The main reason I journeyed to Bhutan was to volunteer for the Music of Bhutan Research Center and to launch our first publication, Masters of Traditional Bhutanese Music.
My colleague, Dr. Janet Herman, an ethnomusicologist and lead author of this book, joined me for two weeks. We had an extremely successful release and were well received by the media and general public.
The Music of Bhutan Research Center (MBRC) was founded in Thimphu, Bhutan in 2008 to document, preserve, and promote the traditional music of Bhutan. MBRC aims to break new ground by professionally researching, recording and archiving the many musical traditions of the country’s diverse regional, linguistic and ethnic groups, and by documenting the finest living master musicians in performance and interviews.
In this time of dramatic change and transition, imported popular music and culture is increasingly influential in Bhutan. Through training programs and the production of CD recordings, videos, and other educational materials, MBRC hopes to foster renewed appreciation of and involvement in traditional music within Bhutan, and to introduce this rich, profoundly beautiful music to a global audience.
Renowned Bhutanese musician Kheng Sonam Dorji, of Thimphu, is directing all of MBRC's activities in Bhutan. The U.S. support arm of MBRC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based out of Santa Cruz, CA.
 |
| Before the press conference, we had a private book release with some of the musicians featured in this book. |
Masters of Bhutanese Traditional Music,
Volume One (CD included)
This volume highlights ten extraordinary keepers of Bhutan’s unique musical heritage. This publication is the first of its kind, gathering together biographical sketches, first hand accounts,
contemporary and historic photographs, and mesmerizing audio
samples to illuminate these incomparable elder musicians and
the precious song forms they uphold.
“Masters of Bhutanese Traditional Music” is essential reading
and listening for anyone seeking to experience the authentic heart of Bhutanese culture.”
– Drimpen Sonam Dhendup,
Former Dean of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts and music tutor of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk
“This well-researched and beautifully presented volume
is a ground-breaking work in the field of Bhutanese music
preservation.”
– Rinzin Penjore
Director of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, Thimphu
 |
| Myself, in a traditional Kira, renowned musician and composer, Kheng Sonam Dorji, and Dr. Janet Herman. |
 |
| Press conference with 20 journalists. |
 |
| Some of the master musicians featured in the book. |
 |
| Dr. Herman, Am Thinlem, the Nightingale of Bhutan, and myself. |
 | ||
Myself, with Am Thinlem and Ap Tsheten Dorji, a remarkable master musician.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment