Justo Almario Concerts

Experience Justo Almario

Justo Almario is a pioneering Filipino percussionist, composer, and ethnomusicologist widely recognized for his significant contributions to Philippine music. Born in 1938, Almario dedicated his life to researching, preserving, and promoting traditional Filipino instruments and musical forms. He is particularly renowned for his mastery of the *kudyapi*, a two-stringed lute, and other indigenous percussion instruments like the *gangsa* and *kulintang*.

Almario’s career spanned decades of performance, teaching (at the University of the Philippines Diliman), and documentation. He formed the group *Kalingawit*, which showcased traditional music alongside contemporary arrangements, bridging cultural gaps. A key accomplishment was his extensive fieldwork throughout the Philippines, meticulously documenting musical traditions of various ethnic groups – recordings now invaluable resources for ethnomusicological study.

His compositional style often blended traditional instrumentation with modern classical elements. Almario received numerous awards recognizing his dedication to Philippine cultural heritage, including the National Artist of the Philippines for Music in 2003. His work continues to inspire musicians and researchers interested in exploring the rich musical landscape of the Philippines.