Gilopez Kabayao

1972 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service from the Philippines. Gilopez Kabayao is one of the greatest Filipino violinists whose mastery of the most demanding of all musical instruments has been recognized by critics and diverse audiences in his countless concerts in the local and international music scene for more than five decades. His international recognition as a violin virtuoso is matched only by his passion and commitment to introduce classical music to Filipino audiences, particularly students, thru lecture-recitals in schools and concerts even in unconventional venues such as open air quadrangles, movie houses, schoolrooms, improvised stages, a boxing ring, and in cockpits in the provinces.

Born into a family of musicians, music runs deep in his veins. His grandfather, parents and sisters were all musicians. Kabayao and his wife also instilled the tradition of fine music-making in the family. His three children are proficient in violin, and together with their father and mother on the piano, have formed an enviable quintet.

At the age of three Kabayao already started composing short minuets. At age nine, his early debut with a local orchestra playing Mendelssohn's Violin concerto in E minor predicted what he would become. At age 19, Kabayao’s debut concert at Carnegie Hall was praised and featured in several US newspapers, notably the New York Times. From Carnegie Hall, Kabayao embarked on a shining international concert career.