Nad Music Institute (USA) and Bhai Vir Singh Chair (Punjabi University) are inviting all interested parties to attend the International Kirtan Conference on Hermeneutics of Divine Soundscapes: Decoding the Musical Signatures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which will be held from October 22 to 24, 2024, at Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab.
The conference is being offered in a hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and online participants from around the world, making this a truly global event. The free online Registration for the conference is open, you can register here. The conference will feature over 20 research presentations by scholars from six different countries, alongside live Kirtan performances, offering a dynamic platform for both spiritual exploration and academic exchange. This is a first of its kind conference which will bring together scholars, musicians, theologians, and practitioners from across the globe, united in a shared mission: to explore the deep relationship between spirituality and music as rooted in the sacred verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The event will play host to world-renowned speakers such as Dr. Francesca Cassio (USA), Dr. Harjinder Singh Lallie (UK), Dr. Janice Protopapas (USA), Bhai Baldeep Singh (India), Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Michaud (USA), Sarbpreet Singh (USA), and Amardeep Singh (Singapore), who bring vast expertise in Sikh musicology, history, and sacred music traditions. In the evenings, Kirtan will be performed by renowned Ragis with deep expertise in Gurbani Kirtan. The esteemed participants include Bhai Kultar Singh, Hazuri Ragi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib; Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant, Hazuri Ragi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar; Bhai Satninder Singh Bodal, a A-Grade vocalist with All India Radio; and Dr. Alankar Singh, Head of the Music and Gurmat Sangeet Departments at Punjabi University.
The excellent speakers & participants will aim to interpret the divine soundscapes embedded in Gurbani Kirtan traditions and delve into the musical signatures that convey profound spiritual messages. Through paper presentations, discussions, and live performances, we aim to foster dialogue on the contemporary relevance of these divine soundscapes in the face of evolving religious thought and cultural dynamics. These sessions will offer unique insights into how Gurbani Kirtan continues to influence both spiritual and normative practices, across different cultures and religious contexts.
About
Bhai Vir Singh Chair was formally established in 2013. Padma Bhushan Bhai Vir Singh, an acclaimed figure in the literary world, is widely recognised as the father of modern Punjabi literature. His contribution to Punjabi language and literature has been remarkable, having dedicated 50 years of his life to our traditional heritage through modern scientific idioms. Emulating the tradition of philosophy, knowledge, and experience set forth by Guru Nanak Sahib, Bhai Vir Singh created various forms of literature, including poetry, fiction, rhetoric, editing, interpretation, and research, all of which have played a significant role in shaping modern Punjabi literature.
About Nad Music Institute : Nad Music Institute, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington (USA), established in 2018, is committed to advancing Sikh music through academic research, collaboration with musicians and musical societies, and the creation of educational resources.
Conference Director: Dr. Jaswinder Singh,
In-charge, Bhai Vir Singh Chair, Punjabi University, Patiala.
Conference Co-Director: Dr. Manjit Singh,
About the Conference: The International Kirtan Conference is dedicated to exploring the deep relationship between spirituality and music as rooted in the sacred verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Scholars, musicians, and theologians from around the world will interpret the divine soundscapes and uncover the layers inherent in the musical signatures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The event aims to foster dialogue on the spiritual, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of Sikh sacred music. Conference Objectives: Interpret the musical traditions within Sri Guru Granth Sahib and explore their symbolic meanings. Examine how Sikh musical heritage influences spiritual practices and cultural dynamics. Discuss the contemporary relevance of these sacred soundscapes in today's religious discourse.
Key Highlights:
20+ Research Presentations on Sikh sacred music and its interpretation.
Scholars from six different countries presenting on Sikh Musicology and Spiritual Traditions Live Kirtan Performances, showcasing the original musical masterpieces of Gurbani Kirtan.
Research papers on the cultural and philosophical significance of Raags, Musical Signatures, and Gurbani traditions. Open to a global audience through its hybrid format.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Francesca Cassio – Professor & Chair, Music Department, Hofstra University, USA
Dr. Harjinder Singh Lallie – Director of Gurmat Sangeet Academy, UK
Dr. Janice Protopapas – Ethnomusicologist in Sikh Music, USA
Bhai Baldeep Singh – Founder & Chairman, The ANAD Foundation, New Delhi
Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Michaud – Executive Director of SikhNet.com, USA
Sarbpreet Singh – Writer, Playwright, and Podcaster, Founder of Gurmat Sangeet Project, USA
Kirtan Diwan - Kirtani Jathas: Bhai Kultar Singh – Hazuri Ragi, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib, New Delhi Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant – Hazuri Ragi, Sri Harminder Sahib, Amritsar Bhai Satninder Singh Bodal - Grade-A Vocalist of All India Radio Dr. Alankar Singh - Head, Gurbani Kirtan Department and Music Department, Punjabi University, Patiala