Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion is the first of its kind in a centuries-old tradition: a passion not inspired by a Christian narrative, but rather, a Buddhist one. Stirred by the city of Dunhuang and its ancient caves, Tan Dun created a powerful score that weaves chants, stories and sounds into a breathtaking vocal masterpiece, capturing the Buddha’s teachings and timeless concepts of love, forgiveness, sacrifice and salvation.
PLUS: Explore more with The Mogao Caves: An Immersive Experience, coming to Benaroya Hall’s Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center November 3–13, 2022. In this virtual journey to the desert, presented in partnership with the Dunhuang Foundation, you’ll walk through the astounding caves that inspired composer Tan Dun. Designed by Greg Downing of Hyperacuity and Eric Hanson of Blueplanet VR, this limited engagement program will invite the community to better understand Dunhuang’s historical importance and its pivotal role as inspiration for Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion.