Lucresia Kasilag: The Grand Lady of Philippine Music

Made by: MEDINA, Alberto Edgar P. | 10Calasanz

About Her

Lucrecia Kasilag was a Filipino composer and pianist who was known for incorporating indigenous Filipino instruments into orchestral productions. She was also an educator, administrator, performer and cultural entrepreneur who contributed to the development and promotion of Philippine music and culture. She was conferred the Order of National Artists of the Philippines in 1989. Lucrecia R. Kasilag, fondly known as "Tita King" or "Auntie King" to her colleagues and students, was a Filipino composer, pianist, and music educator who made an indelible mark in the world of music. Her contributions to the arts have paved the way for the growth and development of Filipino music, making her an icon in the industry. In this feature article, we will explore the life, career, and legacy of this musical genius!


Early Life and Musical Influences

Lucrecia Roces Kasilag was born on August 31, 1918 in San Fernando, La Union. She was the third of the six children of Marcial Kasilag Sr., a civil engineer, and Asuncion Roces Ganancial, a violinist and a violin teacher. She was nicknamed “King” by her father who wanted a son2. She learned to play the bandurria and guitar at an early age and performed with her siblings as the “Kasilag Rondalla” before their mother. She also showed an interest in poetry and literature since childhood.

Academic Excellence and Musical Education

Kasilag pursued her college education at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 19361. She was also the Editor-in-Chief of The Maroon and White school paper. She also studied music at St. Scholastica’s College, where she obtained a Music Teacher’s Diploma, major in piano, in 19391. She later completed a Bachelor of Music degree at PWU in 19491. She also studied abroad at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she learned theory and composition from Allen I. McHose and Wayne Barlow.

Family Life and Personal Interests

Kasilag married Jose Kasilag, a lawyer and businessman, in 19502. They had two children, Jose Jr. and Maria Asuncion. Kasilag was a devoted mother and wife who balanced her family life with her musical career. She also had various hobbies and passions, such as gardening, cooking, reading, traveling, and collecting antiques. She was fond of animals and had several pets at home.

Employment Background

She taught music at various institutions, such as St. Scholastica’s College, Assumption College, the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, and PWU. She became the dean of the PWU College of Music and Fine Arts from 1953 to 1977. She was also the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) from 1976 to 1986 and a special consultant during the Aquino administration. She held key positions in several national and international music organizations, such as the League of Filipino Composers, National Music Council of the Philippines, Regional Music Commission of Southeast Asia, Philippine Society for Music Education, Asian Composers League, and the National Music Competition for Young Artists Foundation. She also founded the Bayanihan Folk Arts Center for research and theatrical presentations and was closely involved with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as its musical director.

Achievements, Awards and Recognitions

Kasilag wrote more than 350 compositions that ranged from folk songs to opera to orchestral works. Some of her notable works include:


Kasilag received numerous awards and recognitions for her achievements in music and culture. Some of them are:



Collection of Composition


Kasilag’s compositions are available in various formats, such as:


Here are some examples of her work that you can listen to!

Personal Opinion about Lucrecia Roces Kasilag's Work, Composition, and Music Style

Lucrecia Kasilag was a visionary and a pioneer who created a unique and original music style that blended the best of both worlds: the rich and diverse traditions of the Philippines and the modern and sophisticated techniques of the West. She was not afraid to experiment and innovate, to explore and express, to challenge and inspire. She was a musical ambassador who showcased the beauty and diversity of Philippine culture to the world. She was also a musical educator who nurtured and mentored generations of Filipino musicians and artists. She was a musical legend who left a lasting legacy and influence in Philippine music history.

One of the things that I appreciate about Lucrecia Kasilag’s music is her use of indigenous Filipino instruments, such as gongs, bamboo flutes, kulintang, angklung, kubing, bungkaka, and many others. She was able to integrate these instruments into orchestral settings, creating a distinctive sound that is both familiar and exotic, both traditional and contemporary. She was able to showcase the richness and variety of Philippine musical cultures, from the Cordillera to Mindanao, from the lowlands to the highlands. She was able to honor the past while embracing the present, creating a musical bridge between generations.

Another thing that I admire about Lucrecia Kasilag’s music is her versatility and diversity. She was able to compose in various genres and forms, such as songs, operas, ballets, symphonies, chamber music, choral music, ethnic music, and many others. She was able to adapt to different audiences and occasions, and she was even was able to express different themes and messages, such as love, patriotism, spirituality, nature, and many others. She was able to demonstrate her mastery and creativity in every musical endeavor.

I admire and respect Lucrecia Kasilag for her passion and dedication, her creativity and originality, her courage and leadership, her generosity and humility. Her music speaks to me on many levels: it evokes emotions and memories, it stimulates thoughts and ideas, it celebrates identity and diversity, it transcends boundaries and cultures. Her music is a reflection of her life: a life of excellence and achievement, a life of service and contribution, a life of love and joy. Her music is a gift to the Philippines and to the world.

She is truly an icon, The Grand Lady of Philippine Music; that's none other than Lucrecia Kasilag. <3

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