A launch celebration for a new coffee table book, Gopal Yonjan: the Man and his Music, will take place on Friday, August 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CSU Spur Hydro Building’s Confluence Theater in Denver. The book, written in English by Gopal Yonjan’s wife Renchin Yonjan, is about how Gopal, who died in 1997, was a pioneering figure in Nepali music. The book highlights his life, musical journey, and contributions to modern Nepali music, blending traditional and modern styles.
At the launch, Renchin will share stories and experiences about Gopal, both professionally and personally. There will also be six performances by local Nepali musicians, showcasing a range of Gopal’s music.
“We are trying to promote this whole concept of music that you listen to and you sort of feel from the heart,” Renchin said. “We’d like to share music that people can associate with just because of the melody, because it's something that is universal and that you can empathize with, rather than just trying to understand words or trying to make sense from just the rhythm.”
Gopal was a prominent and popular singer and composer of Nepali music, according to the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections at Cornell University Library, where many of Gopal’s musical assets, notebooks, photographs, awards, and more are kept. He was known for his patriotic Nepali songs, and the university noted that “his voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre of Nepalese music.” Gopal was in the first generation of Nepali singers who became professional singers, the university said.
Shrijana Yonjan, Gopal’s daughter, will also be in attendance. She said that after the official launch of the book in Colorado, she and Renchin will travel to four or five other states to promote the book, with Texas being the next stop.
The event is open to the public, conducted in English, and will include explanations of songs and Nepali lyrics for non-Nepali speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the book, which is being sold for $55, at the venue. The event will also feature a reception beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the main program.
“The performances are not exactly a full fledged concert, but more to complement what is in the book so that the audiences get to understand,” Shrijana said.
Gopal Yonjan: the Man and his Music is divided into two parts: the first chronicles his musical journey, and the second explores the essence of his music, his philosophy, and his impact on both Nepali and international music communities. The aim of the book, according to Renchin, is to introduce his legacy to a wider, especially English-speaking, audience.
“This is, in fact, the first of its kind, coffee table book in English being published on any Nepali personality, especially from the music field,” Renchin said. “Nepali music is known more as book-based or traditional music. But my husband spent all of his creative years creating modern music, but with a very Nepali flavor. And I think that needs to be understood, that Nepali music is not only about folk and traditions, but also creations of modern music.”
The launch event is free to the public, but seats must be reserved ahead of time online. Gopal Yonjan: the Man and his Music is not yet available for purchase online, but will be available online at an undetermined date in the future. Books may be purchased using cash or card at the launch event on Friday.
