Grammy-nominated Tibetan artist Tenzin Choegyal has performed around the world at major venues like New York’s Carnegie Hall and now takes up at residence at Bankstown Arts Centre. Two nights of ethereal beauty will include soaring melodies from his Whispering Sky album and a new collaboration with rising star Wytchings. Complementing these performances is an intimate musician’s workshop led by Tenzin Choegyal and guest artist Tenzin Kunsang.  

Whispering Sky: Tenzin Choegyal with Tenzin Kunsang – Friday 16 January, 7.30pm

Tenzin Choegyal, Tibetan-Australian artist, composer and Grammy nominee channels the wisdom and traditions of his nomadic ancestors through his extraordinary vocal performances and mastery of traditional instruments. Acknowledged as one of the world's finest musicians in the Tibetan tradition, Tenzin’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and sublime flute solos have thrilled audiences around the globe and established him as a favourite on the world music scene.

Tenzin’s performance is equal parts folk storytelling, sonic meditation and spiritual offering, infused with the essence of Tibetan wisdom and a sound as expansive as the Himalayas. Through his songs, anecdotes and warm explanations, Tenzin brings Tibetan tradition into a very contemporary setting, even inviting audiences to join in lively singalongs and meditative mantras. His obvious joyfulness is infectious and his message is uplifting. If you’re drawn to music that speaks straight to the soul, this special performance of song, sound and spirit is not to be missed.

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Between Two Realms: Tenzin Choegyal with Wytchings – Saturday 17 January, 7.30pm

Embark on a transcendent musical journey with Between Two Realms, a new co-creation by exiled Tibetan singer-songwriter Tenzin Choegyal and Western Sydney creative Jenny Trinh (Wytchings). Featuring Tenzin’s soaring vocals, unique instrumentations and spoken word along with Wytchings’ hauntingly beautiful soundscapes, this performance blends structured sounds with spontaneous elements.

Inspired by the concept of Bardo - the liminal state between death and rebirth – In Bardo expresses the power of compassion, interconnectedness and the cycle of life, all central to Tenzin’s spiritual and musical practice. In Tibetan philosophy, the Bardo state exists in momentary gaps between thoughts or actions. It is said that enlightenment is experienced in moments of Bardo but those fleeting insights are quickly forgotten - gone ‘like a bubble in a stream’.

Although from widely differing backgrounds, Tenzin and Jenny come together with a seamless, richly layered blend of music, song and spoken word which leans on their diverse musical experiences and rides upon the soundscape created by Wytchings.

Be transported to the vastness of space and the beauty of the high Himalayan plateau in this convergence of stories, places and creative practice, celebrating the joy of living and dying. The result is an unforgettable and moving experience for all. 

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Stories and Songs: Musicians' Workshop with Tenzin Choegyal and Tenzin Kunsang – Sunday 18 January, 2pm

A rare opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with acclaimed Tibetan performers Tenzin Choegyal and Tenzin Kunsang. Come along with your instrument, your best singing voice or both for a joyful hour of music-making and improvisation. Join Tenzin and Kunsang to learn a little about Tibetan-style singing, traditional instruments, songwriting and storytelling through music from these master music makers.

Suitable for all ages and skill levels.

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