Sounds Into Silence

About This Event

Sounds Into Silence was a Tucson screening and live music event centered on "MANTRA: Sounds into Silence," a feature-length documentary about Kirtan, the musical and social practice of call-and-response mantra chanting. Presented at the Fox Tucson Theatre on August 25, 2024, the event combined film, conversation, and a live performance by the Infinite Compassion Orchestra. It was part of the Fox Tucson Theatre's lifelong learning Curious Conversations programming.

The documentary charts the history, expansion, and effect of Kirtan, focusing on people who have found healing and a sense of inner peace by singing mantras with others. Alongside those personal stories, the film features artists and musicians connected to the movement, including Deva Primal and Miten, Krishna Das, Snatam Kaur, Lama Gyurme, Jai Uttal, and MC Yogi. Their stories explore how they came to the music and how it transformed their lives over time.

The event was designed to continue that exploration after the screening. A panel discussion followed the movie, offering an opportunity to deepen the conversation around Kirtan and its role in people's lives. The program then moved from film and discussion into a live Kirtan experience, allowing the musical form introduced in the documentary to be heard and practiced in a concert setting.

The live performance featured the Infinite Compassion Orchestra, identified by the Fox Tucson Theatre as Baja Arizona's premier Kirtan ensemble. The group describes its work as rooted in Bhakti Yoga and in connecting with the divine through ancient Sanskrit mantras and music. Its sound brings together influences from East and West, with Kasey Gopal on harmonium and vocals, Ashley Gee on vocals, Hadji Banjovi on arco banjo, Mark Rein'l-Bautista on upright bass, Vicki Brown on violin, Matt Moon on tabla, and Chris Molinari on guitar.

Sounds Into Silence offered Tucson a program that linked documentary storytelling with a panel discussion and live musical participation. The event took place at the Fox Tucson Theatre, a nonprofit venue that presents events, supports youth arts and culture, and offers lifelong learning programming. The August 25, 2024 presentation has passed and is no longer on sale.