#SHOWBIZ: Sonorous Solianos: Celebrating the patriarch who kept his family in harmony

The Solianos family band, Malaysia's first musical family, has been active since the 1970s and remains popular today. Their late father, music maestro Alfonso Soliano, is celebrated as the Father of Modern Malay and Malaysian music. He nurtured his seven children's talents from an early age and played a crucial role in strengthening family bonds through music.

Isabella Soliano, the eldest daughter, emphasized that music was the essence of her father's mission and the glue that held the family together. She highlighted his ability to assign each sibling the most suitable voice and instrument, which proved highly accurate. Condrado, one of the siblings, described their heydays in the 1980s, performing in numerous stage shows and festivals, including the ABU Song Festival and the Mont Kiara Jazz Festival.

The family fondly remembered sharing the stage with legendary singers Puan Sri Saloma and Zain Azman. Condrado recalled a special interview with their father for TV3's Majalah Tiga in 1985, another milestone event. They were taught important life lessons by their father, such as being passionate about music, the importance of teamwork, and the significance of not allowing egos to take over.

While Soliano was known for his strict discipline and demanding practice routine, he also enjoyed spending time with his family through fishing trips and creating a harmonious environment through singing. His dream was fulfilled when his original compositions were performed at the German Jazz Festival in Dusseldorf, West Germany in the 1960s. Isabella and Condrado expressed their admiration for their father's legacy, urging the present generation of Malaysian artistes to learn from his impact on the Malaysian music scene.