Kirtan, Sound, and the Practice of Connection
Kirtan. Sound Journeys. Yoga Philosophy. Retreats. Satsang.
Offered locally in Winnipeg, MB and Internationally
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Shell & Anton are international touring Kirtan artists & Yoga Educators who walk the joyful path of Bhakti Yoga. Their deepest inspiration is Kirtan - musical Mantra chanting that both soothes the mind and lifts the spirit. Feeling called to share the transformative power of Mantra with others, they blend tradition, music, and heartfelt explanation with warmth, devotion, and their own brand of humour.
Together, they share a love of Yoga, music, Mantra and the simple power of coming together in community. Their offerings blend Kirtan, percussion, sound journeys, Yoga philosophy and contemplative practices to create experiences that invite people to slow down, listen, participate and connect.
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Shell & Anton offer Kirtan and Yoga-based experiences across Canada and internationally, including retreats, festivals, workshops, Satsangs and intimate community gatherings.
No musical experience is necessary. No singing voice is required. You are welcome exactly as you are.
Kirtan with Shell & Anton
Kirtan is a participatory practice of singing and repeating sacred Mantra, traditionally offered through call & response.
Shell leads the chanting and plays harmonium, while Anton provides percussion and rhythmic grounding. Together, they create an atmosphere that can be lively and joyful, meditative and inward, or somewhere beautifully in between.
For this Bhakti duo, Kirtan isn't about performing perfectly. It is about participating, listening and experiencing the practice together.
The repetition of Mantra gives the mind somewhere to rest. The rhythm creates a shared pulse within the group. The voice becomes another way of practicing awareness.
You don't have to be a singer. You don't have to know Sanskrit. You don't have to understand every word. You just need to come with a sense of curiosity and an open heart. You can sing loudly, quietly, or simply listen.
Expression, Not Impression.
That's at the heart of how they approach Kirtan. Shell & Anton share the stories, meanings and Yoga philosophy behind the Mantras while making space for each person to have their own experience of the practice. Some Kirtans are energetic and celebratory. Others are quiet and contemplative. Every gathering is a little different because the experience is created collectively by everyone in the room.
More Than Kirtan
Their work together is much more than just Kirtan:
Sound Journeys
Anton brings his experience as a percussionist, Yoga Educator and sound journey facilitator to create immersive sound experiences that invite deep listening and rest.
Shell guides participants into deep rest or one-pointed focus (Ekāgratā) and often accompanies Anton with Mantra, harmonium and percussion.
Sound journeys may incorporate handpan, drums, percussion, rhythm, harmonium and other instruments to create an opportunity to move out of doing and into listening. These experiences are offered as stand-alone pop-up events, as part of Yoga classes and workshops, and within retreats and other special gatherings.
Retreats
Shell & Anton offer intimate Yoga, Kirtan and contemplative retreats, creating space to step away from everyday routines and spend a little more time listening inward. Retreat experiences often include:
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Kirtan and Mantra
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Sound Journeys
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Yoga Asana and meditation
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Yoga philosophy
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Satsang and discussion
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Time in nature
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Mauna (silence)
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Community and connection
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Exquisite and wholesome vegetarian meals
Some retreats are local to the Winnipeg area, while others take participants farther afield, including international destinations and Yoga communities.
Yoga Philosophy & Satsang
Shell & Anton are passionate about making Yoga philosophy practical and relevant to everyday life. Through philosophy classes, Satsang and discussion-based gatherings, they explore traditional teachings and consider how they might actually help us navigate relationships, change, uncertainty, busy minds and the ordinary challenges of being human. Satsang means coming together in the company of truth. Sometimes that means learning. Sometimes it means questioning. Sometimes it simply means sitting together and having an honest conversation. Regardless, Shell & Anton make Yoga philosophy accessible and relatable to modern day times.
Their Journey
Shell & Anton were drawn to chanting and spiritual practice for many years before making their first journey to India. There, they experienced Kirtan in ashrams, temples and unexpected places, including gatherings along the banks of the Ganges.
Seeing Mantra woven into the fabric of society in India, something shifted for them during that journey. They realized that what they were experiencing wasn't something they wanted to keep to themselves. They wanted to create opportunities for other people to experience the connection, joy, reflection and sense of community that these practices had given them.
Since then, their journey has continued through teaching, studying, travelling, performing and sharing these practices with communities across Canada and Internationally.
Shell brings her years of experience as a Yoga Educator, Kirtan leader and student of Yoga philosophy.
Anton brings his experience as a percussionist, Yoga Educator and sound journey facilitator, creating the rhythmic and sonic landscape that supports their work together.
Together, they continue to explore what happens when sound, Mantra, philosophy, movement and community come together.
Breath of Bhakti
Debut Kirtan Album Coming Soon!
Shell & Anton are excited to be releasing their first Kirtan album, Breath of Bhakti, on Bandcamp & streaming platforms. The album grew out of their years of travelling, practicing and sharing Kirtan together. Join the newsletter to be the first to know when the album is released!
Bring Shell & Anton to Your Community
Shell & Anton offer Kirtan, Sound Journeys, Yoga Philosophy, Satsang, workshops and retreat experiences for:
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Yoga studios
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Retreat centres
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Yoga Ashrams
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Festivals
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Wellness communities
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Private gatherings
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Conferences and special events
They are available for local, Canadian and international bookings. For booking inquiries including Kirtan, retreats, festivals, workshops and sound journey experiences, please contact Anton.
Upcoming Events
Check the Events page for upcoming Kirtans, Sound Journeys, retreats, philosophy classes and tours.
A Message from Shell & Anton
Go easy on yourself.
We'll see you on the path.
We love you, we love you, WE LOVE YOU!
Words from Participants
"The Kirtan I attended with Shell & Anton was transformative. The effect that their music has on the mind and body is indescribable. I immediately felt welcome at their event as their kindness and authenticity radiated from them. I can't wait for the next time I get to attend." ~ KW
"As usual the retreat did not disappoint. I know the information was deep but this weekend the words seemed to resonate with me. The company is welcoming, supportive and truly nice people. Each time I find it easier to get out of my comfort zone and socialize. I am always rewarded for my efforts. Both Shell & Anton are so knowledgeable but so approachable with any questions or discussions." ~ JD
"The event last night was just what I needed, so thank you again. I will certainly participate in more. I can say that with the integrity of experience. The practice of Yoga has been my true and constant companion for more than half a century. During that expanse of time I have had various trainings and shared the practice with others. I mention these things with the intention of reinforcing whatever value my background can give to my honest statement that - Shell & Anton are the “real deal.” A true Namaste to you both.
~MH"