Tan Dun conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Edinburgh Festival Chorus in the Scottish premiere of his own Buddha Passion.

One of the most versatile musicians in the world, Tan Dun combines a conducting career with his role as a UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador. His many accolades include an Academy Award for the score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Buddha Passion is set at the foot of the Himalayas and inspired by Chinese and Sanskrit texts. The story follows a little prince as he finds enlightenment and becomes Buddha, meeting an array of characters before reaching Nirvana. Tan Dun’s captivating music blends Eastern and Western styles.

The score fuses the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the musical tradition of JS Bach’s Passions. Featuring hypnotic orchestral textures and Eastern vocal techniques, this is a unique, life-affirming experience.

Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Tan Dun Conductor

Edinburgh Festival Chorus
AIDAN OLIVER Chorus Director

RSNO Youth Chorus
Patrick Barrett Chorus Director

LOUISE KWONG Soprano
Samantha Chong Mezzo Soprano
CHEN CHEN Tenor
Sun Li Baritone
BATUBAGEN Male Indigenous Singer
TAN WEIWEI Female Indigenous Singer
Chen Yining Pipa and Dancer

TAN DUN Buddha Passion