Conceptualized and spearheaded by Sandeep Das, Transcending Borders One Note at a Time (TBONT) is a response to recent world events and a concerted effort to harness the transformative power of music to catalyze positive social change. TBONT brings together masters of artistic traditions from across the globe to produce new works that are uniquely innovative yet deeply rooted in their original cultural heritage, then takes them beyond the concert hall and into local communities through a variety of outreach activities. Implemented through performances, talks/presentations and community engagement, the project aims to provide an artistic platform for dialogue about the importance of celebrating cultural diversity, empathizing with the perspectives of others, and recognizing all humanity as our global community.

 

Transcending Borders was launched in 2020 as part of the release of the HUM Ensemble’s debut album, Delhi to Damascus. Subsequent initiatives include Delhi to Shiraz (supported by the Guggenheim Foundation), Delhi to Istanbul (premiered at the Lincoln Center), and Delhi to Kabul, which was developed in residence at Dartmouth College and debuted at the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts. In conjunction with these activities, Das has since been programming multimedia talks and activities based on TBONT goals at venues, community centers, and major universities throughout the U.S.