Meet Tsenten, a 73-year-old guardian of tradition in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. By day, he strolls the Himalayan foothills; by night, he transforms into a cultural ambassador, enchanting audiences with the haunting melodies of the Tibetan eagle flute.
Flute in Focus
Carved from vulture bones and steeped in centuries of history, the eagle flute produces soul-stirring tones that mimic mountain winds. Tsenten, one of only a handful of living masters, told us:
\"This instrument isn’t just music—it’s our ancestors’ breath made audible.\"
Stage as Sanctuary
From village festivals to international showcases, Tsenten uses performances to preserve Xizang’s intangible heritage. His workshops for teenagers have already trained 50+ students, blending ancient techniques with TikTok-friendly tutorials.
As global interest grows in regional traditions, Tsenten’s flute whispers a powerful truth: Some legacies only grow louder with time.
Reference(s):
Lingering Melody on the Plateau: Telling the world about eagle flute
cgtn.com