The annual conference of the US-China Music Institute will explore forms of Buddhist musical practice through online talks, performances, and demonstrations. Speakers will provide historical, sociological, and musicological context for musical rituals in Buddhist traditions. Performances will draw from different regions and styles of traditional chanting, ceremonial music, and contemporary composition.
Each Day of the Conference will Feature a Live Webinar via Zoom and a Streamed Performance
Day 1 - Buddhism, Music, and Society
Thursday, April 8
Live Panel Discussion 5:30-7pm EST
Performance 8-9pm EST
Day 2 - Entering the World, the Path of Music
Friday, April 9
Live Panel Discussion 5:30-7pm EST
Performance 8-9pm EST
Day 3 - A Blessing from Bhutan
Saturday, April 10
Performance 7:30-8:30pm EST
Live Panel Discussion and Q&A 8:30-9:30pm EST
Speakers
Dominique Townsend, Professor of Religious Studies, Bard College
Zhai Fengjian, Associate Researcher, Chinese Academy of Fine Arts
Andrew H. Quintman, Professor of Religion, Wesleyan University
Mingmei Yip, Visiting Professor of Chinese Music History, US-China Music Institute, Bard College
Chen Tao, Visiting Professor of Chinese Music, US-China Music Institute, Bard College; Artistic Director, Melody of Dragon, Inc.
Sonam Dorji, Executive Director, Music of Bhutan Research Centre
Singh Powdyel, former Minister of Education, Kingdom of Bhutan
Jamyang Dolma, Founding Director, Academy of Himalayan Art and Child Development
and others
Music
Tan Dun, composer; Dean, Bard College Conservatory of Music
Qu Xiaosong, composer
Chen Tao, dizi, xiao
Wu Man, pipa
Drukmo Gyal, singer
and more
Ritual Ceremonies
Daxiangguo Temple, Kaifang, Henan Province
Zhihua Temple, Beijing
Mount Wutai Buddhist Monk Ensemble, Shanxi Province
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai
Huafan University, Department of Buddhist Studies, Taipei
International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS), North America (multiple locations)
Labrang Monastery, Gansu Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture
Free and open to the public. Donations welcomed.
Full details at: barduschinamusic.org/harmony2021