By Sepehr Pirasteh
Background: About PRISM Quartet
PRISM Quartet is a renowned chamber ensemble in the United States, known for its captivating and diverse musical programs. Established in 1984, PRISM Quartet has consistently pushed the boundaries of saxophone music and has commissioned over 300 compositions from acclaimed composers, cementing their legacy as champions of new music.
The ensemble collaborates with an impressive roster of contemporary music makers, including other ensembles, jazz artists, and dance companies. In recognition of their remarkable achievements, the University of Michigan honored PRISM Quartet with the Christopher Kendall Award in 2016, celebrating their contributions to collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Background: About Susie Ibarra
Susie Ibarra, of Filipinx descent, is a composer, percussionist, and sound artist with a versatile and interdisciplinary approach that encompasses various mediums. Her work spans live performances, mobile sound-mapping applications, multi-channel audio installations, recording, and documentary projects. Many of Ibarra’s initiatives center around the preservation of culture and the environment. She actively supports Indigenous and traditional music cultures, like musika katatubo from the North and South Philippine islands
About the concert
On October 8th, PRISM Quartet, Ars Nova Workshop, and composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra performed a concert to celebrate the album release of their latest collaboration, Ibarra’s “Procession Along the Aciga Tree.” Curated by Ibarra, the program also included new arrangements of her works and others by Filipino composer José Maceda, as well as the premiere of “Spring in New York” by Indonesian composer Gardika Gigih.
During the program, Ibarra noted that beautiful acacia trees are common in the forests of northern Luzon in the Philippines. The Aciga Tree, one of the largest acacia trees in the province of Kalinga, is said to be a tree of treasures. “Procession Along the Aciga Tree” is inspired by the tradition of processional music in the north of the Philippines, often heard weaving through the forests. Ibarra’s piece draws upon interlocking rhythms, shifting melodies, pulses, and cross-rhythms to create a sonic procession through the acacia trees to the Aciga tree.
Ibarra also contributed newly arranged selections from two previously composed works to the program: “Walking on Water” and “Fragility Etudes.” In “Walking on Water,” she employed an underwater microphone in the Himalayan hills to capture the sounds of glaciers breaking and melting. These recordings formed the immersive backdrop for her composition, which functioned both as a lament for a planet facing an environmental crisis and a tribute to human resilience in dire circumstances. “Fragility Etudes” constituted exploratory studies into the realm of sound, highlighting the interdependence of humanity and its coexistence with the natural environment. Ibarra’s dynamic score delved into this interconnectedness through polyrhythms (a rhythm which makes use of two or more different rhythms simultaneously) and concepts rooted in the physics of glass.
A composer, pianist, and soundscape researcher, Gardika Gigih created “Spring in New York” after being inspired by the sounds of spring in New York City in 2023. He described the experience as “transcendental,” and said he wanted to capture the “delicacy of texture, synchronicity, and randomness in the spirit of nature” in his music. The program also included a new adaptation of music by José Maceda, a Filipino ethnomusicologist and composer who was named a National Artist of the Philippines.
Why commissioning new music matters
What’s particularly admirable about PRISM Quartet is their commitment to commissioning artists from a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity goes beyond just racial representation; it extends to a celebration of diverse artistry, craftsmanship, and musical styles. Their latest album, Color Theory 2.0, is a testament to this dedication as they have collaborated with composer-percussionists hailing from various cultural traditions. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing musical cultures from around the world and the unique artistry that stems from different backgrounds.
By fostering such diverse collaborations, PRISM Quartet not only contributes to the richness of the musical landscape, but also promotes a deeper understanding of the global tapestry of music. This approach underscores the significance of cultural exchange and appreciation, bridging gaps, and fostering greater unity. It encourages us to appreciate the depth and complexity of musical traditions and compositions that may be less familiar to us, fostering a broader, more inclusive, and harmonious musical world. In this way, it not only aligns with the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion but also amplifies the value of cultural exchange, promoting a richer, more interconnected artistic ecosystem.
