Filipino classical music workshop inspires young New Zealand composer
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Asia:NZ’s culture programme sponsored young New Zealand composer Jonathan Crehan to attend the Manila Composers’ Lab in the Philippines in June 2009. The workshop was a week-long series of intensive seminars allowing for discussion, criticism and exchange. This project was an opportunity to network with peers from around the region and to experience Filipino music and culture.
A unique mix of colonial heritage, Catholicism and indigenous traditions
It is great to be able to reflect on the wonderful experience that was the Manila Composers’ Lab. The workshop spanned seven days in early June, and culminated in a public performance of new music works by all the composers present. My latest composition, Shades of Rough, was one of the pieces premiered in the concert, and I felt very honoured that this came about.
The workshop took place at the University of the Philippines, which is heralded as having the most prestigious and up-to-date contemporary classical music scene in the country.
We, the participants, had the pleasure of attending inspirational lectures and tutorials from Dr. Ramon P. Santos and Dr. Jonas Baes, as well as have interaction with the resident woodwind ensemble, The Pressivo Quintet, on technical issues with woodwind writing. I found the event very intensive and intellectually rewarding.
Staying in the Philippines was a real cultural eye-opener for me, as it was the first time that I had travelled to a country outside of the Western world. It was amazing to see just how much this country looked up to America and Europe as the pinnacles of civilisation. The long colonial history of the Philippines, coloured by the Spanish and then the American presence, was what generated this attitude. This in itself wasn’t a problem, but it meant that most Filipinos did not know that they had their own indigenous folk traditions, and there seemed a real danger that those traditions could soon die out.
Another important outside influence on the Philippines was Catholicism. People that I talked to told me that it swayed politics and every part of Filipino life. In the music sector there was Catholic influence through an abundance of high quality choirs attached to churches all across the country. This was a wonderful opportunity for me as I managed to witness some inspiring performances and establish relationships with choral directors across Metro Manila, the national capital region. It was surprising to see just how important these choirs were to public relations and the well-being of the Filipino people in general.
The Asia:NZ culture grant enabled me to develop my musical skills, to create worldwide friends and business contacts, and to spend time in a place with an exciting new culture. After spending two successful weeks in Metro Manila, I feel that I can get more of an insider’s perspective on Filipino life and society: one that is filled with rich cultural diversity and warm, hospitable people.
- by Jonathan Crehan
Captions for Photos:
1) Jonathan shares a laugh with Indonesian-born composer Gatot
2) Dr Ramon P Santos tutors some music students
3) In rehersal with the Pressivo Quintet
4) Participants after the concert
