Aku Tongmi: A Song for Bhutan
The Life Story of the Composer of Bhutan's National Anthem

Book + CD included!

This beautiful children's book tells the inspiring life story of composer Aku Tongmi, who was recruited into the Bhutanese Army from his remote rural village at a young age and eventually became a close personal servant to two Bhutanese kings, beloved first conductor of the Royal Army Band, an important teacher of traditional music and dance, and a generous builder of Buddhist temples and shrines. Illustrated by leading Bhutanese artist Pema Tshering, the book provides a wonderful little window into mid-twentieth century Bhutanese life and history. Full bilingual text (English/Dzongkha) of the story and CD song lyrics are included.

Accompanying CD features the national anthem and other songs in traditional styles performed by Bhutanese children.

Photo:  Authors Janet Herman (left) and Jane Hancock (right) with Tashi Norbu (middle), son of Aku Tongmi.

Legendary Performances from the First Studio Recordings of Traditional Bhutanese Vocal Music

In 1968 the Third King of Bhutan sent the finest singers in his kingdom to Calcutta, India, to record Bhutanese vocal music for the first time. For decades these pioneering recordings were largely unavailable. Now 15 classic songs from the historic Calcutta studio sessions have been digitally restored and remastered, fully revealing the sublime beauty of Bhutanese tradition.

Read the fascinating history of these recordings along with notes on the songs and full lyrics, download here.

Songs of Aum Nimchu Pem

Virtuosic unaccompanied traditional singing by nationally revered Aum Nimchu Pem, a 68-year-old farmer from Trongsa. This CD also includes several instrumentals featuring drangyen (lute), chiwang (fiddle) and lim (flute).

Lovely 24-page CD booklet included.

Masters of Bhutanese Traditional Music Vol. 1

The first publication of its kind, this book highlights 10 extraordinary elders who are keeping Bhutan's unique musical heritage alive. Includes biographical sketches, first hand recollections, contemporary and historic photographs.

CD sampler included!
(2013 Revision)