Intramuros, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will honor outstanding contributions to Filipino music during its upcoming event on July 29, 2025. As part of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) celebration, the NCCA will present awards to the winners of the prestigious biennial Composition Prize at the Tanghalang Leandro V. Locsin, starting at 3 p.m.
Established in 2016, the NCCA Composition Prize aims to promote concert hall music that transcends traditional and popular compositions. This year’s competition highlighted an impressive array of entries, with works evaluated by a panel of judges including former NCCA chair Prof. Felipe M. De Leon, Jr., renowned conductor Maestro Gerard Salonga, and esteemed musicologist Dr. Ramon Santos. Jury deliberations took place on January 22, 2025.
Entries were categorized into ten distinct segments, showcasing the diversity of the compositions. Categories included chamber music, handbell choir, multi-percussion solo, and three levels of solo piano performances, among others.
In the Chamber Category, first place was awarded to “Orion’s Belt” composed by Cloyd Robinson Calucag. The Special Jury Prize in this category went to Paul Earvin Bibal for “Sonata for Kulintang and Piano” and Alejandro Consolacion II for “Tryptique.”
The Handbell Choir Category celebrated Ian Gabriel Corpuz for his winning piece, “Amianán.” Furthermore, in the Multi-Percussion Solo Category, Erma Dianne Decena received a Special Commendation for her work titled “Batanes: Julian Aftermath.”
For the Solo Piano Groups, Lawrence Parcon’s “Etude for Wrist Articulation” earned a Special Jury Prize in Group A, while Ralph Joseph Dauz’s “Bottle in the Ocean” claimed the same distinction in Group B. The Group C Category was won by Mark Jericho Pacia for “Ang mga Itim na Nota.”
In the Solo Organ Category, Alejandro Consolacion II’s “Variations on a Filipino Folk Tune” emerged as the winner, with James Willy Canoso receiving a Special Jury Prize for “Fantasia.”
The Solo Rondalla Category recognized several talents this year. Jerome Quejano’s “Kalikasan: Guho ng Bukas at Kahapon” received a Special Jury Prize, accompanied by Special Commendations for Cloyd Robinson Calucag’s “Sinfonietta for Solo Bandurria,” Joy Wendell Arco’s “Pantomina,” and Gezer Santiso’s “Idlak sang Bito-on (Gleam of the Stars).”
Patrick Paul Roxas secured victory in the Solo String Category with “Gahum,” while Alejandro Luis Del Corro received a Special Commendation for “Journey of a Hopeless Romantic.” In the Solo Wind Category, Jouie Anne Reyes’s “Poong Matayog” topped the competition.
Following the awards ceremony, the NCCA will launch the World Premiere Concert Series, which will feature five compositions that won accolades in the previous NCCA Composition Prize in 2024.
This initiative not only commemorates Filipino composers but also highlights the importance of continuing to nurture the arts in the Philippines.
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