Manuel Luna

Manuel Novicio Luna was a Filipino violin virtuoso and conductor. He was the eldest of the famed Luna brothers.

Reference:

• "Manuel N. Luna". Manila: National Historical Institute. http://nhcp.gov.ph/downloads/ca0033.pdf. Date accessed: 10 Feb 2013.
• "Manuel N. Luna- 19th Century Filipino Violin Virtuoso". A Fiddler's Brew. http://bit.ly/Y2RwTZ. Date published: 16 Sep 2011. Date accessed: 10 Feb 2013.

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Luna was born to in Badoc, Ilocos Norte to Joaquin Luna Sr. and Laureana Novicio on 30 November 1856. He was the second of seven children and the oldest of the Luna brothers.

In 1862, Luna’s parents moved the family to Manila so their children could have good education. Luna and his brother, Juan, were enrolled in the Ateneo Municipal where they obtained their high school degree. The two were then transferred to the Escuela Nautica (Academia Naval) and graduated with a certificate of piloto the ambos mares y capitan de cabotaje which enabled the brothers to become sailors. Manuel and Juan sailed the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean together where they passed by Hong Kong, Amoy, Singapore, Batavia, and Colombo.

While his brother became interested in drawing and painting, Manuel Luna spent his free time learning how to play the violin with a certain Nicasio. He then studied under Professor Remifio Calahorra who was advised him to study abroad after being impressed with his musical skills.

Luna traveled to Spain and enrolled himself in the Conservatory of Madrid. He immediately became a part of the fourth year class after the school credited his previous training. Jesus Monasterio, a prominent Spanish musician, became his professor. After several years he received his certificate and became a professor of violin. It was during his stay in Madrid that he and Pedro A. Paterno became good friends.

Luna traveled and held concerts in France and Italy after his graduation from the Conservatory of Madrid. He then returned to Manila in 1879. He became a member of the Liceo Cientifico Artistico Literario and performed in concerts sponsored by the group. Among his audience were foreign musical talents Garrido, Coppa, and Arche.

Luna made his first public appearance in a benefit concert held on 22 December 1979 at the Variedades Theater. He played de Beriot’s Scena de Balleto on violin while Arche accompanied him on the piano. Newspapers published during the period contained reviews of his playing, noting brilliance, purity of tone and distinct individualism among his good points.

Luna was said to be one of the finest conductors during that time. He conducted the grand chorus composed of around eighty singers, the Manila Cathedral orchestra, the Artillery Band, and Gruet during the inauguration of the Recoleto Church on 8 January 1881.

Luna taught children of prominent families in Manila how to play the violin.

Luna died at the early age of twenty-six. He was not married nor was he able to leave any musical composition. He fell ill after visiting his parents in Agoo, La Union. He was supposed to bid his parents goodbye before proceeding to travel back to Europe.

Luna's siblings were noted for their talents. They include:

   Juan Luna - a celebrated painter

   Jose Luna – a prominent surgeon and doctor

   Joaquin Luna – a former senator

   Antonio Luna – a General of the Revolutionary army 

He had one sister named Numerania who was a noted pianist.