Paul Cosme, PhD in Composition student, was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Asian Music. His article “Beyond Interculturality: A Case for Intraculturality Among Composers from Southeast Asia” proposes Southeast Asian interconnections as “intracultural” rather than “intercultural” as illustrated by composers from this region.
“It is important to recognize that Southeast Asia is already vibrant and composed of many varying cultures, and it is that quality that is crucial to defining this region,” says Cosme. “Many of us Southeast Asian composers do not simply see our works as a niche fusions. Hybridity is the norm, and that is exactly how our lived experiences are—always vibrant and full of buzz from within.”