The 10th edition of the Vivaan, the Handpan and World Music Festival will be held from January 30 onwards in Bambolim
From being a niche music instrument, the handpan, has over the recent years grown to become an integral part of the contemporary music scene. Beyond just its unique sound, the instrument, made from tuned sheet shells, is also known for its soul-stirring capabilities, forming an important part of relaxation and meditation. And in celebration of this instrument, Vivaan, the Handpan and World Music Festival which began back in 2017, is all set to return to Goa this January end. Held over three days – January 30 to February 1 – at the Bambolim Beach Resort, in Bambolim, the festival will feature a huge line-up of music performances both Indian and international, workshops, sound sessions, dance experiences, drum circles, yoga sessions, art therapy, and more.
Among the performances to look forward to is Hang Massive which will be the headline act. A globally acclaimed handpan duo formed by Danny Cudd and Markus Offbeat, interestingly, the journey of this group began in Goa, where a chance meeting sparked a musical movement. Blending handpan with live electronics, Hang Massive creates immersive, rhythmic and meditative soundscapes. Their albums, including Luminous Emptiness, explore rhythm, stillness and cinematic storytelling influenced by contemplative practice.
Grammy-nominated handpan artist from Brazil Alexandre Lora will also be in attendance. Apart from performing at the festival, Lora will be conducting an advanced handpan workshop.
The international line-up also includes handpan artists and composers Amin Varkonyi from Austria and Golsa Nazari from Iran.
Among the Indian acts, Padma Shri awardee and Grammy nominated bansuri maestro Ronu Majumdar will perform as part of The Windstring Ensemble, a specially curated Indian contemporary classical presentation rooted in raga, rhythm and deep listening.
Rini (Harini Raghavan), a vocalist and violinist whose work blends Carnatic music, jazz harmony and contemporary expression will present her Carnatic Jazztronica project as a full ensemble.
Other music acts include The Aahvaan Project that will present a contemporary folk and world music set, Santhosh Chandran who is a guitarist and composer known for his Indo-Flamenco approach, Ganesh Murali Iyer known for his mastery of the ghatam and mridangam (his ghatam features on Ed Sheeran’s album ‘Play’, especially in the song ‹Sapphire›), and Shivam & The Gypsies, a high-energy ensemble inspired by Gypsy and Balkan folk traditions.
