Ilonggo Violinist Gilopez Kabayao Dies at 94

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Gilopez Kabayao, a celebrated Ilonggo violinist and nominee for the National Artist of Music, passed away at the age of 94 on Saturday, October 12.

His wife, musician Corazon Kabayao, shared, “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.”

Kabayao is widely regarded as the first Filipino to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, achieving this milestone at just 19 years old on March 18, 1950.

His career featured performances in key cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. However, it was his dedication to bringing classical music closer to ordinary Filipinos that earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Throughout his career, Kabayao performed in various far-flung locations across the Philippines, showcasing his art in humble venues such as schools, basketball courts, cockpits, and marketplaces from Aparri to Jolo.

His contributions to music earned him titles such as “Mozart to the Barrios,” “Father of Outreach for Classical Music,” and “Traveling Salesman of Music.”

Kabayao was also the first Filipino violin soloist to perform with a Japanese orchestra after World War II and played a key role in organizing the first Singapore orchestra.

He received numerous accolades, including the 1972 Ramon Magsaysay Award and the 1969 Presidential Award of Merit.

Born in Negros Occidental with family roots in the Molo district, Kabayao settled in Iloilo City, where he inspired many aspiring musicians.

Alongside his wife and three children—Sicilienne, Farida, and Gilberto—he formed the Kabayao Quintet, performing throughout the country and abroad.

Earlier this year, the Iloilo City Government endorsed Kabayao’s nomination for the prestigious Order of National Artists title, recognizing his significant contributions to Philippine culture and music.

The Iloilo City Local Culture and Arts Council (ICLCAC), led by City Planning and Development Coordinator Ronald Cartagena, passed a resolution acknowledging Kabayao as “a conduit between the skills of the past and the future.”

This endorsement follows the nomination initiated by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) in December 2023, which highlights Kabayao’s impact on both local and international music.