The last concert I attended was Oasis at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in September 2025. The much lower-key Bardo Songs, featuring the extraordinary Tibetan singer Tenzin Choegyal, was equally magnificent and memorable in its own way, leaving a lasting impression with me and anyone lucky enough to witness it.
The capacity audience in Yuthok Ling temple at Topanga’s Pure Land Farms was guided into a meditative journey inspired by the teachings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead: Liberation Upon Hearing in the Between. This venerable text, attributed to the eighth-century Buddhist Vajra master Padmasambhava, provides insight and instructions on how to navigate the stages of the Bardo—the state between life and death. According to the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, the Bardo journey offers an opportunity for practitioners to awaken to their own true Buddha nature and be liberated from all suffering.
Internationally acclaimed and Grammy-nominated singer and musician Tenzin Choegyal was accompanied by award-winning composer Simone Giuliani on piano, along with master artist Tsering Dorjee Bawa (Tenzin’s brother), who also performed the graceful yet powerful Black Hat ritual dance during the concert. Will Graefe on guitars and Gabe Noel on upright bass were quality additions to the ensemble, while the excellent narration by Pure Land Farms co-founder, Christiana Polites, guided us masterfully through the Bardo journey.
Thanks to engineer Tom Evans, the sound was also superb. Every note and word was clear and bright. What I especially loved about all the musicians and the narration was that they were there to serve the singer and the music. No loud solos or unnecessary fills. This was a well-rehearsed, cohesive band at the top of their games without ever being intrusive.
The star (probably not the best way to describe a modest and humble Tibetan Buddhist) was undoubtedly Tenzin Choegyal. He is a rock star in this genre. Some audience members were moved to tears by the beauty of his voice. I could tell he is an outstanding and unusual singer, but I know someone more qualified to attest.
My sister, singer Julia Fordham, explains: “Tenzin has abundant authenticity; he is an extraordinary vocal master and a living embodiment of Tibetan music. He can shift effortlessly from a soft flute-like sound to a guttural peaceful warrior to a soaring, singing songbird as he carries the audience on an emotional and visceral journey.”
Bardo Songs is also a great vehicle for Tenzin Choegyal’s other musical talents, as he is a stellar player of the wood flute and dranyen (a Tibetan stringed instrument).
Timed perfectly at just over an hour, Bardo Songs left the audience deeply moved, enraptured even. The reaction was an initial stunned silence, swelling to loud applause and a much-deserved standing ovation.
Bravo to everyone involved in this wonderful evening, which was presented by Yangchenma Arts & Culture. The good news is Bardo Songs is an annual event and Tenzin and Tsering will be back next year.
Pure Land Farms hosts other intimate music performances. No loud rock bands here so as not to disturb the neighbors. If you would like to receive updates about future music releases, events, workshops, and retreats, join their mailing list at yangchenma.org/contact.
