Once in a while, I take a break from my earphones and watch an honest to goodness concert. My idea of the perfect concert would involve classical music. So whenever I have the time and budget to allocate, I always watch a Manila Symphony Orchestra concert at the Ayala Museum.
Last night was extra special because the MSO collaborated with Silent Sanctuary, a local rock band who writes soulful ballads with strings in the arrangement. I was eager to hear how this would turn out, as I am a fan of both the band and MSO. I was not disappointed, as their repertoire proved to be a mix of old and new favourites.
I am a classical music girl. My parents raised me to appreciate the genre ever since I was a baby. By the time I was in school, I was accustomed to listening to classical music on my Walkman while reading and studying. I do not have particular favourites, but I am partial towards Mozart and Vivaldi. I also adore the cello, and my favourite cellists are the late Jacqueline du Pre and of course, the inimitable Yo-Yo Ma.
Classical music allows me to focus on the task at hand without distracting me with unnecessary nuances. I am usually on 98.7 DZFE whenever I am in transit. The local classical radio station feeds my hunger for peace and aural continuum amidst the chaos of the mundane. It is comforting to know that classical music is accessible even when I am on a budget. I also tune in to YouTube and watch performances of classical compositions. Symphonies do refresh my mind. It has already become part of my system, and I cannot live without listening to classical music at least once a day.
I am pleased that the MSO frequently collaborates with rock musicians, as this brings a new audience to their performances. I am also surprised that their tickets are affordable and accessible even to those on a budget. I hope that you will also support the MSO and watch their shows. For now, I am still listening to “Ikaw Lamang” by Silent Sanctuary on repeat.