"Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are." - Ralph W. Emerson
Cello-Chanting uses the Cello, Kora (African Harp), Voice, Shruti Box (Drone Instrument), Tibetan Singing Bowls, and World Flutes, (Indian Bansuri, Shakuhachi Zen Flute, and the Native flute) to create a vibrant musical texture that relaxes the body and mind into a state of peace & tranquility.
Cello-Chanting also explores group vocalizations in a way that opens the Heart/Mind into stillness. This is done by exploring drone sounds like AUM. After each sound exploration, there is a period of silence which allows for deeper relaxation.
Songs for Peace, Love, and Mindfulness is a series of Six Guided Meditations and Songs that focus on the Themes of Wholeness/Completeness, Acceptance, Forgiveness/Gratitude, Intimacy, Giving, and Devotion/Trust.
Cello-Chanting in a Group is easy, fun, ...and very relaxing. (Experience in music or meditation is not needed...only an open mind & heart).
"I believe the cello has a unique way of reaching the hearts of its listeners. Through ritual, the sounds of the cello can be used to awaken the heart. Sound is universal; it is the one language that people understand intuitively. Love is also universal; it is our source and is the one language that all people, regardless of culture and faith, are searching for. It is my dream to use sound and ritual in a way that awakens the heart." - Lucas Tensen
The Following Sound Gatherings will be offered in the near future:
1) SOUND EXPLORATIONS (Saturday once a month). Dates: Sat 1-3 R.S.V.P. (Suggested Donation $15)
2) SONGS FOR PEACE, LOVE, & MINDFULNESS. (Simple Songs combined with a series of Guided Meditations that focus on Mindfulness and Self-inquiry)Dates: TBA
3) POEMS FOR PEACE, LOVE, & MINDFULNESS. (Simple Poems, accompanied by Kora) Dates: TBA
4) SATSANG-KOANS. (Simple meditative reflections created to free the heart & mind. Accompanied by various instruments. ) Dates: TBA
5) FLUTE JOURNEY (An evening of flute improvisations combined with guided silent meditations with guest Jamie Thompson). Dates: TBA
6) SELF HEALING CLASS (Simple meditative movements for health and well-being). Dates: TBA
Sound Explorations are held occasionally on Saturdays at 84 Glendale Ave. or at St. Anne's (270 Gladstone Ave.) on Sat 1-3. R.S.V.P. (lucas.tensen@gmail.com) Suggested donation $10-20.
Bio - Lucas Tensen is a multi-instrumentalist (cello, kora, world flutes...) with a B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University where he studied cello and voice. He recently travelled to St. Louis, Senegal (West Africa) where he lived with a Djembe player, while taking lessons on the Kora. Lucas currently lives in Toronto where he teaches cello and facilitates sound gatherings that are healing, relaxing, and inspiring.
Lucas plays in the URBAN FLUTE ENSEMBLE (flute, violin, and cello) with Jamie Thompson and Max Scheinin. The URBAN FLUTE ENSEMBLE plays monthly concerts in St. Anne's Church (270 Gladstone Ave.), on the second Wed of each month at 7:30.
Flautist Jamie Thompson joins Cello-Chanting on occasion. Jamie brings along a diverse collection of flutes from around the world, and is the creator of a fascinating Blog: urbanfluteproject.com Includes professional photography, sound files, and stories of Sound & Spaces.
