ILOILO CITY — Renowned violinist Gilopez Kabayao, a nominee for National Artist for Music, passed away in this city at the age of 94 on Saturday, October 12.
KABAYAO (Photo courtesy of Corazon Kabayao)
“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,” said musician-wife Corazon.
Kabayao is widely believed to be the first Filipino to play at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City.
His debute at Carnegie Hall at 19-years-old was the start of a notable international career with performances in key cities of Europe, North America, and Asia.
But it was Kabayao’s work to bring classical music closer to ordinary Filipinos that earned him respect and admiration.
He performed in many far-flung places across the country in humble venues such as a basketball court and a cockpit.
Kabayao was conferred the 1972 Ramon Magsaysay Awards and the 1969 Presidential Award of Merit.
He was born in Negros Occidental and settled in Iloilo City.
With his wife and three children — Sicilienne, Farida, and Gilberto — the Kabayao Quintet would perform not only in Iloilo City but also in many parts of the country and abroad.
Earlier this year, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) nominated Kabayao for the Order of National Artist for standing “tall among them as virtuoso, advocate, educator, and musical diplomat.”