RENOWNED violinist Gilopez Kabayao, an Illongo musician nominated to the Order of National Artists earlier this year, passed away on Oct. 12, following a brief, undisclosed illness. He was 94. 

His wife, Corazon, a UST Conservatory of Music alumna, announced his passing on a Facebook post

“After more than seven decades of sharing his music propelled by the generosity of spirit that he so selflessly gave to his audience from all walks of life, the curtain now closes on this artist with a mission,” Corazon wrote. 

Kabayao’s career in music spanned seven decades and was marked by multiple achievements.

The Ilonggo musician has been known as a musical crusader, bringing Filipino folk songs and Mozart pieces to far-flung Philippine communities through grassroot concerts. He eventually earned the moniker “Father of Outreach for Classical Music.”

Kabayao also adapted over 20 folk songs and kundimans into violin and piano compositions.

In 1950, he made history as the first Filipino violinist to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City, a feat that “broke new ground” and “brought pride to the nation,” according to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). 

The UST Conservatory of Music paid tribute to Kabayao in a Facebook post: “Maestro Kabayao’s artistry and passion have greatly contributed to the transformation of the Filipino musical landscape, leaving a permanent legacy of dedication and excellence.” 

The Manila Symphony Orchestra, where Kabayao served as music director and conductor in the 1970s, described his outreach concerts as a “constant inspiration” and his Filipino folk song arrangements the “gold standard.” 

“His legacy as an artist of the Filipino people, built upon those numerous concerts he did all over the Philippines, is a constant inspiration to all of us who believe in the transformative power of music as a catalyst for nation building,” the orchestra said.

“His arrangements of Filipino folk songs remain a gold standard in how to utilize our native  resources to develop works of universal artistic merit that we can be proud to put forward as a representative of what Filipino artistry is all about,” it added.

For his contributions as a musical crusader, Kabayao received the Presidential Merit Award in 1969 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1972. He and Corazon were also feted with the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 2008. 

In June, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. nominated Kabayao to the Order of National Artist in recognition of his illustrious career as a violin virtuoso, educator, advocate, and musical diplomat. 

His wake was held at Gegato-Abecia Memorial Homes in Iloilo City until Oct. 18. His remains will be brought to the Central Philippine University in Jaro on Oct. 19 before interment at Iloilo Memorial Park. John Kobe S. Balod

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