestration have made it an
   example of modern film scoring.
2. End Titles from Seven Years in Tibet
   Zoltan Onczay, cello soloist
   End Titles from Seven Years in Tibet (1997) is a reflective orchestral work that
   captures the film’s spiritual and geographic landscape. Drawing on Tibetan musical
   influences and featuring passages for solo cello, the piece blends lyrical
   introspection with cinematic expression, underscoring themes of transformation,
   exile, and inner peace.
3. Adventures on Earth from E.T.
   Adventures on Earth from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), serves as the film’s
   climactic musical sequence uniting themes of wonder, friendship, and farewell.
   Known for its orchestration and emotional depth, the piece showcases Williams’s
   ability to heighten narrative through music, blending excitement in a masterful
   cinematic finale.
4. Theme from Schindler’s List
   Alessio Benvenuti, violin soloist
   The Theme from Schindler’s List (1993) is a profoundly moving piece that serves
   as the emotional centerpiece of the film. Scored for solo violin and orchestra, the
   theme conveys a haunting sense of loss, dignity, and remembrance. Its restrained
   elegance and expressive depth exemplify Williams’s ability to evoke historical
   tragedy with grace and sensitivity.
5. Theme from Superman
   The Theme from Superman (1978) is a bold and heroic orchestral work that has
   become synonymous with the character’s cinematic identity. Characterized by its
   soaring melodies, rhythmic drive, and triumphant fanfare, the theme exemplifies
   Williams’s gift for capturing the essence of a hero through music, reinforcing
   themes of courage, hope, and idealism.
6. Por Una Cabeza
   Composed by Carlos Gardel
   Arranged by John Williams
   Jeanne Rafaella Marquez, violin soloist
   Por Una Cabeza (1935), composed by Carlos Gardel with lyrics by Alfredo Le Pera,
   is one of the most iconic tangos of the 20th century. Originally written in 1935, the
   piece combines passionate lyricism with the characteristic rhythm and sensuality
   of the Argentine tango. Its enduring popularity has been amplified through
   numerous film appearances, making it a staple of both classical and popular
   repertoires.
7. Theme from Jurassic Park
   The Theme from Jurassic Park (1993) is a majestic orchestral piece that captures
   the awe and grandeur of the film’s prehistoric world. Characterized by its
   expressive melody and rich harmonic textures, the theme reflects both the wonder
   of discovery and the emotional depth of the story, exemplifying Williams’s
   signature cinematic style.
8. Olympic Fanfare and Theme
   Olympic Fanfare and Theme (1984), composed by John Williams for the 1984 Los
   Angeles Olympic Games, is a triumphant and inspiring orchestral work that has
   become a symbol of athletic excellence and international unity. Combining bold
   brass fanfares with flowing melodies, the piece reflects the spirit of competition,
   perseverance, and global celebration associated with the Olympic tradition.

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