Michael Dadap Filipino guitarist, composer and conductor Date of Birth: 19.05.1944 Country: Philippines

1. Biography of Michael Dadap
2. Early Life and Musical Background
3. Music Career and Achievements
4. Personal Life

Biography of Michael Dadap

Michael Dadap is a popular Filipino guitarist, composer, and conductor, widely recognized as one of the most influential advocates of Filipino folk music. He was born on May 19, 1944, in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Philippines, to Dionesia Amper and Vedasto Dadap, both musicians.

Early Life and Musical Background

Dadap's first exposure to music came from the local Protestant church, where he grew up listening to the works of Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. In 1971, at the age of 27, he traveled to New York City to study composition and conducting at Mannes College of Music. Three years later, he made his debut performance at Carnegie Hall.

Music Career and Achievements

As a performing musician, Dadap has toured extensively, not only in the United States but also in Europe and the Far East. In 1984, he became the artistic and musical director, as well as the principal conductor, of the non-profit organization Children's Orchestra Society (COS), which was founded in New York in 1962 for talented children and teenagers.

In 1990, WQXR-FM, a classical music radio station in New York and its surrounding areas, aired Dadap's album titled "Intimate Guitar Classics." He received the Arts Award from the Asian-American Alliance for his composition "Handurawan Dance Suite," which premiered in 1988 and was performed by the Chamber Orchestra of the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

In December 2000, Dadap became the first recipient of the "Artist of the Year" honorary title from the Flushing Council on the Arts in Queens, New York. On December 7, 2007, he was awarded the "Pamana ng Lahi Award" by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Malacanang Palace.

Dadap has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Cho-Liang Lin, Soovin Kim, Sarah Chang, Cecile Licad, Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma, Paula Robison, Jaime Laredo, and Sharon Robinson. His compositions include the children's musical play "Five Visayan Serenades for Guitar," the folk ballet "Legend of the Bitter Melon," and "Legend of the Tikling Bird." He has also authored and published the book "Complete Method for the Virtuoso Bandurria."

Personal Life

Currently, Dadap holds the position of music director for "Iskwelahang Rondalla" in Boston, Massachusetts. He resides in Queens, New York, with his wife Yeou-Cheng Ma, an accomplished violinist and the older sister of Yo-Yo Ma. They have two children, Daniel and Laura Dadap.