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David Benoit Brings Manila To Its Feet Again After A Decade!

David Benoit
David Benoit

Legendary jazz pianist, composer and conductor David Benoit returned to the Philippines for a one-night only performance at The Theatre at Solaire last Saturday, July 20, 2024. 

He was joined onstage by OPM legends and Asia's Premiere Vocal Group, The Company. The vocal quartet opened the show with some OPM classic hits, which gave the audience a taste of what was yet to come. 

The Company

Benoit then took to the stage decked out in all white, making him glow like an apparition. He was supported by bassist Roberto Vally and 21-year-old Fil-Am drum prodigy Vinnie Aguas, who wowed the Filipino audience with his extended drum solo. 

Vinnie Aguas

Roberto Vally

A nine-piece local horn section completed the "big band" which moved in perfect harmony to produce magic with every flick of the conductor's hand. 

Benoit opened his set with a series of purely instrumental numbers, including "Can You Imagine", "Cafe Rio", "Fuzzy Logic", "Hermosa Skyline" and "Stages" among others. He got up after almost every song to have a chat with the audience, making it feel very intimate despite having a theatre full of over a thousand people. 

David Benoit and Archie Laporte on sax

Benoit reminisced about his previous trips to the Philippines, as well as highlights of his long career while talking about each of the songs. He also showed much appreciation for the local musicians, who only spent a couple of hours over the past two days rehearsing with him to prepare for the show. 


He made sure that the horn section was properly highlighted, showing that he has no problem sharing the spotlight with talented peers. This endeared him to the audience even more. 

Dix Lucero

The show entered another phase when Benoit called The Company back in to sing their renditions of some of his biggest hit songs, including "Promise Me A Carousel", "You Never Love Me The Same Way Twice" and "Take A Look Inside My Heart". It was a dream come true for everyone on stage, and the raw emotion resonated through the crowd. 

David Benoit with the Company

It came as no surprise when the audience got on their feet and asked for more at the end of the show. Benoit was not planning on an encore, but he waved the curtains open again and asked the audience for requests. He was clearly enjoying himself as he decided to bust out two more requested songs solo.

Benoit engaging with the audience

 What a night to remember for everyone who was present, and Benoit promised not to wait another ten years to return to the Philippines. He is eager to return with a plan to perhaps visit other parts of the country as well. 


The event was produced by DMC Philippines, co-presented by 2Go and with the support of official hotel sponsor Midas Hotel and Casino, and 1 World Deli. 




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Location: Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila, Philippines

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