Silent Sanctuary will stage a two‑night solo concert, “Gabi ng Lambing,” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 24 and 25, marking the band’s biggest venue to date.
The original one‑night event sold out within five hours of ticket release, prompting organizers to add a second performance. Tickets for the added October 24 show become available on July 18 through SM Tickets.
Celebrating 24 years since their formation, the band is known for songs that explore first love, heartbreak, longing and the nostalgia of growing up. This concert will feature a setlist of at least 30 tracks, spanning early hits, recent releases and fan‑favored B‑sides.
Accompanying Silent Sanctuary will be the Manila Symphony Orchestra, choir Viva Voce and surprise guests. Band members Raymund “Sarkie” Sarangay, Poch Villalon, Ronnie Ropal, Allen Calixto, Anjo Inacay and Kim Mirandilla‑Ng discussed the show’s ambitious scope.
“We will explore new arrangements, adding wind sections to songs that previously lacked strings,” Sarangay said, highlighting the band’s intent to experiment with orchestral textures.
The lineup includes newer members Mirandilla‑Ng, Ropal and Villalon, who bring fresh energy to the group’s evolving sound.
Direction will be handled by Paolo Valenciano, while Ria Osorio serves as musical director, overseeing the orchestra, choir and new arrangements.
Sarangay noted that each night will offer distinct experiences to avoid spoilers, though scheduling constraints limited the addition of the second date.
The collaboration with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and Viva Voce aims to fuse OPM with classical elements, fulfilling the band’s long‑standing vision of blending rock and orchestral music.
Cellist Anjo Inacay, a former MSO member, explained that the concert will showcase this fusion on a larger, more cinematic stage, allowing the orchestra and choir moments to shine independently.
Silent Sanctuary previously participated in the MSO’s Rockestra concerts in 2005 and 2018, performing a handful of songs. This full‑scale production will serve as a bridge between popular music and classical performance.
Inacay emphasized that years of playing symphonies and solo pieces have informed the band’s approach to integrating classical instrumentation into their repertoire, now expanded with a 40‑piece orchestra and choir.
He added that the concert highlights the vitality of the classical music scene and offers audiences a new perspective on its relevance.
