Composition Competition centers on the Banaue Terraces
Composition Competition centers on the
We hope to speak with the global community and tell them the story of our forefathers that, sadly, has been overshadowed by modern technology.
On top of giving breaks to talented composers from all over the world, the Banaue International Music Composition Competition is but one of many activities aimed to call attention to the plight of the Banaue Rice Terraces and how to restore it optimally. The 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people are considered to be the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. But in an interview with Dr. Milagros O. How, the mother of TOFARM and the brain of Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Project, it seems this national treasure needs some promotion among young people. Hopefully, their efforts will inspire them to start rehabilitation then preservation of the terraces as soon as possible.
Now, if in the TOFARM festival cinema is used as a medium to shed light on the lives of the farmers, the Banaue International Music Composition Competition aims to come up with music that captures the richness of Banaue culture.
“It’s been said that music is a universal language. With this in mind, we hope to speak with the global community and tell them the story of our forefathers that, sadly, has been overshadowed by modern technology,” How said.
“But more importantly, we want to let the world know that the Philippines is a home to great wonders not just in terms of natural resources but also inspiring talents from all over the world,” she added.
According to the competition’s artistic director, Chino Toledo, the primary objective of the contest is to underscore Banaue culture as a source of original musical materials.
The tilt calls on the submission of orchestra music inspired by Banaue whether it’s their people, traditions, landscapes, unique rituals, or dances.
Interested parties should write Banaue-inspired symphonic works for concerts, and possible inclusion in future projects of TOFARM and Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Project.
Toledo shared that in November 2017, they had an online launch of the contest and they were surprised by the number of inquires they received even from countries as Russia, South Africa, Greece, France, and Italy. To date, they’ve received submissions from Korea, Canada, Columbia, Spain, and the United States.
Those who will be shortlisted as semi-finalists will go on a fellowship program in Banaue. Aside from serving as immersion, it will “help the composer have a better knowledge and understanding and as well as an inspiration in the process of their creation of the song.”
Guidelines
The competition is open to all composers and there are no age and nationality restrictions; however, applicants should be at least at the early stages of their professional careers.
The composer may submit only one symphony orchestra composition, single or multi-movement, for consideration. Musical arrangements of existing materials are not allowed.
Duration of the work should be between 10 to 15 minutes. Deadline of submission is on April 15.
For the subsidy, grant and prizes all composers-fellows who are selected in the preliminary screening shall be provided travel subsidy to Manila: US $2,000 for international-based participants and R40,000 for Philippine-based counterparts.
The selected composers-fellows will receive R50,000 as grant to attend the Banaue International Music Composition Competition Immersion Program and for the preparation of the final form of the competition entry. Some 10 finalists will be chosen by an international panel of judges. The grand prize of US $12,000 and two consolation prizes of US $6,000 each will be awarded to the winners.