Running from September 2026 through April 2027, the PPO’s 42nd performance season, MODULATIO, promises a lineup of extraordinary symphonic events. The programming unites prominent international soloists and elite local classical artists. Notably, the season’s closing performance will mark the orchestra’s highly anticipated homecoming to the fully rehabilitated CCP Main Theater.
Commemorating 53 years of artistic excellence, the “MODULATIO” season highlights the PPO’s versatile, fluid identity as it traverses centuries of musical history. Under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, this 42nd concert season further solidifies the ensemble’s standing as the Philippines’ premier national orchestra.
The season opens on September 25, 2026, with Concert I: Da Capo, a high-energy performance featuring a blend of cherished classics and grand orchestral works. The repertoire highlights Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s “What Happens in Every Classical Piece Explained in 15 Minutes” and marks the highly anticipated Asian premiere of Austrian composer Carl Czerny’s Symphony No. 6. Renowned Spanish pianist Martin Garcia Garcia will also take the stage, displaying his artistry through German maestro Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 in E-flat Major, popularly known as the “Emperor.”
On October 16, the PPO returns with Concert II: Elegance, a program spotlighting vibrant regional narratives and delicate classical mastery. Audiences will hear Redentor Romero’s celebrated Philippine Portraits and Zygmunt Noskowski’s symphonic poem The Steppe, while acclaimed local harpist Vien Ignacio takes center stage to perform Händel’s graceful Harp Concerto in B-flat Major.
Slated for November 6, Concert III: Bolero will immerse audiences in impressionistic and vibrant masterworks, featuring Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune alongside Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and his iconic Boléro. Celebrated violinist Kaycee Galano will make a triumphant return to the local stage, partnering with the full orchestra to deliver a powerful performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, Op. 61 in B minor.
The PPO will perform German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Symphony no.3, op. 55, E flat Major “Eroica” in CONCERT IV:DESTINY on December 4. Acclaimed Italian concert pianist Mario Galeani delivers festive favorites and timeless concertos with German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 4, op.58, G Major, wrapping the year in warmth and virtuosity.
Welcoming the new year on January 15, 2027, CONCERT V – GENESIS highlights the world premieres of Filipino compositions, featuring Jerry Dadap’s Symphony No. 5 alongside Jeffrey Ching’s Journey to the Alps and Victor’s Meditation from the Opera Frankenstein. Adding global virtuosity to the evening, internationally acclaimed Russian-American pianist Natasha Paremski will showcase her signature power and technical precision in a performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s legendary Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor.
On February 12, 2027, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra dedicatedly explores the works of Russian maestro Dmitri Shostakovich in CONCERT VI – RESILIENCE. The evening’s dramatic repertoire includes his Festive Overture, Op. 96 and Symphony No. 5, Op. 47. Bridging local mastery with international classical standards, home-grown violin virtuoso and PPO concertmaster Diomedes Saraza Jr. will take center stage as the featured soloist to perform Shostakovich’s complex Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 99.
Scheduled for March 12, 2027, CONCERT VII – VISIONS features the premier national orchestra rendering Robert Schumann’s Manfred Overture and César Franck’s Symphony in D minor. Korean violin virtuoso Ju-Young Baek will join the performance as guest soloist, bringing her signature lyrical depth and technical precision to Karol Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35.
Serving as the grand finale on April 16, 2027, CONCERT VIII – AL FINE marks the orchestra’s highly anticipated homecoming to the newly rehabilitated Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). The landmark performance showcases a combined choir and roster of soloists executing Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s completions of the Lacrimosa, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Osanna fragments from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s unfinished Requiem, K626. The production pairs this sacred work with Hector Berlioz’s sweeping Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14. Capping off the entire 42nd season, Ukrainian violinist Dmytro Udovychenko takes the stage to perform Edward Elgar’s challenging Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61.
A Season of Unity and Excellence
“Our 42nd season is a celebration of Filipino talent, global artistry, and the power of music to connect us. Through the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, we bring the world to Manila and Filipino artistry to the forefront of the international stage,” said Kaye C. Tinga, the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Established in 1973 under the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the country’s premier symphony orchestra has spent decades advancing the reach of orchestral music. Through its highly acclaimed domestic performances and prominent international tours, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra has solidified its reputation as a world-class ensemble.
Concerts I, III, IV, and V will take place at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, while Concerts II, VI and VII will be held at The Metropolitan Theater. The season finale, Concert VIII, will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
For more updates on PPO’s 42nd concert season, visit the CCP’s official website (culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the CCP’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) for more information.
