The Peninsula Manila ushers in the holiday season with the return of “Christmas Concert at The Pen,” featuring the talents of Jade Rubis Riccio, Poppert Bernadas. Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois, and Menchu Lauchengco Yulo with the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab..
After a hiatus of two years, one of Metro Manila’s most enduring holiday traditions – The Peninsula Manila’s “Christmas Concert at The Pen” – is back! On December 4th, Sunday, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila will once again resound with the joyous sounds of Christmas as it is transformed into a grand concert hall.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE PEN RETURNS – 2
The famed “Christmas Concert at The Pen” concert – now on its 37th season – has always been regarded as The Peninsula Manila’s Christmas gift to the community. And this year, the hotel has put together a memorable musical repertoire (one with many firsts) that is sure to get festive spirits rightly tuned for the days of celebration ahead.
Wielding the baton and directing the much-loved musical extravanganza for the very first time in its long history is National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab will be teaming up at the concert with the Manila Symphony
Orchestra (MSO) which, coincidentally, was the first orchestra to play at the annual holiday concert when it debuted in 1983 with (future) National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro conducting. Since then, “Christmas Concert at The Pen” has stayed true to its hallmark philosophy – the promotion of Philippine art and culture and a showcase of local talent where
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE PEN RETURNS – 3
Filipino artists are accompanied by a Filipino orchestra.
Manila Symphony Orchestra
The 2022 “Christmas Concert at The Pen” artist’s line-up also stars soprano Jade Rubis Riccio and “The Voice Philippines” alumnus Poppert Bernadas.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT THE PEN RETURNS – 4
The featured choir this year is the critically-acclaimed French children’s choir – Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois – whose performance is one of the highlights of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Filipino-French diplomatic relations.
Another first is the guest appearance of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, widely considered to be the “first lady” of Philippine musical theatre. She will be the host of this year’s concert.
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo
“Christmas Concert at The Pen” will open with the MSO accompanying Jade Rubis Riccio and Poppert Bernadas in “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” one of the Top 10 Christmas songs of all time that’s been described as “a celebration of the Christmas season, and of friends and families.”
Maestro Ryan Cayabyab says this year’s concert will be “a love song to music and musicians” after years of lockdown.
“We all feel like it’s a new beginning,” adds Masahisa Oba, The Peninsula Manila General Manager.
