Bhutan has a way of leaving an indelible mark on every visitor – captivating hearts, sparking wonder, and leaving memories that linger for a lifetime. For Jowita Sip, the acclaimed opera singer from Vienna, Austria, this enchantment became reality during her first visit to the Kingdom. She arrived in Thimphu to participate in the 14th chapter of Bhutan Echoes, and like so many before her, left with an experience she will cherish forever.
From the moment she stepped off the plane at Paro International Airport, she knew she was somewhere extraordinary. “It truly felt like magic the moment the plane landed,” she recalled. “The mountains, the fresh air, and the peaceful atmosphere immediately touched my heart. I felt a deep sense of calm and wonder — it’s a very special place.”
As her visit came to an end, Sip carried with her a treasure trove of memories. “The calm, the beauty, the kindness of the people, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find in everyday life… there was a kind of magic here that I’ll carry with me in my heart. I truly hope I can return one day. This experience will stay with me forever,” she said.
Her journey was filled with unforgettable moments. “One of the most meaningful experiences for me was hearing the short but powerful message from His Eminence Vairochana Rinpoche Nga-wang Jigme Jigten Wangchuck. It was clear, humble, and full of wisdom,” Sip shared. She was equally moved by the speech of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, at India House on August 1, 2025. “It was elegant, wise, and deeply moving. It left a lasting impression on me. And then came the artistic performances — the actress’s monologue, the chorus, the dancers — it was truly on the highest artistic level.”
Participating in the 14th chapter of Bhutan Echoes was a source of profound inspiration for the Austrian singer. “Throughout the festival, I was inspired by speakers such as Chime Paden Wangdi, Dr. S. Natesh, and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Thierry Mathou. The outdoor presentations by artists, accompanied by live music and dance, added a vibrant and beautiful layer to the entire experience,” she said.
Sharing music from Austria in Bhutan, Sip felt, was more than a performance. “It felt less like a concert and more like a cultural offering, exchanged with great mutual respect. Being part of Bhutan Echoes is a great honor. This place feels almost untouched — like a sacred space on Earth that holds deep values and wisdom. It offers a powerful contrast and inspiration for the Western world, showing us what is truly meaningful.”
Sip also described a personal connection to Bhutan. Coming from the Caucasus, she said, she “felt a strong emotional connection to Bhutan’s culture. It’s both familiar and deeply moving. But above all, I feel deeply honored to have been chosen to represent the art of music from Aus-tria here. Sharing my voice in such a meaningful setting is something I will always treasure.”
The visit offered lessons beyond music. “Bhutan’s culture and landscape have reminded me how important it is to stay grounded — that we don’t need to take ourselves too seriously, but rather focus on giving our best with sincerity. Being surrounded by such pure nature inspires a deep sense of trust — in life, in the rhythms of nature, and in people. The respect shown here, both for the environment and for each other, is truly inspiring and humbling,” she reflected.
Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness has struck her deeply. “When I first read about Gross National Happiness back home, I actually had to read it twice — I couldn’t quite believe such a beautiful idea could be real,” she recalled. “The thought that a country would prioritize well-being, balance, and inner values over material growth deeply moved me.”
For Sip, Bhutan Echoes was more than a festival; it was a living dialogue. “International cultural festivals like Bhutan Echoes are incredibly important because they create space for real exchange. Not just of art, but of ideas, values, and ways of seeing the world. It’s not about comparing or proving anything, but about being curious and open. For me as an artist, it’s profoundly enriching to share what I do. Even though we come from different places, we often feel and care about the same things.”
Drawing parallels between her Austrian roots and Bhutanese culture, Sip noticed a surprising res-onance. “Both Austrian and Bhutanese cultures place a strong value on tradition, beauty, and depth in artistic expression. In Austria, especially in classical music and opera, there’s a deep re-spect for history — and I felt the same here in Bhutan, particularly in the way music and dance are connected to something spiritual and meaningful.”
Looking ahead, she envisions collaborations that bridge continents and artistic traditions. “There’s immense potential for beautiful and meaningful projects between Austrian and Bhutan-ese artists or institutions. Concerts, workshops, cultural exchanges — bringing different expres-sions together can create something truly unique. I would love to be part of that in the future,” she said with a bright, hopeful smile.
Sip’s message to the Bhutanese audience and the international arts community was simple but heartfelt: “Keep sharing your light! Bhutan has something truly special — a deep connection to nature, to values, to beauty — and the world needs that now more than ever. I will never forget the incredible warmth I felt from the audience here, especially the unforgettable applause. It went straight to my heart and gave me so much joy and energy. To the Bhutanese audience: thank you for receiving me and my music with such open hearts.”
A graduate of the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna- once ranked number one globally – Jowita Sip brings years of international experience to her performances. From concerts to opera productions, festivals, and masterclasses, her artistry spans continents. Yet in Bhutan, she found something rare: a place where her music, her heart, and her spirit felt profoundly at home.
Ugyen Tenzin from Thimphu
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