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The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) has once again made the Philippines proud by clinching the top honors at not just one, but two prestigious international music competitions in Europe.
This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of these young musicians, as well as the exceptional leadership of their conductor Jeffrey Solares, and trainers Sara Maria Gonzales and Arnold Josue.
The MSJO’s European Concert Tour, which kicked off on June 29, saw the orchestra mesmerizing audiences in Budapest, Salzburg, Bratislava, and Vienna with their outstanding performances. The pinnacle of their tour came on July 4, when they were awarded the Gold Prize and Grand Prix at the Bratislava International Music Festival in Slovenia.
This achievement was no small feat, as the MSJO emerged victorious among tough competition from orchestras around the world. But the MSJO did not stop there. Just three days later, on July 7, they once again proved their musical prowess by winning the First Place, in Outstanding Success for String Orchestra Category at the prestigious 2024 Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. The competition, held at the legendary Golden Hall of the Musikverein, showcased the MSJO’s exceptional talent and musicianship, earning them yet another well-deserved accolade.
The success of the MSJO in these two international competitions is a testament to the world-class caliber of musicianship present in the Philippines. It is a celebration of the rich musical heritage and talent that our country has to offer, and a reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting the arts in our society.
As the MSJO continues its European Concert Tour with upcoming performances in Vienna and Prague, we can only imagine the continued success and accolades that await them. The MSJO has truly put the Philippines on the map in the world of classical music, and we congratulate them on their remarkable achievements. Here’s to many more victories and accolades in the future for the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra!
Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival
The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival is an annual event held in Vienna, Austria, celebrating young musical talent from around the world. The festival is one of the most prestigious international youth music festivals, attracting top youth orchestras, choirs, and bands. It provides a platform for young musicians to perform in some of Vienna’s most renowned concert venues, including the famous Musikverein and the Konzerthaus.
The Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival not only celebrates musical excellence but also encourages personal growth, cultural appreciation, and international camaraderie among young musicians.
Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) is a youth orchestra based in Manila, Philippines. It serves as the youth arm of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), one of the oldest orchestras in Asia, founded in 1926. The MSJO provides young musicians with high-level orchestral training and performance opportunities.
The orchestra performs a diverse repertoire, including classical symphonies, contemporary works, and Filipino compositions. They regularly perform in concerts and festivals, both locally and internationally.
The MSJO has gained recognition for its performances and has won awards in various international music festivals and competitions. Notably, they have participated in and won accolades at the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria.
The MSJO serves as an important cultural and educational institution, contributing to the development of young Filipino musicians and the broader cultural landscape of the Philippines.
- Hector Pascua
