Harold André Cruz Santos is an Asian Music and Musicology graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Upon entering the university, he was immersed in different Asian music cultures with kulintang as his major instrument. Having trained under kulintang masters Aga Mayo Butocan, Kanapia Kalanduyan, and Dr. Lilymae Franco, he has developed a diverse knowledge in kulintang playing that is both rooted in tradition and open to innovation. It was also in the university where he joined the student organization UP Tugtugang Musika Asyatika [UP TUGMA] where he honed his skills in playing different Asian instruments.

 

He is now a multi-instrumentalist performing Mindanao kulintang music, Cordillera gong and bamboo music, Japanese koto music, and jazz piano in various concerts and events inside and outside the Philippines. He often collaborates with other artists in composing music for film, theater, and contemporary dance. Apart from his performer life, he also composes music for film, theater, and contemporary dance. He is constantly driven by the desire of finding the perfect balance of tradition and innovation of his generation.