MANILA, Philippines -- The MCO Foundation will present a concert of French classical music performed by the duo of violinist Gina Medina and pianist Mary Anne Espina at 5 p.m. on October 5 at the BDO South Tower, Makati Avenue corner De la Costa Streets, Makati City.

"A French Soiree" features selections like Ravel's poignant Sonata; Camille Saint-Saens' passionate Violin Sonata; and Faure's heartwarming Violin Sonata, played by two of the country's leading classical music artists.

Medina is one of the most sought after chamber performers and soloists today. She began formal lessons with Prof. Luis Valencia, graduating Summa cum Laude from the St. Scholastica's College of Music under the tutelage of Maestro Basilio Manalo. She finished her Master's degree in music with Chamber Music Emphasis at the San Francisco State University (SFSU) under full scholarship. Upon graduation she was awarded by the French government a scholarship which gave her the opportunity to participate in several music festivals in France, and to study with Olivier Charlier, Dong Suk-Kang, Philippe Bride and the Amadeus Quartet. She is currently the concert master of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Mary Ann Espina has performed with most of the major foreign artists who have played in Manila. Among them are violinists Hagai Shaham, Alexander Tomescu and Kaori Sato. Last year, she received the ALIW Award for Best Instrumentalist.

Tickets are Php 500 for orchestra and Php 300 for balcony, with a 50 percent discount for students and seniors, and are available at TICKETWORLD (telephone number 891-9999) or the MCO Secretariat (878-4359 or 0920-954-0053).