SU mourns the passing of Mr. Gilopez Kabayao

A portrait of Mr. Gilbert Kabayao with his violin courtesy of the official Facebook page of Gilopez Kabayao: Artist for the Filipino people.

Silliman University (SU) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Gilopez Kabayao, who peacefully passed away on October 12, 2024.

Mr. Kabayao, an alumnus of the Silliman University Elementary Department (Class of 1939), was honored with the Outstanding Sillimanian Award on August 28, 1966 for his exceptional contributions to the world of music.

Hailing from a musically gifted family, Kabayao nurtured a deep love for classical music from an early age, a passion that flourished into a remarkable career. His talent was globally recognized when he secured second place at the 1952 International Violin Competition in Rome, cementing his place in the international music scene. Notably, he made history as the first Filipino violinist to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York, a venue renowned for showcasing only the most accomplished artists.

While Kabayao built a distinguished career as a concert violinist, he was equally celebrated for his tireless efforts to bring classical music to the Filipino public. Together with his sister, Marcelita, he toured the country, performing in unconventional venues such as cockpits, stadiums, and basketball courts—demonstrating his dedication to fostering a love for classical music across all social sectors.

Believing that music appreciation begins in childhood, Kabayao also championed the introduction of classical music to young learners. He generously donated phonographs and records to elementary schools in rural barrios, hoping to spark an early love for the art form.

SU mourns the loss of this great artist. However, Kabayao’s legacy and contributions to the arts and music education continue to be celebrated and his impact forever felt within the Silliman community and beyond.