HANDPAN
BLUEMOUNTAINS
Welcome!
Hi, my name is Henrique Dib. The first time I encountered a handpan in 2015, I was instantly captivated by its unique ‘UFO-like’ shape, rich and otherworldly sound, and the artistry behind its creation. From that moment, I knew I had to share its beauty with others.
HandpanBlueMountains is my way of bringing this magic to life — through live performances across Sydney that can entertain, relax, or even guide you into meditation and spiritual connection. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, the handpan has a way of inspiring a simple, heartfelt reaction: “WOW!”
Why ‘Blue Mountains’ in the name? That’s where I was living when I started this project.
LIVE MUSIC
Captivate your audience with the unique, enchanting sound of the handpan.
Perfect for meditation, yoga, cafés, restaurants, hotels, retreats, and more — its tone can be soothing or upbeat, tailored to your event.
Setup: One performer, one instrument.
Venues: meditation & yoga classes, cafés, restaurants, spas, retreats, hotels, conferences.
Fee: Varies by location, duration, and event type. Contact me for quotes and bookings.
SUPPORT MY WORK
Your support means so much and helps me continue sharing music! You can contribute via PayID (Australia) or PayPal (Australia & worldwide).
Thank you for supporting live music and the artistic community!
handpanbluemountains@gmail.com
OR
THE HANDPAN
Curious to find out more about this amazing instrument? Find below a few questions to get you started…
What is a handpan?
The handpan is a rare new kind of mesmerizing musical instrument invented in the 21st century. The handpan’s lenticular shape looks like a UFO, a wok or a turtle shell. Part art and part instrument, the handpan is often referred to as a “sound sculpture”. Each handpan is handcrafted and unique. You can see hammer marks from its artisanal making process across the instrument. The relaxing tones and intuitive playing style of the handpan make it a gateway instrument, accessible to anyone.
Where is the handpan from?
The handpan is the world’s newest musical instrument! It is the evolution of the Hang (often called “hang drum”) which was an instrument invented in 2000 in Switzerland by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt, a steel-drum manufacturer located in Bern, Switzerland. The generic term “handpan” came later in 2007. It was coined by Kyle Cox of Pantheon Steel who was the second manufacturer of this kind of instrument, after the Swiss originators. Pantam is another name for handpans.
How does a handpan work?
A handpan is made out of two bowls of steel sheet glued together and tuned into a musical scale. On the top shell, the handpan has a center note which the inventors call the “ding”. It can be either dented outward (apex) or inward (inpex). The tone circle around it counts 7 or 8 harmonized notes played up and down in a zig-zag pattern. There is a hole on bottom shell of the handpan (called “Gu” by PANArt). This opening activates a deep bass note: the Helmholtz.
What does the handpan sound like?
Unlike the steel-drum which is played with mallets, the handpan is played by hand. As a result, it produces softer sounds, almost like raindrops… Playing a single note activates several overtones (typically, the octave and the fifth of the note). These overtones give handpans a magical and rich layered sound.
Where can I find more information about the Handpan?
A few websites to get started are:
– https://www.sylvainpasliermusic.com/about
– https://www.masterthehandpan.com/
THE ARTIST
Henrique Dib is a multi-award-winning screen composer, musician, producer, and educator whose passion for music and improvisation knows no bounds.
A First-Class Honours graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (majoring in composition) and recipient of the prestigious University of Sydney Medal, Henrique was awarded an unprecedented 14 composition scholarships and recognised on the Dean’s List for academic excellence. His works have been performed and broadcast in several countries, with clients including Telstra, Kia Motors, Foxtel, UNICEF, Singapore Tourism, and the Australian Government.
As a performer, Henrique is an accomplished classical and jazz pianist and keyboardist, as well as a skilled accordionist, handpan player, and multi-instrumentalist. He performs both as a soloist and with ensembles around the world. As an educator, he brings over 20 years of experience teaching jazz piano, composition, production, and improvisation — including at the Sydney Conservatorium.
In 2017, Henrique launched WavebeatsMusic, an online music brand that has sold thousands of production-music licenses worldwide and continues to be his main line of work. In 2020, he founded HandpanBlueMountains, offering live handpan music for yoga classes, meditation sessions, events, venues, and street busking — a project deeply connected to his heart and spiritual journey.
Henrique lives in the beautiful and vibrant suburb of Potts Point, Sydney, Australia.
More info:
CELESTIAL SOUND
I bought my handpan from Celestial Sound and couldn’t be happier! Tim Tom, a talented Melbourne maker, delivers amazing quality, great service, and genuine kindness. If you’re in Australia and want a handpan, I highly recommend Celestial Sound.
More info, please go to:
CONTACT
Feel free to reach out via the email below, or connect with me on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you!