Francisco Santiago: Father of Kundiman

Antonio Molina

• He is considered the first National Artist for Music.
• He began his music career as an orchestral soloist at the Manila Grand Opera House.
• He served as Dean of the Centro Escolar University, Conservatory of Music from 1948 to 1970.
• He was a faculty member of the University of the Philippines’ Conservatory (now College) of Music.
• He was influenced by both the Romantic and Impressionist schools of thought.
• Famous compositions include Mutya ng Pasig, Nasaan Ka Irog, Bituing Marikit, Ikaw Rin, Kundiman ng Luha Pahiwatig, Cavatina for Violin and Piano, First Nocturne for Piano, and Magbalik Ka Hirang.
• He received the National Artist for Music award in 1973.

Lucio San Pedro

• Born on February 11, 1913, in Angono, Rizal.
• Started composing music at a young age and studied the banjo.
• He pursued his music degree at the University of the Philippines and at the Juilliard School in New York, USA.
• Became a professor of theory and composition at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music until his retirement in 1978.
• Known as a “romantic nationalist” who incorporated Philippine folk elements in his compositions with Western forms and harmony.
• Famous work is the well-loved “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan”, a lullaby melody sung by his mother.
• Declared National Artist for Music in 1991.

Ryan Cayabyab

• A popular contemporary composer with classical compositions to his credit, such as “Misa” and “Misa 2000”, “Four Poems for...”

Francisco Santiago

• Considered the “Father of Kundiman”
• Finished his music specialization at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where he obtained his Doctorate Degree in 1924.
• Famous works include Pakiusap, Madaling Araw, Sakali Man, Pilipinas Kong Mahal, Hibik ng Pilipinas, Ano Kaya ang Kapalaran, and Kundiman (Anak Dalita).
• Musical director for films such as “Kundiman”, “Leron Leron Sinta”, “Madaling Araw”, “Manileña”, and the movie inspired by his own composition, “Pakiusap”.
• First Filipino Director of the UP Conservatory of Music.

Nicanor Abelardo

• Studied music at the Chicago Music College.
• Influenced by the musical styles of the Serialist/Second Viennese School and Post-Romantic European composers.
• Together with Francisco Santiago, elevated the status of the Kundiman into an Art Song status equivalent to that of the German Lied, the French Chanson, and the Italian Aria.