Dumaguete City will witness a remarkable homecoming as internationally acclaimed Filipino violinist Kristine Clair “KayCee” Uchi Galano prepares to captivate audiences at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. The 24-year-old virtuoso will launch Silliman University’s Mid-Year Cultural Season with her highly anticipated “Strings of Gratitude” recital on May 5, 2026.
This homecoming holds special meaning for the young artist, whose musical journey connects deeply with Silliman University. Her mother Vangie earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano from the institution in 2000, creating a generational bond with the university’s rich musical heritage.
The upcoming concert marks Galano’s triumphant return to the same stage where she first dazzled audiences in 2014 as a teenage prodigy, when she opened Silliman’s 52nd Cultural Season. Now, twelve years later, she returns as a seasoned international performer with Carnegie Hall credentials and global recognition.
Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
A Musical Journey That Began in Childhood Wonder
Galano’s extraordinary path to international stardom traces back to her birthplace in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in 2001. Her musical awakening occurred at age four while her family resided in Brunei, where her mother ran a piano studio. Young KayCee would peer through windows, mesmerized by violin students practicing at a neighboring school.
This innocent fascination convinced her parents to acquire her first violin and arrange formal lessons. The investment proved prophetic — by her eighth birthday, Galano had already secured first prize at the Malaysian Youth Music Festival, announcing her arrival as an exceptional musical talent.
The defining moment of her career arrived when she was ten years old at Beijing’s Great Wall International Music Academy. There, she met Kurt Sassmannshaus, who holds the Dorothy Richard Starling Chair in Classical Violin at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).
This encounter reshaped her musical destiny. Galano became a scholarship recipient in Sassmannshaus’ Starling Preparatory String Project, conducting weekly Skype lessons from Brunei — a pioneering use of technology that overcame geographical limitations through sheer determination and innovation.
National Spotlight and Professional Development
American audiences first discovered Galano’s remarkable abilities when she appeared on National Public Radio’s “From the Top” with Christopher O’Riley at age twelve. The program, broadcasting from Beijing for the first time, showcased her talent to a national audience and established her reputation in classical music communities.
Her professional touring began at fourteen, featuring extensive performances across the United States alongside celebrated pianist Rohan De Silva. Simultaneously, she toured China with the Starling Chamber Orchestra, accumulating invaluable stage experience and building her international profile.
Prestigious Venues and Competition Triumphs
October 2019 marked a career pinnacle when eighteen-year-old Galano debuted at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Her ambitious program featured all six Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas performed entirely from memory — a formidable challenge that few violinists dare attempt.
Sassmannshaus praised her Carnegie Hall performance, noting “a rare combination of youthful energy and uncommon maturity” in her musical interpretation and technical precision.
Her competition achievements span continents and prestigious events. Notable victories include first prize at the 2021 Mary Lane Memorial Violin Competition and semifinal appearances at both the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition (2021) and the highly competitive International Violin Competition of Indianapolis (2022).
Additional accolades include third place at the 2020 KF Wieniawski Competition and selection among just 69 violinists from 290 worldwide applicants for the 2024 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in Brussels, Belgium — one of classical music’s most exclusive competitions.
International Orchestra Collaborations
Galano has distinguished herself as a sought-after soloist with leading orchestras. Her Philippine collaborations include performances with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Gerard Salonga’s direction.
Her European orchestral experience encompasses performances with Germany’s Jena Philharmonic, broadening her collaborative repertoire with distinguished European ensembles.
Chinese concert tours have featured performances at the nation’s most prestigious venues, including Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts and the historic Forbidden City Concert Hall. These appearances have solidified her standing in Asia’s classical music landscape.
Academic Excellence and Future Pursuits
Galano’s academic achievements complement her performance career. She completed her Bachelor of Music at CCM in 2022, followed by her Master of Music degree in 2024. Currently, she pursues a Doctor of Musical Arts degree under Sassmannshaus’ continued mentorship.
This scholarly foundation enhances her natural abilities with theoretical knowledge and analytical expertise, preparing her for potential future contributions to musical education and research.
Concert Information and Reservations
The “Strings of Gratitude” performance begins at 7:00 PM on May 5, 2026, at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. Galano will be accompanied by her brother, Kristiann Lloyd Uchi Galano, on piano, making this a family celebration of musical excellence.
Ticket prices are set at ₱500, ₱800, and ₱1,000, ensuring accessibility across different audience segments. Reservations and inquiries are available through email at cac@su.edu.ph, phone at 09073691338 or (035) 422-1901 extension 522, or by visiting the Culture and Arts Council office on COPVA II’s second floor during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
This exceptional concert officially inaugurates Silliman University’s Mid-Year Cultural Season, promising Dumaguete audiences an unforgettable evening with one of the Philippines’ finest musical ambassadors.
Stay informed — get Negros Oriental news weekly
Free newsletter, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
