Rafael's Dream: The Opsilon Handpan
The History of the Opsilon Handpan
As a child, Rafael created his fantasy planet “Opsilon” in his vivid imagination.
The child grew up, traveled all over the world, became a great musician, composer and producer. His inner dream continued. A vision formed, as complex as life on his planet “Opsilon” at that time: He imagined a powerful sound that would touch every soul.
Driven by this vision, he began to experiment and over the years learned how to transform raw metal into a finely tuned musical instrument.
An instrument that would sound like the inner sound he heard and sought.
Tracing the roots of the handpan family, Rafael found inspiration in the oldest forms and ensembles of steel drum instruments, such as the Tibetan gong, the Gamalan from Indonesia and the steel drum from Trinidad Tobago. In 2000, the “father” of all handpan instruments, called the “Hang”, was created in Switzerland. Rafael followed this genealogical line of modern rhythmic-melodic steel pans and recalled the diversity of their older forms.
Years of investment and experience followed, optimizing his craftsmanship, developing his technique and studying the physics of different materials under different treatments and conditions. A fusion of science and art was created. Finally, in 2011, the first Opsilon Handpan saw the light of day. When was the moment you cam in touch with the Opsilon? Review us on Google and tell us your History of the Opsilon Handpan.
Rafael Sotomayor
Whether for personal enjoyment, professional performance, or therapeutic purposes, the Opsilon Handpan is your companion in various situations. See, what we have to offer for you. Or do you want to get to know us? Visit us on one of our workshops in Süßen.
Seek for fellow handpan enthusiasts? Join the new Opsilon Handpan Facebook Group and share your passion. Engage in discussions about techniques, scales, and compositions, and gain insights from seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. This group is a hub for exchanging ideas, learning new playing styles, and finding inspiration. With us vividly participating, this is your chance to keep in touch with us on a family basis.