National artist Lucio San Pedro passes away

National artist in music Lucio San Pedro passed away at the Angono Medics Hospital in Angono, Rizal at 1:45 p.m. yesterday. According to CCP artistic director Nanding Josef, he received a text message early afternoon from San Pedro’s daughter Cristina informing him of her father’s passing. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to the daughter.

The national artist is survived by Gertrudes Diaz. They have five children, namely: Rhodora, Bienvenido, Ma. Conchita, Ma. Cristina and Lucio Jr.

San Pedro was born on Feb 11, 1913 in Angono, Rizal to Elpidio San Pedro and Soledad Diestro. His interest in music began when his father Elpidio established a family band. San Pedro enrolled at the UP Conservatory of Music in 1933 and obtained a Diploma in Composition and Conducting in 1938. He took further studies at Juilliard School.

Throughout his more than 60-year career, the composer has composed a large body of works that included among others chamber music, zarzuelas, choral and symphonic music.

Among these are the poetic symphonies Lahing Kayumanggi and Ang Buwan at ang Kabundukan.

Perhaps his most famous work is Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, the lyrics of which were written by Levi Celerio, another National Artist. San Pedro’s works are said to reflect the Filipino soul.

San Pedro also wrote music for the movies, particularly those produced by Fernando Poe Sr., including Limbas, Hanggang Pier, Barong Barong, Milyonaryong Hampas Lupa, Darna, Limpia Bota and Dugo ng Bayan.

Shortly before he died, San Pedro finished composing a new zarzuela Bayan Isang Paa Na Lamang.

His body is lying in state at the family residence in Angono. At 2 p.m. today, two leading cultural institutions, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and family members will meet at the CCP to finalize the details for the necrological service.