Filipino-American composer Susie Ibarra wins Pulitzer Prize for Music
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra is latest recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, joining other awardees recognized for their achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition.
Ibarra was recognized for her piece "Sky Islands," which the awarding body described as "a work about ecosystems and biodiversity that challenges the notion of the compositional voice by interweaving the profound musicianship and improvisational skills of a soloist as a creative tool."
Her fellow nominees were Jalalu-Kalvert Nelson for "Jim is Still Crowing" and George Lewis for "The Comet."
"Sky Islands" uses instruments like the northern style bamboo, flutes, and kulintang, taking inspiration from Philippine biodiversity, especially the Luzon rainforests. It premiered in July last year at the Asia Society in New York, United States.
In addition to the prize itself, Ibarra and her fellow recipients were awarded $15,000 (P830,000) each.
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A number of Filipino-Americans like Ibarra have received Pulitzer Prizes, including Jose Antonio Vargas, Cheryl Diaz Meyer, Bryan Acohido and Alex Tizon.
Other Pulitzer winners are journalist Manny Mogato in 2018 and the late diplomat Carlos P. Romulo back in 1942.
Photographer Ezra Acayan was a finalist in the Feature Photography category in 2021, while another photographer, Romeo Gacad, was twice a finalist before passing away that same year.
Last year three Filipinas — photographer Hannah Reyes Morales, Davao visual artist Ren Galeno, and Fil-Am investigative journalist Nicole Dungca — were Pulitzer Prize finalists.
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