Fil-Am Composer Susie Ibarra Wins Pulitzer Prize for Music

Filipina-American composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra has been awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2025 for her groundbreaking work, Sky Islands. This marks a historic moment for Ibarra, who has been recognized for her profound musical contribution that blends cultural traditions and innovative musical techniques.

Sky Islands, which draws inspiration from ecosystems and biodiversity, challenges traditional notions of composition by incorporating both improvisational elements and the skilled musicianship of a soloist. The piece aims to explore the natural world through sound, combining diverse musical styles and modern techniques in an evocative and unique way.

First performed on July 18, 2024, Sky Islands was commissioned by the Asia Society and premiered at their venue in New York City. The piece features the rhythmic and melodic intricacies of traditional Philippine Northern bamboo music, along with the use of gongs and flutes. The composition also introduces new sound sculptures made of gong metals, creating what Ibarra calls "Floating Gardens." These sculptures amplify the music’s connection to nature, allowing the sounds to represent the diverse ecosystems of the Philippines, where Ibarra’s roots lie.

The piece has garnered significant praise for its innovative approach to music-making. The Sky Islands performance incorporates Ibarra's distinct musical voice, which blends her cultural heritage with modern improvisation. She has seamlessly woven traditional Filipino musical elements with contemporary sounds to create a fresh perspective on global music.

The recognition of Ibarra’s work is not just a personal achievement but also an important moment for the Filipino-American and broader Asian diasporic community. Since the announcement of her Pulitzer Prize, Ibarra has received heartfelt congratulations from artists, organizations, and cultural institutions, including the Asian Diaspora Project, DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program, and Asia Society.

Ibarra’s win comes on the heels of another Filipino finalist in last year’s Pulitzer Prize nominations. Davaoeña artist Ren Galeno, who was nominated for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for The Washington Post, made headlines with his feature story Searching for Maura. This was notable as it was the first-ever story published in Filipino by the publication.

For Ibarra, this recognition marks a significant milestone in her career, which has spanned decades of musical exploration and collaboration. Throughout her career, she has fused various musical traditions, including her Filipino heritage, jazz, and experimental soundscapes. Her unique voice has found a home in various prestigious venues, and her work continues to influence generations of musicians and composers.

In response to the honor, Ibarra expressed her gratitude for being able to share her vision through music, acknowledging the support she has received from collaborators and institutions that continue to champion the arts and diversity. Sky Islands represents not only Ibarra’s artistic journey but also a reflection of the global, interconnected world we live in, where music can bridge cultural gaps and tell stories that resonate across continents.

With the Pulitzer Prize now firmly in her grasp, Susie Ibarra’s groundbreaking work continues to inspire a new generation of musicians to blend innovation with cultural traditions. Her triumph symbolizes the ever-growing influence of Filipino-American artists in the global cultural landscape.