It was the evening in March at Patan Museum, Patan. Its courtyard was decorated with prayer flags and event lighting where the audience was excitedly waiting for the show—Alchemy of Sound and Silence.
On the stage, there were musical instruments such as guitars, upright bass and tabla, kept in an organised way. As the clock hit 6 pm people started to gather, and all of them were excited to witness the performance of flautist Manose Singh, the only Grammy-nominated Nepali musician.
Hundreds of the audience were excited about the show, not only because Singh was performing, but also because it marked his return to the Patan Museum after 14 years.
“I am very excited to perform in Patan Museum after such a long time,” said Singh before the concert. “This concert will be significant because it will also show the potential of music beyond entertainment.”
Sound of Silence
Another thing that captivated audiences about the show was its name which was entitled Alchemy of Sound and Silence. While being asked about the name of the show Singh said, that music is not only a note but a silence between notes.
“At the end of the day, the thing that gives you peace is silence. Going into a rock concert may provide entertainment but the silence we feel after that is where the peace begins,” he said.
After Covid, Singh said, he had gone through a lot which inspired him to write new songs. Later, he felt like those songs should be shared among the audience.
Sanjay Shrestha, his bandmate in 1974 AD also encouraged him to do a show. So, Singh thought of organising a show on his own. The show featured his original songs, performed in collaboration with Adhishree Dhungana, Bijent Shah, Manoj KC, Navaraj Gurung, Prajwal Lama and Sanjay Shrestha.
Music as a healer
The other motive behind organising the show was that Singh wanted the people to know about the healing power of music. Healing through music is one of the popular concepts of the present time and Singh has been working on the concept for quite a while.
“People have cried listening to my flute. The sound of the flute has made them realise the thing they have always ignored,” said Singh. “It is also healing.”
He added that healing depends upon the person. Sound has a big role to play in everyone’s life. Even before you are born, sound is significant. Expectant mothers should be in a place where there is a healthy sound.
Spiritualism in music
Conversations with Manose Singh, his music and social media posts vividly reflect his spiritual side.
Singh believes that the place he was born which is Bouddha, where people from all over the world come to pray, the place which is also near to Pashupatinath Temple, made him inclined into spiritualism since his childhood. And he always feels blessed about it.
He said that spiritualism has always helped him as a musician. He gets feelings and devotion from the gods, resulting in quality music.
“Blending the music and spiritualism made me realise who I am and my potential,” said Singh.
At the age of eight, Singh started playing flute. From playing it in Pashupatinath Temple premises to different parts of the world, he has emerged as the sole Grammy-nominated Nepali musician. Additionally, he has also collaborated with John Densmore. His pieces for Pinjada Ko Suga, Samjhi Baschu, Prayers Flag for Binu and Mermaid Song have won the hearts of thousands of people. His remarkable success is a testament to his unwavering dedication to music.
Remaining persistent
Music, particularly in Nepal, only a few can sustain themselves as long as Singh. Singh believes that continuity has enabled him to achieve this level of success.
The thing that keeps inspiring Singh to continue music is his eagerness to recognise good music.
“To be able to recognise good sound amidst chaos always inspires to create music,” he said. “Sometimes I see people on the street playing good music. Such things fascinate me.”
Over the years of playing the flute in different parts of the world with various artists, Singh understands the flute as an instrument that can fit in both Eastern and Western ears. Basuri, according to Singh, is a simple instrument with a mystical and magical sound.
“In every country wherever I have performed, people easily get attracted to the sound of this beautiful instrument,” said Singh.
