Bangka

Bangka (2025)

9’00

Written for my friends and amazing performers, the Braase-Hannon Duo, this piece draws inspiration from the traditional Filipino outrigger boat, the bangka, and the experience of island hopping through the breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines. This piece captures both the uncertainty and exhilaration of setting out into the unknown.

The opening section reflects the unease of embarking on a journey, both literal and metaphorical. The vastness of the sea, the unpredictable weather, and the unfamiliar horizon mirrors the uncertainties we face in life, art, and even the shifting environmental and political landscapes of our time. The music carries the weight of questions about the future, the changing climate, and our role as stewards of the natural world.

As the piece unfolds, it shifts from tension to awe, embracing the freedom of the open water and the wonder of discovery. Inspired by the Philippines’ stunning island views and the rich biodiversity of its waters, this section embodies the feeling of being carried forward, not just by the tides, but by the pursuit of something greater: a sense of place, connection, and responsibility for the world around us.

Bangka invites performers and listeners alike to navigate the space between fear and wonder, between the past and the future. It is a musical journey that reminds us that even in uncertainty, there is beauty.

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