Bubu Munshi‑Eklund founded the Lund International Tagore Choir in Sweden to preserve and perform the songs of Rabindranath Tagore [1].
This initiative brings the musical heritage of Bengal to Northern Europe, fostering a cultural bridge between Sweden and India. By establishing a formal choir, Munshi‑Eklund ensures that Tagore's compositions remain accessible to international audiences and are not lost to time.
Munshi‑Eklund is a Bengali singer who received professional training at Rabindra Bharati University [1]. She has resided in Lund since 1983 [1]. Her deep connection to the region and her academic background in music provided the foundation for her efforts to promote Bengali art in Scandinavia.
The Lund International Tagore Choir was established around 2011‑2012 [1]. The group focuses on the performance of Tagore's works, which are known for their poetic depth and melodic complexity. The choir serves as a vehicle for both cultural preservation and educational outreach in the community.
Munshi‑Eklund said the goal of the choir is to keep Tagore’s musical legacy alive in Sweden [1]. Through these performances, the choir introduces the local population to the philosophy and artistry of the Nobel laureate. The ensemble continues to operate as a hub for those interested in the intersection of Indian and Swedish culture.
By integrating these songs into the Swedish cultural landscape, the choir maintains a living archive of Tagore's influence. The project reflects a broader trend of diaspora communities using art to maintain ancestral ties while enriching their adopted homes.
“Bubu Munshi‑Eklund founded the Lund International Tagore Choir in Sweden to preserve and perform the songs of Rabindranath Tagore.”
The establishment of the Lund International Tagore Choir highlights the role of the South Asian diaspora in exporting cultural intellectual property to Europe. By institutionalizing the performance of Tagore's work in Sweden, Munshi‑Eklund transforms a personal artistic practice into a community resource, ensuring that the specific aesthetic and linguistic nuances of Bengali music are preserved outside of India.
