Susie Ibarra Wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music with “Sky Islands”

In Wednesday’s (5/7) Classic 107 (Winnipeg), Chris Wolf writes, “Filipino-American composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra has been awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her groundbreaking work Sky Islands, a composition that blends environmental consciousness with rich musical heritage. Commissioned by the Asia Society [in NYC] and premiered on July 18, 2024 … Sky Islands is inspired by the distinct rainforest ecosystems of Luzon in the Philippines. The piece explores themes of biodiversity, climate change, and community practices through the lens of traditional Philippine sounds … At the premiere, audiences were introduced to a striking new sound world, featuring … sculptural gongs that served as both instruments and visual centerpieces. The eight-piece ensemble, including Ibarra herself, flutist Claire Chase, pianist Alex Peh, and members of the Bergamot Quartet, showcased a vibrant fusion of improvisation and structure. The Pulitzer Board praised Sky Islands for ‘[challenging] the notion of the compositional voice by interweaving the profound musicianship and improvisational skills of a soloist as a creative tool.’… Ibarra has performed around the globe and collaborated with artists such as Pauline Oliveros, John Zorn, and Yo La Tengo. Her past works have been presented at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Modern Art…. Raised in Houston by Filipino parents and trained in both Western classical and Philippine kulintang traditions, Ibarra’s career spans avant-garde jazz, opera, electronic music, and theatre.”