The Manila Symphony Orchestra commemorates Filipino soprano Conchita “Conching” Rosal’s centennial and the 70th anniversary of its landmark Tagalog-language production of Carmen through a celebration of opera, kundiman, and Filipino musical heritage.
Words Nanzi Sofia Sernadilla
Photos courtesy of Manila Symphony Orchestra
October 29, 2026
The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) celebrated the enduring legacy of Filipino soprano Conchita “Conching” Rosal through “Opera at Kundiman: The Legacy of Maestra Conching Rosal,” a milestone performance presented during its Centennial Season under the banner “In Pursuit of Excellence.”
The concert marked two important anniversaries: Rosal’s 100th birth anniversary and the 70th anniversary of MSO’s landmark 1956 Tagalog-language production of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.” Originally scheduled for August 29, the exact date of the 1956 opening, the performance was moved to September 1 due to inclement weather.
The tribute returned to the historic Far Eastern University (FEU) Auditorium, where the original production was staged. Seventy years later, audiences once again filled the Art Deco venue, designed by National Artist Pablo Antonio Sr., underscoring the lasting significance of both the space and the music.
Born in San Jose, Batangas, in 1926, Rosal began singing at her local parish church before studying at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. Rising to prominence from the 1950s through the 1970s, she became known not only for opera but also for preserving and popularizing the kundiman, helping bring traditional Filipino art songs to mainstream audiences.
Conducted by MSO Music Director Maestro Marlon Chen, the program bridged Western opera and Filipino song. Part I featured excerpts from “Carmen” in its original 1956 Tagalog translation, while Part II showcased kundiman and other Filipino vocal works by Nicanor Abelardo, Francisco Santiago, Leopoldo Silos, Manuel Velez, and Constancio de Guzman.
The evening also features mezzo-soprano Michelle Mariposa, tenor Arthur Espiritu, soprano Rachelle Gerodias-Park, baritone Byeong-In Park, the FEU Chorale, and the FEU Dance Company.
The event also included heritage tours and documentary screenings highlighting FEU and MSO’s histories. This celebration concluded with Ernani Cuenco’s “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal,” inspiring an enthusiastic audience sing-along and two standing ovations.
