Manila Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Philippines is a nation that is proud of the inherent musicality of its people. Internationally, this attribute has won recognition. The strong belief in the Filipino as an outstanding musician spurred two people to share their gift of music to train, guide, and encourage hundreds of young people to play musical instruments for symphony orchestras.

They are Prof. Basilio Manalo, renowned violinist, orchestra musician, teacher and conductor; and Sr . Mary Placid Abejo .O.S.B., Dean of the School of Music of St. Scholastica's College. As a team, they have been training young musicians since 1985 under the Philippine Research for Developing Instrumental Soloists (PREDIS). They were able to provide scholarships for under privileged but musically gifted children with the support of friends and music patrons.

In 1995, a decade after the first training program was launched, the MYSO was created with the support of Petron Corporation, Business Daily, and the Shangri La Hotel. Its objective is to provide A continuing venue for its maturing protégées.

Many members of the orchestra are winners of the National Music Competition for Young Artist; some have qualified as members of international orchestra, such as the Asian Youth Orchestra, as well as in the Colmar International Summer Camp in France and Pro Musica International Music Festival in Hungary and recently the World Youth Orchestra and the Suzuki World Convention. Others are also active member of the Asosasyon Ng Musikong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. (AMP), Darwin Keith S. Guingon, Noel Singcuenco, Felix Sanvictores, Arturo Molina to name a few.

As we approach the millennium, we watch with eager anticipation as the MYSO blossoms.