To preserve the musical heritage of Eastern Visayas region, Kanta Binisaya seizes the opportunity with its recent launching of book and logo at the Palo Municipal Hall, as it marks the beginning of a series of events that will celebrate the Kanta Bisaya Choral Festival from February to March.
Kanta Binisaya Intense, authored and published by Dr. Stephen Lagarde, a professor at UP and a musical arranger, aims to enhance awareness of Eastern Visayas' rich musical heritage by providing copies of the book to educators, choral groups, students, scholars, researchers, and music lovers.
The book features fresh and revised choral pieces rooted in Eastern Visayan heritage that can be used for teaching and performance. Its primary purpose is to preserve and sustain the progress and achievements of Kanta Binisaya as an advocacy initiative.
In addition, Lagarde mentioned that the logo's design seeks to encapsulate and illustrate the vibrant, colorful essence of Eastern Visayan culture, heritage, and identity. “By making use of a contemporary edgy feel in conveying what it means to be Eastern Visayan, the design asserts the notion that traditional music does not have to be perceived as something outdated, obsolete, old-fashioned, boring, uninteresting and dull. Rather, it underscores the idea that re-discovering, saving, understanding, promoting and passing on one’s distinct musical culture with pride is vital in shaping one’s sense of nationhood,” he said.
Kanta Binisaya has grown into a campaign to protect distinct regional culture and heritage from the threats of irreversible loss, which poses significant challenges against overpowering forces and influences that mask indigenous narratives and identities, he remarked.
At its essence, the Kanta Binisaya advocacy strives to connect generations by reintroducing the classical and beautiful Binisaya music of yesteryears to contemporary Eastern Visayans, equipping them with crucial educational materials.
The launch of the book and logo also heralds the commencement of the Kanta Binisaya Choral Festival, featuring capacity-building sessions for choral conductors and choirmasters, a choral clinic, and the Kanta Binisaya Choral Festival Concert, which will be open to the public at the People’s Center and Library on March 29, 2025.
The project is backed by the Department of Tourism, Tingog Party-list, Leyte Normal University, and the local government of Leyte.
Photo courtesy to LGU Palo
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