Tuesday May 28, 2024
6:30PM - 8:00PM

Renowned Filipinx composer and percussionist Susie IBARRA (ACC 2007, 2018) previews her latest work in progress— Sky Islands, a musical tribute to our rich and fragile ecosystems inspired by the distinct rainforest habitats of Luzon, Philippines. Listen to excerpts of the music performed on new sound sculptures of gong metals, titled Floating Gardens. This is followed by a cross-disciplinary panel discussion between the artists and climate scientist Daniel Ibarra on the real-life ecosystems or “sky islands” that inspired Ibarra’s composition, drawing awareness to how art and science can amplify the urgency in the fight against climate change. 

Sky Islands features the Extended Talking Gong Ensemble, with percussionist Ibarra, Claire Chase on flute, Alex Peh (ACC 2019) on piano, and Levy Lorenzo on percussion alongside the Bergamot String Quartet comprising violinists Ledah Finck and Sarah Thomas, violist Amy Huimei Tan and cellist Irène Han. Sky Islands is commissioned by Asia Society, with support from Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard University, NYSCA, and NYFA Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Artists Grants. The world premiere will be on July 18, 2024 with a second show on July 20, 2024 at Asia Society. 

Sky Islands aims to connect people to our fragile and beautiful ecosystems and draw awareness to changing climate and global community practices. This program is part of the COAL + ICE exhibition and series of programs at Asia Society, Feb. 13-Aug. 11, 2024, designed to provoke thought and action on climate change.

To learn more and purchase tickets, click HERE