Rosalina Abejo

Full biography Rosalina Abejo

Rosalina Abejo was a renowned Filipino composer, pianist, conductor, and music educator who lived from 1922 to 1991. She was born in Cebu City, Philippines, and exhibited a natural musical talent from a young age. She studied at the Cebu Normal School and later at the University of the Philippines, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music.

Abejo was highly active in the Philippine music scene throughout her career. She composed numerous works for various musical genres, including chamber music, orchestral pieces, choral works, and religious music. Her most notable works include "Suite No. 1 for Strings," "Toccata for Strings," and "Laudes Creaturarum," a cantata celebrating St. Francis of Assisi.

In addition to composing, Abejo was also a respected music educator. She established the Cebu Children's Choir in 1965 and served as its conductor until her death. She also founded the Rosalina Abejo Music Academy, where she taught music theory, piano, and choral conducting to numerous students around the Philippines. Many of her students went on to become accomplished musicians in their own right.

Abejo's contributions to the Philippine music scene have been widely recognized and celebrated over the years. In 1969, she was granted the Gawad CCP para sa Sining Award by the Philippine government, and in 1989, she was awarded the Republic Cultural Heritage Award. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Filipino musicians and music enthusiasts to this day.