The Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex came alive as the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Young Voices of the Philippines Children’s Choir, under the baton of Maestro Michael Jacinto, premiered Side by Side, a major new work by composer Conrado “Titus” del Rosario.
The performance drew resounding praise, standing out as the emotional centerpiece of a wide-ranging program that celebrated both Asian and Filipino masterworks.
The evening’s repertoire featured Qiming Lu’s Overture ‘Ode to the Red Flag,’ the beloved ‘Butterfly Lovers Concerto,’ and Xian Xinghai’s ‘Yellow River Piano Concerto.’ Filipino music was also in focus with Lucio San Pedro’s ‘Ang Buwan sa Kabundukan’ and Alejandro Consolación’s ‘Dekada 70’ (Rhapsodic Suite for Orchestra), alongside folk-inspired selections ‘Setting Sail’ and ‘From Jasmine to Turandot.’
Within this diverse program, del Rosario’s Side by Side made a powerful impact. With text by lyricist Nelson Mendoza, the work unfolds in three parts: an energetic dance opening, a tender and reflective middle section, and a radiant finale. The luminous timbre of the children’s choir, singing of friendship and hope, soared above the orchestra to moving effect.
Audience members described the moment as transformative. “Hearing the children sing over the orchestra felt like a reminder of resilience and hope. The music spoke directly to the heart,” one attendee shared.
For del Rosario, the piece is a continuation of his vision of music as a vessel for memory, imagination, and human connection. By fusing contemporary orchestral textures with Philippine sensibilities and universal themes, ‘Side by Side’ marks a milestone in his growing body of work.
About the Composer
Conrado “Titus” del Rosario is a Filipino composer, musician, and educator whose works span orchestra, choir, chamber ensembles, and cross-cultural collaborations. His music has been performed across Asia, Europe, and North America, known for blending Southeast Asian influences with modern classical forms.
Winner of several international composition awards, del Rosario has written for ensembles including the AsianArt Ensemble in Berlin, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and numerous chamber groups. His works range from orchestral meditations and vocal settings to pieces for bamboo instruments and children’s ensembles.
Beyond composition, he is also a seasoned jazz musician, leading the KapaMu Jazz Collective and performing globally with improvising ensembles. His leadership of the Berlin Improvising Composers’ Ensemble and the Sunlag Bamboo Instrument Ensemble further highlights his versatility as both composer and performer.
