CELEBRATE the joy of living and dying with Tibetan singer-songwriter Tenzin Choegyal and the Black Square String Quartet for one night only at the Coolum Civic Centre on Friday, September 19.

Tenzin Choegyal is one of the world’s finest musicians in the Tibetan tradition. As a son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the high Himalayan plateau.

Featuring selections from Tenzin’s latest album, Whispering Sky, arranged for strings by Robert Davidson, alongside favourites by Katherine Philp, the performance blends structured and spontaneous elements to celebrate the joy of living and dying.

This fusion of Tibetan music and string arrangements explores themes of impermanence, compassion, interconnectedness, and the cycle of life, all of which are central to Tenzin’s spiritual and musical practice.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Tenzin has performed at festivals across Australia and curated numerous events and concerts, including Brisbane’s annual Festival of Tibet. Internationally, he has performed in New Zealand, Japan, India, Germany, Bangladesh, Russia and the USA, including performances at New York’s Carnegie Hall. He has also opened many of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Public Talks in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Tenzin will be joined by the Black Square Quartet, who comprise Camille Barry and Mike Patterson (Violins), Charlotte Burbrook de Vere (Viola) and Dan Curro (Cello).

The quartet was founded in 2018 and was inspired by the iconic and controversial artwork ‘The Black Square’ by Kasimir Malevich – one of the first true examples of artistic minimalism. The quartet aims to challenge and inspire audiences with unique and innovative repertoire choices. Strong advocates of new and Australian music, they have collaborated with some of Australia’s finest musicians and ensembles, including Trichotomy, Shugorei, Sarah Curro, Aaron Brown, Steve Newcomb, and various others.

Tour Dates & Info

Fri September 12: Cleveland

Sat September 13: Eudlo

Sun September 14: Maleny

Fri September 19: Coolum

Sat September 20: Pomona

Info: www.redchair.com.au

This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. This initiative was supported through the Creative Industries Investment Program and is jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council’s Arts and Heritage Levy and the Regional Arts Development Fund in partnership with the Queensland Government.