REVIEW: Symphony meets distortion at 'MPO Rocks!'
Whatever reservations I had about the MPO: Rocks! concert vanished the moment the orchestra launched into Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine. The cowbells did me in.
Under the baton of Maestro Rodel F. Colmenar, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra opened the sold-out Nov. 29 show with a medley of classic rock anthems. It was an electrifying start that set the tone for the rest of the evening on the glorious stage of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
The setlist spanned eras, moving from contemporary rock staples like My Chemical Romance’s Welcome to the Black Parade to iconic classics such as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The Philippine Madrigal Singers, along with Bituin Escalante and MiG Ayesa, delivered vocals on the songs that best suited their unique styles.
Some pieces felt naturally at home with an orchestral arrangement. Songs such as Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, Viva La Vida by Coldplay, and Kashmir by Led Zeppelin sounded as though they were written with an orchestra in mind. Then there were the pleasant surprises, like The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army and The Killers’ Mr. Brightside, which revealed how seamlessly rock riffs can blend with symphonic depth.
Local favorites also received their moment. Eraserheads hits found new life with full orchestral backing, joined by memorable arrangements of songs from Rivermaya and Bamboo.
The Philippine Madrigal Singers took center stage with their a cappella rendition of Queen’s Somebody to Love. Their voices became orchestral instruments of their own, weaving into the song’s soaring melodies and building to its powerful climax.
The orchestra displayed its full prowess during instrumental interpretations of Evanescence’s My Immortal and Bring Me to Life, as well as a commanding performance of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir.
Ayesa lent his powerful voice to Hozier’s Take Me to Church, along with Mr. Brightside and Bittersweet Symphony. His rendition of Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar earned loud applause from the audience. Although Ted Neeley’s version is nearly impossible to surpass, Ayesa delivered what may be the closest experience to witnessing that iconic moment live.
Yet it was Bituin Escalante who truly brought the house down. The night’s standout performance came when the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra leaned into its horns and strings as Escalante delivered a stunning interpretation of Nothing Compares 2 U.
The evening reached its ultimate climax when Ayesa, Escalante, and The Philippine Madrigal Singers joined the MPO for a rousing performance of Bohemian Rhapsody. Each artist delivered at full strength, concluding a deeply satisfying night in which the gritty world of rock and roll met the elegance and precision of symphony.
Note: PhilSTAR L!fe was given a free ticket for MPO Rocks!. Portions of the ticket sales will benefit the PARC Foundation’s PARC Aralan Program, which provides scholarships, mentorship, and safe creative spaces for aspiring musicians.
