PHILIPPINE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Philippine music has truly evolved from its indigenous roots to its

contemporary form. Throughout the centuries and through several

colonial influences, the music in the Philippines have become too

Westernized especially during the American colonial period and after the Second World War.

DR. RODOLFO S. CORNEJORodolfo Cornejo is the only Filipino composer with two doctoral degrees in music. He finished Doctor of Philosophy Major in Composition from Neotarian College, Kansas in 1947 and Doctor of Music degree honoris causa from Chicago College in 1954. He is noted for his extra ordinary ability to do impromptu classical improvisation.

Rodolfo Cornejo was born on May 15, 1909 in Singalong, Manila. He was inspired to take up piano lessons when he saw his mother taking private piano lessons under Maestra Gelacio Reyes. When Rodolfo turned six, his mother Crisanta Soldevilla, felt he was ready to have piano lessons. To every one’s surprise, Rodolfo would turn out to be the most diligent pupil as he played fourteen pieces and six encores during his first piano recital.

Rodolfo was considered as child prodigy. At the age of eight, he became the organist at the Pasay Catholic Church. He wrote his first composition at the age of 10 entitled “Glisandro Waltz”.

In 1950, he graduated in University of the Philippines and was offered a teaching position by then UP President Rafael Palma. Some of the well known musicians today like Lucio San Pedro, Filepe De Leon, Candida Bautista, and Flora Zarco studied under him at the University of the Philippines. Dr. cornejo saw the plight of the musician in the Philippines, thus, he established the National Federation of Music in 1934. Its goal is to promote and elevate music standards in the Philippines. During his lifetime, Dr. Cornejo was able to compose around 300 vocalal and instrumental pieces combine

HE IS MOST REMEMBERED FOR HIS COMPOSITIONS: ”Piano Trio” (1966) “Beneath this heart of clay” (1959)

“Ruby” (1964) “Philippine Fantasy” (1962)

JOSEFINO “CHINO” TOLEDOChino Toledo hails from a very musical clan in Nueva Ecija. His Father, Victor Toledo, is the founder of the famous Pangkat Kawayan. He got his early exposure ang training in music through his participation in Pangkat Kawayan. He took his formal music lessons at the laperal Music Academy and later finished a Bachelor’s degree in music major in composition from the University of the Philippines in 1979. His musical skills were honed by masters of music Lucio San Pedro, Elesio Pajaro and Ramon Santos.

CHINO TOLEDO’S PRIZEWINNING WORKS: TATLUHAN (TRIO) TAGHOY NG KALIKASAN (Lament of

Nature) TULAILI ALI-IW DALAWANG UG-OG UG-NAY TANIKALA

He also served as a musical director and conductor in several productions of the Cultural center of the Philippines such as:Lagi Kitang NaaalalaPinoy AkoSuplingSanlahiBayan, Bayani,

Bayanihan

Mr. Toledo is one of the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award as well as the chancellor Award for Outsanding Musicl Works from the University of the Philippines. He is married to Emily Ramos, a music education graduate and they have a lovely daughter.

RYAN CAYABYAB- Ryan Cayabyab is one of the most popular and prolific composers in the Philippines today had written works for ballet, theatre musicals, choral pieces, masses, and pop songs. He also did commissioned works for commercial jingles and movies.

Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab, also known as Ryan Cayabyab, Mr. C, as many of the people in the music industry call him, was born on May 4, 1945 in Manila, Philippines. He is the son of soprano Celerina Pujante and Alberto Cayabyab. He is married to Emmy Punsalan, also a music graduate. Together, they have two children: Cristina Maria and Antonio Maria Cayabyab.

HE WROTE MANY AWARD-WINNING THEATRE MUSICALS LIKE: Noli Me Tangere El Filibusterismo Manificat KATY Alikabok Ilustrado Rama Hari Spoliarium LORENZO (Recent)

ASIDE FROM BEING A COMPOSER, MR. C ALSO MANAGED GROUPS LIKE:

Smokey Mountains 14 K

RCS (Ryan Cayabyab singers)

HE ALSO HOSTED MUSICAL SHOWS:

Ryan Ryan Musikahan

One of the most notable contributuons of Cayabyab is the establishments of a music school. Ryan Cayabyab The Music Studio specializes in developing performance artists. Ryan Cayabyab has been a judge in the reality talent shows like Pinoy Dream Academy and Pinoy Idol. He had performed in front of royalties and presidents of the world. He also has collaborated.