Laufey Foundation partners with Manila Symphony Orchestra to support young musicians

The Laufey Foundation has partnered with the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. (MSO Foundation) to help promote access to music education and youth development through orchestral music.

According to the MSO on Facebook post, the nonprofit organization, established in 2025 by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and classically trained cellist Laufey, extended a grant to support the MSO Foundation’s youth orchestra and audience-building initiatives.

The grant marks the Laufey Foundation’s expansion into Asia after establishing its grant program in the United States in 2025 and Europe this 2026.

The MSO Foundation said it is the foundation’s first partner organization in Asia.

The grant will support several of MSO’s training and outreach programs, including the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO), Manila Symphony Suzuki Orchestra, Makati City Youth Orchestra, Manila Symphony Children’s Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra Music Academy, and MSO Symphonic Explorations.

“We have reached out to organizations like Manila Symphony Orchestra and MSO Music Academy, whose work we admire. Their commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality music education to youth in the Philippines has resonated with us,” said Katherine Friedland, executive director of the Laufey Foundation, in a statement.

The Laufey Foundation was established with the mission of giving young musicians from all backgrounds opportunities to participate in youth orchestra programs.

Per the foundation, Laufey’s own experience as a young musician inspired her to support programs that can help young people reach their full potential in higher education and more.

“My goal is to bring jazz and classical music to my generation through a more accessible road,” Laufey was quoted as saying.

As a gesture of appreciation for the grant, MSJO performed a special string orchestra arrangement of Laufey’s “From the Start.”

In a video shared by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation on Instagram, the MSJO performed the classical rendition arranged by MSO Foundation Executive Director Jeffrey Solares.

“From the Start” is one of the popular tracks from Laufey’s 2023 album “Bewitched.”

In May, Laufey held three sold-out concerts at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

During the second night of her “A Matter of Time” concert on May 28, Laufey was joined by P-pop girl group BINI for a performance of “From the Start.”

Meanwhile, the MSJO is the youth orchestra of the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation and has represented the Philippines in various international competitions and performances.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News