Negrense internationally renowned violin virtuoso and musical crusader, Gilopez Kabayao, passed away in Iloilo City on Saturday, October 12, his wife pianist Corazon Pineda Kabayao said.
He was 94.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in a post on its Facebook page on Sunday, said “his remarkable talent and lifelong dedication to music have inspired countless Filipinos and enriched our cultural heritage”.
As the first Filipino violinist to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York in 1950, Kabayao broke new ground and brought pride to the nation, it said.
Receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1972 underscored his commitment to being a true artist for the Filipino people, as he brought the beauty of classical music to communities across the country in unconventional venues, breaking down barriers and inspiring a love for the arts, the CPP said.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, he was awarded the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in 2008, alongside Corazon Pineda Kabayao, it added.
Kabayao leaves behind a legacy of artistic excellence that will continue to resonate in the hearts of many, the CPP said.
Kabayao, who was recently named an outstanding Cadizeño by the Cadiz City government in Negros Occidental, was also previously honored by the provincial government as an Outstanding Negrense.
He was born in his family’s ancestral home in Faraon, Cadiz City, in 1929.
He is a nominee for National Artist for Music.
His wife, Corazon, on her Facebook page wrote: “The heavens must be rejoicing to welcome another child of God, a committed follower of Jesus Christ who spoke of His blessings in a most powerful way through the gift of music, bringing the soaring melodies of his Stradivarius violin wherever people cared to listen”.
He has inspired thousands to love and appreciate beautiful Filipino and classical music and his virtuosity on the violin has brought singular honor and prestige to the Philippines, she said.
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, she added.
She said he passed away after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife, Corazon, and children Sicilienne, Farida and Gilberto, son-in-law Jose Roy Paniza, daughter-in-law, Michelle Alhambra, and only grandchild, three month old Girard, sister Marcelita Kabayao Mortensen, and nieces and nephews.*