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VIENNA, AUSTRIA — November 8, 2026 — The Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES) marked its 10th anniversary on Saturday, November 7, with a benefit concert titled A Symphony of Hope and Grace. Hosted at the historic House of Strauss in Vienna, the sold-out event brought together an international roster of classical musicians, vocalists, and dancers to raise funds for educational scholarships supporting underprivileged youth in the Philippines.
The commemorative program demonstrated a dynamic blend of Western classical masterworks, contemporary pop cross-overs, traditional Filipino music, and classical ballet.
“Your support goes beyond music: it helps open doors to education and brighter futures for young Filipinos,” said Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya, President of PACES, during her opening address.
Event Highlights and Artistic Program
The afternoon opened with pianist Mark Christopher Tullao performing Beethoven’s Presto con fuoco (Op. 31 No. 3), followed by a performance of the Act II Pas de Deux from Giselle by Dance Theatre Manille. Soprano Maria Isabel Zavala paid homage to the 160th anniversary of composer Paul Lincke’s birth with Castles on the Moon, later performing Constancio de Guzman’s Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig. Additional first-act highlights included Rameau’s La poule, an arrangement of RADWIMPS’ Zenzenzense by Joffrey Mark John Tullao, and Bach’s Chaconne performed by violinist Philipp Goldnagl.
Following the interval, Philippine Ambassador to Austria Her Excellency Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas delivered remarks reaffirming the diplomatic and cultural importance of PACES’ ten-year mission.
The second half featured:
- Ballet Selections: Dance Theatre Manille performing the Black Swan Pas de Deux and Variations, along with the Kitri Variation from Don Quixote.
- Classical Masterworks: Piano works by Beethoven (Pathétique Sonata) and Sibelius (Étude, Op. 76 No. 2), alongside Paganini’s Cantabile for violin.
- Filipino & Viennese Heritage: Antonio Molina’s Malikmata alongside Johann Strauss II’s Schwipslied.
The performance concluded with a collaborative finale featuring an original classical arrangement of Cup of Joe’s Multo. Arranged by Mark Christopher Tullao, the piece united vocalists, instrumentalists, cellist Sebastian Santino Welkhammer, and dancers on a single stage.
Reception and Community Support
Following the performance, attendees participated in a reception featuring a culinary fusion of Viennese and Filipino cuisine—including caprese skewers and smoked salmon tartlets alongside traditional pork empanadas, adobo peanuts, pilipit, and cassava cake. The afternoon concluded with a recognition ceremony for the performing artists and a fundraising tombola.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors, donors, PACES officers, reception volunteers, and student volunteers from local schools acting as the “Host of Hope.”
About PACES
The Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES) is a Vienna-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchange between Austria and the Philippines while supporting educational initiatives. Through scholarships and grant programs, PACES empowers young Filipinos by providing access to higher education and professional development.
Media Contact:
PACES Communications Team
Vienna, Austria
Email: info@paces-at.org | Website: www.paces-at.org
- Hector Pascua/pictures: Mandy Salonga and Emigdio Nava
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