20 composers to write music for Banaue Rice Terraces

As part of the efforts to raise funds for the rehabilitation of 600 abandoned hectares of the Banaue Rice Terraces, 20 composers from around the world are going to be immersed in the UNESCO World Heritage site and create Banaue-inspired music.

The composers were selected from 84 entries to the call for Banaue-inspired symphonic compositions.

Their work will be featured in the 1st Banaue International Music Composition Competition (BIMCC) project, which is spearheaded by Universal Harvester to raise awareness and funds for the rehabilitation of the deteriorated or abandoned portions of the terraces.

In 10 days, the composers would be shown Ifugao culture and issues to foster deeper appreciation and understanding.

“The Banaue Rice Terraces is more than just a breathtaking view. It is home for a community fueled by their culture. The area has faced a host of challenges in recent years, and we aim to bring it back to its full glory through the Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Project. We recognize that there is much work to be done and what we’re doing is just a start. Through BIMCC, we want to call attention to the scale of the challenge and how the public can show support through a celebration of music and culture,” said Jaime delos Santos, Banaue Rice Terraces Restoration Project manager.

From 20, the organizers would pick the top 10, who would perform at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 25.

“Through music, we are sending a strong message to the public and the world about the beauty and culture of the Banaue Rice Terraces. We hope to draw attention from Filipinos to help restore our famous World Heritage site and the ecosystem that thrives in and around it,” said BIMCC artistic director Chino Toledo.

Helping out Filipino farmers and the agriculture sector has been a longtime advocacy of Universal Harvester president and CEO Milagros How.

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