Tenzin Choegyal

Music is the outcome of a series of intentions—intentions around collaboration, presentation, and inspiration. Inspired by the Rubin Museum’s 2019 exhibition The Power of Intention, Tenzin Choegyal delves into the meaning behind our actions, joined by acclaimed cellist Rubin Kodheli with Leo Heiblum on tabla.

Through his powerful musical performances, celebrated Tibetan artist, composer, and activist Tenzin Choegyal has brought Tibetan nomadic traditions to audiences at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, the WOMAD festival, and elsewhere around the world. In this concert he will look inward to explore the root of his musical practice and the intentions behind it.

About the Performer

Tenzin Choegyal is a Tibetan artist, composer, activist, musical director, and cultural ambassador. Born to a family of Tibetan nomads, Tenzin Choegyal was forced into exile in India as his family fled the repression in Tibet. As a child, Tenzin would listen to his mother singing in the nomadic style, and he attributes much of his passion for that genre to her early influence. Over the years, Tenzin has enjoyed a successful international career as a musician, playing at such prestigious events as WOMAD as well as several Concerts for Tibet House at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Rubin Kodheli, a cellist, composes music for modern dance, orchestras, and chamber ensembles and contributed compositions to the widely acclaimed film Precious (2009). He also writes music for his band Blues in Space. Mr. Kodheli has performed with many artists, including Philip Glass, Henry Threadgill, Meredith Monk, and Regina Spektor to name a few.

He has also worked extensively with Laurie Anderson, and performed a concert of improvisations on August of 2018 with Ms. Anderson and Christian McBride at the Newport Jazz Festival.

Leo Heiblum is from Mexico City and has been creating music for films from all over the world for 20 years. He owns Audioflot with his partner Jacobo Lieberman, where he produces original and traditional music for all kinds of visual arts.

Films with his music have been presented and won awards in the most important festivals in the world. He is currently part of the SNCA (National System of Art Creators), a recognition given by CONACULTA (National Council for Culture and Arts) to notable artists and scientists who render outstanding services through their work to the creative identity of Mexico.

He is working on a TV series produced by Gael García Bernal, a film also directed by Gael, and the new film by Colombian director Ciro Guerra, whose previous film Embrace of the Serpent was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards.