WHISPERING SKY | Sydney Festival 2026
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https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/whispering-sky-tenzin-choegyal-with-tenzin-kunsang
Date Reviewed: 16/01/2026
Full house on opening night!
Audiences captivated in a trance from beginning to end….
Whispering Sky unfolded as a rare and transportive experience. I felt as though I was carried on a magical carpet ride through the clouds and mountain tops of the Himalayas, an immersive, healing, and deeply spiritual musical journey. It was profoundly relaxing, yet emotionally stirring, offering what felt like a soothing massage for the brain through glorious Tibetan sounds and original musical instruments whose echoes made you feel suspended in the Himalayas themselves.
Positioned as an intimate and contemplative musical experience rather than a conventional concert, Whispering Sky is clear in its artistic intent. The work prioritises listening, stillness, and presence over spectacle, and it delivers on that promise with integrity. Rather than building toward climactic moments, the performance invites the audience to slow their internal rhythm. Sections of extended abstraction may challenge those expecting a more conventional musical structure, but these shifts feel deliberate, aligning with the meditative and spiritual purpose of the work.
Tenzin Choegyal, a Grammy-nominated Tibetan-Australian musician, brings extraordinary depth to the performance. Known for his mastery of traditional instruments like the lingbu (flute) and dranyen (lute), his vocal performance bridges tradition and immediacy, drawing on Tibetan techniques that feel ancient and emotionally present, with profoundly powerful vocals. He takes his time to explain and narrate each song, offering cultural context and insight that deepens the audience’s understanding. Throughout the evening, audiences are encouraged to sing and become part of the songs, transforming the performance into a shared, participatory experience that further immerses attendees in the ritual and meditative journey.
Tenzin Kunsang, an accomplished musician who performs across Japan and internationally, complements Choegyal’s presence with both musical and ceremonial expertise. He combines tonal textures, rhythmic patterns, and melodic embellishments on traditional instruments with technical precision, shaping both emotional and structural contours of the performance. A highlight is his Hunter’s Dance, traditionally performed to cleanse the stage’s aura before operas begin. Executed with grace and intensity, it establishes a sacred ritual tone for the evening. Kunsang’s colourful traditional attire further enhances the ceremonial presence, visually reinforcing lineage and authenticity while enriching the immersive experience.
Production design is minimal yet effective, allowing sound, silence, and ritual movement to remain central. While some quieter passages could benefit from slightly clearer amplification, the overall audio experience supports the nuances of breath, resonance, and harmonic layering beautifully.
Emotionally and intellectually, Whispering Sky leaves a lasting imprint. It gently recalibrates attention rather than overwhelming the senses, inviting reflection and stillness. Production and performance are largely impeccable, though a few sections could benefit from slightly tighter pacing, and some delicate instrumental textures could be more prominent with subtle amplification. It earns a strong 4.5-star rating, signalling excellence while acknowledging small refinements that could elevate it further. The performance is outstanding in artistry, execution, and emotional resonance. A mesmerising, culturally rich, and deeply moving experience, not to be missed, and one I wholeheartedly recommend seeing live.
Enjoy the magical carpet ride through the Himalayas!!! An unforgettable journey for all the senses…
Reviewed By: Adrianna Janice