DHARAMSHALA: The 23rd Tibetan Opera Festival concluded today after five days of performances by opera troupes from different parts of India and Nepal. The chief guest at the concluding ceremony was Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Other dignitaries at the concluding ceremony include the Chief Justice Commissioner and Justice Commissioners, members of Kashag and Tibetan Parliament, secretaries and senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.
In his address, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel spoke about the importance of abiding by the guidance and advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the important role that Tibetan opera plays in safeguarding Tibetan culture and tradition. He also narrated a brief biography of Thangtong Gyalpo, known as the founder of Tibetan opera. He lauded the rich sources of literary texts based on which Tibetan operas are performed.
Eleven troupes from different parts of India and one from Nepal took part in this year’s festival. Each troupe presented a short excerpt of their performances on the opening day.
Performances were staged at TIPA from 21 to 25 April, and concurrent performances were performed at Norbulingka Institute and TCV School Chauntra from 21 to 23 April.
The festival concluded with a final performance of “Gyalsa Bhelsa” by artistes of Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).