Nat'l Artist Levi Celerio, 91.

Byline: Giselle P. Kasilag

National Artist for Literature and Music Levi Celerio passed away yesterday at 3:34 p.m. at the Delgado Clinic in Kamuning, Quezon City. He died from multi-organ failure. He was 91 years old.

Born on April 30, 1910, Mr. Celerio came from humble beginnings in Tondo, Manila. He started taking violin lessons at the age of 11 with a Philippine Constabulary (PC) musician. He eventually became part of the PC Band while studying at Torres High School. After two semesters at the UP Conservatory of Music, he was granted a scholarship at the Academy of Music in Manila which made it possible for him to join the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He …