Trumpet call for bigger Manila Symphonic venue

It begins with a single instrument and a single note breaking the silence.

 

Without prodding or prelude, an open A string—played legato—fills the air. Then, like a wave, other instruments pick up the note. More violins join in, adding timbre. Brass, cellos, and bass lend depth.


I recently had the pleasure of attending the Manila Symphony Orchestra's (MSO's) second concert for its 2013 season, "The Trumpet Calls," featuring Belgian trumpeter Manu Mellaerts, under the baton of guest conductor Thanos Adamopoulos.

 

As a member of the audience, this was an opportunity for me to taste how the orchestra fit into the concert hall.

 

But even then, during the tuning, I knew something was slightly amiss.

 

The BDO Francisco Santiago Hall—temporary home to the MSO since the PhilamLife theater was closed for construction earlier this year—is a fine venue, to be sure, but pales in comparison to the architectural and acoustic scale of the MSO's former abode.

 

This became evident almost immedaitely after the ardent Adamopoulos plunged the orchestra into the thick of Mozart's "Haffner" Symphony No. 35.

 

This piece relies heavily on the violin section, particularly for its numerous intricate runs and phrases. It's no easy feat, even for trained violinists, to keep up with Mozart's stride—but the MSO performed admirably, and with gusto.

 

Unfortunately, however, the small auditorium's acoustics did not do them justice. The venue could scarcely carry the separate nuances of the various sections, making the piece seem flat, almost like watching a full-color movie on a black-and-white screen.

But fortunately, things picked up somewhat after that.
 

The middle of the program was devoted to Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, highlighting Mellaerts on solo trumpet.

 

Mellaerts' performance was full and crisp: the sound of his trumpet fit well in the auditorium. His brass notes carried clearly across the audience, and helped spotlight his performance.

 

The warm applause that followed was much deserved.

 

The evening's finale, Schubert's "Great" Symphony in C Major, made full use of the orchestra, particularly its wind sections, thereby making better use of the auditorium's limited acoustics.

 

Adamopoulos stirred the orchestra in pursuit of a piece that is known for its energy and dynamism. It is a technical feat to perform and requires endurance from anyone wishing to attempt it—but the MSO came through with a commanding marathon finish.

 

As the final applause died down, I hoped that the wish to hear the Manila Symphony Orchestra perform in a venue more fitting of their capacity and power would be fulfilled in the not-too-distant future. — VC/HS, GMA News