Event
Alash Ensemble
ALASH are masters of Tuvan throat singing
(xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple
pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this
gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat
singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences
into their traditional music. One can find complex
harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary
song forms in Alash's music, but its overall sound and
spirit is decidedly Tuvan.
Trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood,
the Alash musicians studied at Kyzyl Arts College just
as Tuva was beginning to open up to the West. They
formed a traditional ensemble and won multiple
awards for traditional throat singing in international
xöömei competitions, both as an ensemble and as
individuals. At the same time, they paid close
attention to new trends coming out of the West. They
have borrowed new ideas that mesh well with the sound and feel of traditional Tuvan music, but they
have never sacrificed the integrity of their own heritage in an effort to make their music more hip.
Alash first toured the U.S. under the sponsorship of the Open World Leadership program of the Library
of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts. Since then they have returned many times, to the
delight of American audiences. The Washington Post described their music as "utterly stunning,"
quipping that after the performance "audience members picked their jaws up off the floor."
Alash enjoys collaborating with musicians of all stripes. They appear as guest artists on Béla Fleck &
the Flecktones' holiday CD Jingle All the Way (2008), which won a Grammy. The Denver Post
remarked, "As electrifying as the Flecktones' performance was, the band were nearly upstaged by Alash
Ensemble." Alash also enjoys a longstanding musical partnership with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra,
and they have collaborated with musicians across the spectrum, from country to classical.
Beyond performing, Alash has a passion for teaching and promoting understanding between cultures.
Their tours often include workshops where they introduce Tuvan music to students from primary,
middle and high schools, colleges, universities, and music conservatories. Children as young as 8 and 9
have learned to throat-sing. As one student exclaimed, "Alash opened my eyes to a whole new world!"
Alash has released three CDs of its own: Alash Live at the Enchanted Garden (2006), Alash (2007), and
Buura (2011). The members of Alash are:
Bady-Dorzhu Ondar: vocals, igil, guitar. Kyzyl Arts College, East Siberia State Academy of Culture and Art.
Best soloist, 2005 All-Russian Festival of traditional ensembles and orchestras. Best in Maxim Dakpai xöömei
competition, 2006. Named People's Xöömeizhi, 2007. Grand prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008.
Ayan-ool Sam: vocals, doshpuluur, igil, guitar. Republic School of the Arts, Kyzyl Arts College, Moscow State
Pedagogical University. First prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008.
Ayan Shirizhik: vocals, kengirge, shyngyrash, shoor, murgu, xomus. Kyzyl Arts College, East Siberia State
Academy of Culture and Art. Second prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008. Named Distinguished Artist
of Tuva, 2009.
Sean Quirk: interpreter and manager. Studied music in Tuva on a Fulbright fellowship. Named Distinguished
Artist of Tuva, 2008
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LocationSt Marys Arts Centre (View)
Strand Street, Sandwich
Kent ct139hn
United Kingdom
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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