by Michael Estrella
They are not just a group of horn players, they are a family who makes music together.
Dennis, Michael, Jovina, and Celso (L-R in the photo) constitute the horn section of the 96-year old Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), one of the oldest orchestras in Asia, and the most active, living artistic institution in the Philippines. Although the players vary widely in age, their passion for playing makes it natural for them to keep learning and mastering their craft for the benefit of their section and, certainly, of the orchestra to which they belong. It is not just about playing their instruments; it is about tuning into each other and harmonizing with the music and the collective whole.
Let’s get to know the horn players of the Manila Symphony Orchestra:
Celso De Leon Jr. was born into a family of musicians and has been playing the horn for several decades. He started to play the instrument at age 10 under the guidance of his uncle, Virgilio De Leon, a clarinetist, and he is the third generation in his family to become a member of the MSO. Celso was one the pioneering members when the MSO was reorganized in 2001, and he is currently principal horn. Although Celso studied Business Management at the University of the East in Manila, music is his passion. He pursued his career as a horn player under the tutelage of Prof. Leopoldo Lopez and Danielle Kuhlman. Aside from his work in MSO, Celso has also been a member of the Manila City Band since 1987.
Michael Estrella has been a member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2014 and is currently assistant principal of the section. In 2020, he was named first runner-up in the Philippine Hornplayers Society’s First Leopoldo Lopez Horn Competition in which he performed Richard Strauss’ Andante for Horn and Piano. In the same year, he also won 2nd place in the individual French Horn/Mellophone Open Class in the Asian Virtual Championships, a well-known marching band competition. Michael was the principal horn player for the Bureau of Fire Protection NCR Marching Band in 2009. He was recently appointed to be a leader and teacher of beginner musicians of the marching band, Malabon Banda Cuatro. He remains active in chamber music (woodwind and brass quintets), and he is also a member of Philippine Hornplayers Society.
Dennis Cruz was also one the pioneering members when the MSO was reorganized 21 years ago. He was born into a family of musicians and started learning music when he was 10 years old. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in French Horn and Percussion at the University of the Philippines in the classes of Prof. Leopoldo Lopez (horn) and Prof. Leo Roque (percussion). Dennis has served as a percussion mentor for the Darangan Drum and Bells in 2016, Mabuhay Drum and Bells in 2018, and Dona Justa Guido Madrigal Drum and Bells from 2017-2019. He was a member of The Metro Manila Community Orchestra (2000-2001) and UP Symphonic Band (1994-1996). Along with the MSO, Dennis is also presently a member of Quezon City Symphonic Band and Binangonan Youth Band 83.
Jovina Francisco-Halcon’s love for playing the horn began when she attended a camp held by the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band in 2004. She continued to participate in the music camps, and this had a profound impact on her as it enabled her to develop her playing and so ignited her passion for the instrument that she decided to pursue a degree in music. Jovina graduated with her Bachelor of Music degree in French Horn from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, having studied with professors Leopoldo Lopez, Neptalie Villanueva, and Mahler Villanueva. While pursuing her degree, she was a member of the UP Symphonic Band and the UP Orchestra. Jovina joined the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2015, right after her graduation.
As individual musicians and as a group, the MSO horns work constantly to cultivate their sensitivity to the sound of every note, practicing not only their orchestral pieces but also horn quartets to maintain the tightness of the section, and to improve ensemble playing and harmony with the rest of the orchestra. Following the lead of their principal and working collectively, they create a more melodic, cohesive sound that leaves the audience in a place of awe.
