Lucrecia Kasilag (1918–2008) was one of the Philippines' most celebrated composers, pianists, and music educators. A National Artist of the Philippines, she played a pivotal role in shaping twentieth-century Filipino classical music by forging a distinctive musical language that bridged Western classical traditions and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Originally trained as a classical pianist, Kasilag studied in Manila before continuing her education at the Eastman School of Music in New York. Although she began her career as a concert pianist, she devoted herself primarily to composition, creating more than 350 works spanning orchestral, chamber, choral, operatic, and stage music.

Kasilag is especially renowned for integrating indigenous Filipino instruments, melodies, and musical traditions into contemporary classical composition. Through works of striking originality, she celebrated the cultural diversity of the Philippine archipelago while expanding the possibilities of the modern orchestra.

Beyond her work as a composer, she was a leading advocate for music education and cultural preservation. As president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and a driving force behind the internationally acclaimed Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, she helped bring Filipino music and performing arts to audiences around the world.

Today, Lucrecia Kasilag is remembered as one of Asia's most influential composers, whose pioneering vision continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.