Cellist Camille Thomas Joins MSO at 100 For A Night of Music Rooted in Pasasalamat

Music

Oct 1

Featuring international cellist Camille Thomas and the world premiere of Pasasalamat, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will fill every corner of Proscenium Theater with music rooted in gratitude.

Words Rolan Muyot
Photo courtesy of Manila Symphony Orchestra
October 1, 2026

The Manila Symphony Orchestra is bringing harmonious melodies rooted in gratitude as it continues its 100th Anniversary Season with a concert at the Proscenium Theater this October.

Featuring internationally renowned cellist Camille Thomas, and the World Premiere of its commissioned work Pasasalamat composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and text by National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, the orchestra offers a night of music presented by MSO Foundation, Inc. and Standard Insurance, co-presented by EastWest Bank and DENZA Alabang by ACMobility Premium Dealership Inc.

At its heart, the idea of Pasasalamat reflects on the meaning of gratitude not only as a feeling, but a responsibility to the community. Almario’s text considers the idea that being human is not only a given, but something that we become through our choices and actions.

Pasasalamat will be brought to life by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Bagong Himig Serenata, under the musical direction of MSO Principal Conductor Maestro Marlon Chen.

For MSO, the work is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities they carry as the longest surviving institution that has been part of Philippine musical life and history.

Committed to her artistic advocacy that resonates with the ideas of Pasasalamat, internationally recognized Franco-Belgian cellist Thomas is joining MSO’s Centennial Concert V.

Known for her expressive performances and technical artistry, the exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist since 2017 has performed with major orchestras and conductors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Thomas’ ‘Voice of Hope’ released in partnership with UNICEF, reflects her belief in music as a means of connecting people and inspiring hope.

Thomas joins MSO for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33. Written in 1876, the work draws on the elegance of the Classical style while giving the soloist opportunities for expression and virtuosity.

For the orchestra, the shared perspective brings the program a contemporary dimension, inviting the audiences to see the role of music in bringing people together and strengthening the communities it serves.

The program concludes with Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, Op. 48, performed with MSO and PUP Bagong Himig Serenata. Fauré’s Requiem offers a more intimate take on traditional music of remembrance, bringing the evening a quiet and reflective close.

Tickets range from P1,000-P5,000 and are available on Ticketworld. Discount for students, seniors, and PWDs applies.