The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra To Host Symphonic Rock Concert With ‘MPO ROCKS!’
The upcoming symphonic show follows the sold-out success of the orchestra’s 25th anniversary concert, Lights, Camera, Action!
Courtesy of The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
Courtesy of The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
What happens when you interpret rock music with the use of a full musical orchestra? Just ask the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), as they have just announced their first-ever symphonic rock concert with the upcoming show, MPO ROCKS!
The upcoming concert is scheduled to take place this November 29, 2025, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Makati, and is set to feature the internationally acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers as well as special guest artists such as Bituin Escalante and Mig Ayesa, who serves as the lead singer of a Queen cover band.
For this one-of-a-kind performance, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform reimagined renditions of several rock classics and modern hits from renowned international acts like Queen, Coldplay, and My Chemical Romance, alongside special OPM covers like that of the Eraserheads’ greatest hits.
The MPO’s founder, Maestro Rodel Colmenar, is set to lead the orchestra for this year’s special concert. “During my time with the orchestra, I often wondered how rock music would sound when combined with orchestral arrangements,” he mentions in an official press statement. “I want the audience to experience a different side of the symphony orchestra and see what makes the MPO stand out from other groups.”
In addition to featuring a new and fresh take on a plethora of rock hits, the MPO ROCKS! concert is also set to continue the orchestra’s special advocacy as part fundraising event, with part of the proceeds going to PARCaralan — a project of the MPO and PARC Foundation which serves as a creative hub for underprivileged youth and struggling local artists to help them hone in on their musical talents, and to excel in the performing arts.
The show also follows the success of the MPO’s sold-out 25th Anniversary Concert, Lights, Camera, Encore!, which celebrated a variety of film soundtracks and movie themes last October 2024. It featured special renditions of cinematic themes from Star Wars, Titanic, and several Studio Ghibli favorites, alongside music from Broadway classics like Wicked and Hamilton.
Tickets for the MPO’s forthcoming MPO ROCKS! concert are now available via TicketWorld here.