Kyinzom is a campaigner with Australia Tibet Council, an organisation that campaign for the human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people. The daughter of a noted Tibetan activist, Kyinzom grew up in Dharamsala and was schooled in the Tibetan Children’s Village. After studying at Delhi University, Kyinzom worked a journalist for the Times of India and The Asian Age. She has lived in Australia since 2006 and was the official reporter for the Dalai Lama’s 2011 Australian visit.
Past Festivals
Tenpa Dugdak
Tenpa was born in Tibet, grew up in India and is now living in Sydney. With his partner, Karen- he started ‘the Tibet effect’ movement-to document and further the positive impact of the Tibet movement on humanity on every level – He returned to his birthplace in Tibet for the first time in 2007 with his family, since he escaped as a baby on his Mother’s back. The return has been compiled into a book titled ‘ Our Tibet which was published in 2008.
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Sonam Norbu Dagpo
Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australasia was born in Tibet in 1956 and escaped to India in 1962. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Sonam has been a member of HH the Dalai Lama’s delegation to China from 2002 to 2008 and is a founding member of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and the Tibetan Young Buddhist Association.
Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso
Tsering T. Drungtso is a traditional Tibetan doctor graduated from Tibetan Medical and Astrological College (Men-Tsee-Khang) Dharamsala, India. He has been editor of many noted Tibetan magazines for health and well-being. He has a deep understanding of modern and traditional medicines and travelled extensively around the globe for healing seminars. He was also awarded the status of Visiting Research Associate Scholar and member at the Darwin College, Cambridge, UK in 2005. Doctor Tsering is a compassionate traditional practitioner while keeping the values of changing modern world.
Tenzin Tsundue
Tenzin Tsundue is a poet, writer and Tibetan activist. He won the first-ever Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction in 2001. He has published three books to date, translated into several languages. Tsundue’s writings have appeared in various publications around the world including the International PEN, Outlook, and The Times of India. In 2002 the Indian edition of the international fashion magazine Elle, named him among ‘India’s 50 most stylish people’.
Tashi Lhunpo Monks Of TIBET
Tashi Lhunpo was founded by H.H. the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gendun Drup, in 1447. It is one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet which was supervised and looked after by the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas and has the glory of producing thousands of renowned scholars in the field of Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy. After the invasion of Tibet in 1959, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery was re-established at Bylakuppe in South India in 1972. The monastery has monks coming from Tibet and Himalayan regions like Spithi, Khunu, Ladakh, Ghashar and Sangkhar. At present there are over 250 monks including many Tulkus (reincarnate lamas). The monks have to go through year intensive program of study of both sutra and tantra, debate, and are instructed in the creation of sand mandalas and butter sculpture, ritual performance, music, chanting, dance and basic literary skills in Tibetan and English. Each monk must also complete a two to three month meditation retreat for each of the principal deities and protectors, in order to qualify to perform their rituals. The cycle of retreats might take up to six years to complete.
The Blue Buddha – Lost Secrets of Tibetan Medicine
This film is a journey into the heart of Tibetan medical practice and explores what it has to offer to today’s Western medicine. Followed by a Conversation on Remedies for Happiness with traditional Tibetan doctor Tsering Thakchoe and Mr. Sal Battaglia (Perfect Potion founder).
Dr Thakchoe explains the use of meditation, medicinal herbs, incantations, mantras and blessings still employed by traditional Tibetan practitioners to treat a variety of physical and psychological ailments. Sal Battaglia discusses his passion for the art of aromatherapy and shares his approach to creating a holistic way of life.
Visy Theatre Thurs 2nd Feb 7pm $15Â Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
Summer Pasture
Summer Pasture is an intimate glimpse into the experiences of a young Tibetan family struggling to reconcile their traditional way of life with a rapidly modernising world. Rigid government policies have forced many nomadic families into permanent settlement in towns and cities and, according to the nomads, the world has entered duegnan – ‘dark times’. This feature-length documentary chronicles one summer with the family amidst this period of great uncertainty.
Visy Theatre Wed 1st Feb 7pm $15 Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
RANGZEN: for TIBET with Love Concert
In a journey into the world of Tibetan chants and ritual dances, the Monks of Tibet perform sacred rituals which embody the essence of secret tantric teachings. Tenzin Choegyal draws on his traditional Tibetan roots to create original and authentic musical compositions which uniquely express his cultural heritage. The Roaring Fire Choir of 50 voices with Tenzin, led by renowned musical director, Yani, presents an inspiring performance to complete a magical and moving evening of music.
Visy Theatre Fri 3rd Feb 8pm $30 ($25con)  Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
Planet BEMAC
Part of the Afternoon Planet series presented by BEMAC and Powerhouse for the Festival of Tibet, this free concert features the ever-popular Tibet2Timbuk2 and friends on the Turbine Platform.
Turbine Sat 4th Feb 5pm FREE
The TIBET Effect
Be the first audience ever to experience the new collaborative work, The Tibet Effect, featuring Indian based Tibetan poet, author and activist, Tenzin Tsundue, the Tashi Lhunpo Monks, Katherine Philp (cello), Shen Flindell (tabla), Peter Hunt (trumpet) and Tenzin Choegyal (dranyen, flute, vocals). Through poetry, narrative, music and chant, The Tibet Effect opens a door to the Tibetan refugee experience, the hopes, fears and dreams of those who long for justice. Enlightening and often amusing, The Tibet Effect will certainly create ripples within all who witness it.
Tenzin Tsundue is an award winning author, poet and activist who resides in Dharamsala, India. Named by the Indian edition of the fashion magazine Elle as one of India’s 50 ‘most stylish people of 2002’. He has published three books, his writings winning the Outlook-Picador Award for Non-Fiction in 2001. The charismatic Tenzin Tsundue has been wearing his red headband for eight years and pledges not to remove it until Tibet is free.
Visy Theatre Sat 4th Feb 8pm $30 ($25con)  Phone Box Office (07) 3358 8600 or click
SUNRISE/SUNSET a film
SUNRISE/SUNSET
A wonderful documentary which gives audiences the rare opportunity to experience 24 hours in the life of His Holiness the 14TH Dalai Lama.
Directed by Russian filmmaker Vitali Manski, the film follows His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamsala, India, from his early morning prayers at three in the morning to his bedtime at dusk.
The exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people has said of himself: “Sometimes people call me a living Buddha or a God King, but I always say this is nonsense. I am a simple Buddhist monk. Through this film you will realize, I am a normal human being, nothing special. Just a normal Buddhist monk.”
Featuring an introduction by Lynn Bain – Director of Dalai In Australia Ltd, plus a talk and slide show by Mr Tenzin Norbu, Director of the Environment Desk, Tibetan Government-in-exile, India.
Thu 3rd Feb (8pm) VisyTheatre$15 Phone (07) 3358 8600 or 
2011 Festival Overview
We hope you will join us to celebrate the Tibetan New Year, the Year of the Iron Rabbit!
Tibet House US will hold its 21st Annual Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, March 3rd. Philip Glass, Tenzin Choegyal, Flaming Lips, Angelique Kidjo, Taj Mahal, James McCartney, The Roots, Patti Smith with Jesse Smith and Michael Campbell, and Michael Stipe have confirmed and we are expecting other artists to join the line-up soon so check the Tibet House US website regularly as all new updates will be posted! Concert tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling CarnegieCharge at   212.247.7800  or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office (57th Street and Seventh Avenue)
Please note: concert only tickets are not available through Tibet House US.
Benefit package tickets including concert tickets and entrance to a post-concert dinner party with the honorary chairs and artists are available now online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Carnegie Hall is located at 881 Seventh Avenue (at 57th Street).
Dear Friends of Tibet,
Over the last week, I have received quite a few calls and emails from people wondering whether the Festival of Tibet is still on. I would like to reassure everyone that despite the Brisbane Powerhouse experiencing some flooding, it has been cleaned up and the Festival of Tibet is definitely going ahead in high spirits from 3 – 5 February 2011. Please come and support.
Whist challenging, the difficulties we facing in the lead up to the Festival of Tibet are extremely minor compared to the devastation experienced by so many of my fellow Queenslanders. Much assistance is needed still, so please visit http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/ to see how you can help. Festival of Tibet is announcing that all the proceeds from TIBET: Awakened Heart concert will go towards the Flood Relief. So, please book your tickets to help our fellow Qlder’s.
Photo Exhibitionïœ Filmïœ Panel Discussion ïœPublic Talkïœ Workshopsïœ Meditationïœ Concerts
The Festival features:
- a public talk by special guest Ama Jetsun Pema. Widely known as “Mother of Tibetâ€, for her commitment to Tibetan children’s education, Jestun Pema was the first female Minister in the Tibetan Government-in-exile, a UNESCO Medal winner and is the younger sister of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This is Ama Jetsun Pema’s first trip to Australia and a real treat for festival goers;
- the touring photo exhibition ‘A Man of Compassion and Wisdom -THE 14th DALAI LAMA’S JOURNEY‘ detailing His Holiness’ life and achievements;
- ‘The Art of Healing’ panel discussion featuring Neljorpa Pemsi (Tibetan Yogi), His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s representative in Australia, Geshe Jamyang from Chenrezig Buddhist Institute and others;
- The documentary ‘SUNRISE: SUNSET‘ depicting 24 hours in the life of the Dalai Lama;
- TIBET: Awakened Heart Concert with Tenzin Choegyal, Taro Terahara, Female Tibetan singer Jamyang Dolma and Tibet2Timbuk2(an award winning world music group)
- Mystical TIBET Concert Chants and Tibetan Gypsies Melodies with Tenzin Choegyal, Jamyang Dolma and collaboration of Tenzin with Camerata of St. John’s chamber orchestra to create a musical potion.
- Workshops on Tibetan Thangka painting with renowned artist, Karma Phuntsok, and Meditation with the Nejorpa Pemsi;
- Many free events suitable for all ages including the creation of the Sand Mandala for Peace happening throughout the Festival.
- To download the PDF version of the festival postcard and full schedule please click below.
- Festival of Tibet Postcard – 1.54 MB
Please join us to celebrate the third annual Festival of Tibet
For tickets (including Festival package deals) and info please call the Box Office on (07) 3358 8600
or visit www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
Proudly sponsored by the Perfect Potion
www.perfectpotion.com.au
Australia Tibet House www.australiatibethouse.com.au
Dva Ragaspace
Brisbane Powerhouse and BEMAC present: PLANET
February 5th 5pm – 7pm
Dva Raga Space
Do you have a taste for the exotic but can’t afford a world trip? That’s ok. We’re bringing the world to you. Join Dva (Linsey Pollak and Tunji Beier) as they host our first Planet of 2011, they will be joined by Taro Terahara and Shen Flindell.
Taro Terahara is great command of sur (tuning) and lay (timing), with the ability to compose innovative taans and tihais on the spur of the moment. His music both engages the mind and touches the heart.
Shen Flindell has grown to become one of Australia’s leading tabla players, and is also very active in the thriving Indian music community of Japan. He is best known for his beautiful sound and supportive accompaniment. They both to take you on a spiritual journey to start the year.
TIBET: Awakened Heart for Qld Flood Relief Concert
Tibet2Timbuk2 is an award winning fusion of African, Indian and Tibetan sounds which transcends cultural boundaries. Rollicking Tibetan folk, afro-reggae guitar grooves and intricate Indian tabla sound as if they were made for each other! Together, Tenzin Choegyal, Marcello Milani and Shen Flindell take audiences on a journey from the joyous to the meditative and back. With guest artist Taro Terahara, master Bansuri (Indian classical flute) player and Jamyang Dolma a renowned Tibetan female Vocalist.
Sat 5th Feb (8:00 pm start) Visy Theatre $30 (Con$25) Phone (07) 3358 8600 orÂ
http://www.tibet2timbuk2.com/ http://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/
Jamyang Dolma was born in Kham in the east of Tibet. Her family were farmers and she learnt traditio
nal mountain songs and epic stories from her grandmother. In 1985 she left the difficult situation in Tibet and arrived in Dharamsala in northern India where she joined the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. She has performed extensively in Europe. She has performed solo in television appearances in Japan and concerts in Paris and London. She also participated in the filming of “Kundunâ€, the Martin Scorcese film about the early life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and her songs were featured in a documentary about the making of this movie. Her powerful voice expresses the traditional culture and beliefs of the Tibetan people with emotion and spiritual affinity. Jamyang’s songs include prayer chants, traditional folk songs from eastern Tibet and songs from the King Gesar epic, a famous ancient Tibetan tale. She is very happy to sing for you today.