In a rare performance, musicians Ayako Ikeda, Tenzin Choegyal and Taro Terahara will play traditional music from an ancient culture at the Gunning Courthouse.
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Tibetan singer-songwriter Choegyal music draws strongly on his nomadic roots, and his tireless efforts to preserve the traditions of Tibet.
Likewise, Japanese musicians, Terahara and Ikeda were entranced by the traditions of Indian classical music. In January 2020, they will bring the rare beauty and evocative sound of the bansuri (classical Indian flute) and the tabla to the Upper Lachlan Shire.
Choegyal is keeping Tibet's music alive in the freedom of exile.
He fled with his family into India and has no memory of his homeland, but is connected to the music of the wandering people of the Tibetan plateau.
He grew up in a Tibetan refugee community, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama encouraged his people to preserve their culture through language, religion, and the arts, it was there Choegyal began to explore music.
He is a master of traditional Tibetan instruments the lingbu (bamboo flute) and the dranyen (3-stringed lute) but is best known for his vocals and his mastery of droklu, the nomadic music of his parents.
"An outstanding composer and performer with a great depth of musical knowledge, intuition, and inventiveness, Choegyal has become a favourite in the world music scene and is held in high esteem by other performers from all genres," a statement read.
"His cantering rhythms, soaring vocals, and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe, including concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York with Phillip Glass, Laurie Anderson, and Patti Smith."
Terahara is an accomplished bansuri master and Ikeda a tabla player, both are leaders in Indian classical music in Japan.
Terahara heard the voice of the bansuri calling and devoted himself to the practice of Indian classical music. The bansuri, he explains, captures the sound of the air, the mountains and the uplifting devotional mood of Krishna.
Likewise, Ikeda studied with several Indian masters and performs throughout Japan. She has featured in several television and radio programs and has accompanied Indian, Tibetan and Afghan musicians both on stage and in the studio.
The sounds of bansuri and tabla blend seamlessly with Choegyal's flute, dranyen, and vocals in an interplay that is sensitive and beautifully rendered.
The combination of such expressive performers makes this a unique trio.
The performance will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 2pm at the Gunning Courthouse, Gunning.
Tickets $35, concession $30, Gunning Focus Group members $20, under 15-years free. Tickets are available at the door, but bookings are recommended. For more information or tickets contact Michael Coley by email: michael.coley@bigpond.com or phone 0415 378 816.
