Heritage musicians promoting sustainable development

12.11.2024 0 Like 0 kommenttia

In October 2024, researcher Vilma Timonen led a panel with Kutumba, a Nepali folk music ensemble, in the international Glomus camp in Kathmandu, Nepal, on how heritage musicians can engage with issues of sustainability.

Kutumba is one of the leading Nepali instrumental ensembles that has, over its 20 years of history, had a remarkable impact on the viability of the rich musical traditions of Nepal. The Glomus camp panel created connections between the UN’s 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals and the values Kutumba has been promoting as part of their career as nationally renowned musicians. These values include: heritage awareness and viability, intercommunal interaction and inclusive music heritage, peace building, climate change, and gender equality, the latter being one of the most visible challenges in Nepali society and musical life. Kutumba’s socially and culturally engaged projects have reached audiences in Nepal and abroad and acted as an inspirational example of how economic viability in and through music is possible in the context of Nepal.

The Glomus camp was organised by the Nepal Music Center in collaboration with 31 higher music education institutions from 21 countries. Over 150 students participated in the 10-day camp, which took place at the Gokarna Forest Resort in Kathmandu.