By Mannu Shahi

Kishor Gurung is an iconic musical figure whose countless contributions to the Nepali music landscape procured a global variety, awareness and wholesome vision to the perpetual mono-dimensional way of perceiving music. 

The classical guitarist was trained under academics Larry Almeida, George Salellariou and David Tanenbaum for his post-graduation degree in western guitar at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. After attaining a full scholarship in 1979, Gurung moved to the US for further exploration and whilst his time in the conservatory attended master classes from world renowned guitar players such as Manuel Barrueco (Cuba), Jose Thomas (Spain), David Russell (Scotland), Abel Carlevaro (Paraguay) and Julian Bream (the UK) amidst others. 

Unquenched by the mere probe of his primary instrument, Gurung delved deeper in the realm of the cultural cognition and significance of music after receiving a grant from the East-West Centre for his higher studies. 

The musician enrolled on a master’s degree course in ethnomusicology at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, becoming the first Nepali to attain the title of ‘ethnomusicologist’ by 1983. 
His research on the traditional Ghantu music and ritual practices of the ethnic Gurung communities residing in Yangjakot, a village near Pokhara, is till date considered a pertinent catalogue for the music of this particular community. 

Furthermore, Gurung’s paper was published via the prestigious Himal South Asian magazine in 1993, titled: “What is Nepali Music?” questions, contemplates, explores and explains the fragmented notions of the 90s’ musical context of Nepal. 

The resistance of western influence, the socio-political state of the country and its direct imprint on either flourishing or deteriorating condition of arts, the largely isolated artistic practices belonging to the marginalized ethnic cultures, a crisis of identity etc. are amidst the still very relevant and ahead of time queries depicted by the scholar.

Gurung also comes from a family of artistes. His father, the legendary late Amar Gurung, composed the current national anthem of Nepal and his brothers – Sharad and Raju – are also involved with the music. Sharad is a music educator at Berklee College of Music in Boston and a jazz pianist while Raju is a filmmaker and drummer with a post-graduation in Performance Art and Percussive Studies.

Although one can trace Kishor Gurung’s musical approach in the arrangement of the present national anthem, itself, nonetheless his rather candour arrangement seen in a pop context is his collaboration with Sunil Parajuli in the 1986 album “Sunsaan Raatma”. 

A ten-track album, sung and penned by Parajuli, includes evergreen hits like the title track ‘Aakashai Ma Chil Udyo’, was arranged by Gurung and presented by Classical Guitar Society. 
Being the founder of the Classical Guitar Society, that has over time organised international guitar festivals and ethnomusical seminars in Nepal, Gurung inspires the collective to serve as a platform for international and local exchange of guitar music as well as cultural archive representing the diverse Nepali styles in practice throughout this country.

Sadly in 2006, this dynamic personality was diagnosed with focal dystonia (a debilitating nerve condition) enabling him to halt musical performances and guitar practice for years. However, determined with his passion for music, Gurung discovered his own therapy of shadow practicing and replaced his instrument with a miniature model for better ergonomics.
Since 2010, the guitarist has returned to occasional live shows in various esteemed global stages as he has, over the course of his vibrant career, performed in countries including the USA, Germany, France, Thailand, Belgium, the UK and India.

And this past Friday, on February 25, 2022, the musical legend had teamed up with his disciple Saroj KC accompanying on guitars to present a guitar-duo-night filled with original as well as standard tunes demonstrated in a light classical/flamenco setting. 
The duo performed their music at Vino Bistro, Lazimpat with a free entrance which vouched for a great turnout that led to an energetic performance, refreshing even to the attendees especially post-pandemic.