ALASH - Throat Singers from Tuva January 23, 2008

The Intercultural Institute at New England Conservatory of Music presents a performance-lecture by ALASH, the adventurous young throat singers from Tuva.

These musicians are masters of xoomei, the ancient Tuvan art of singing multiple pitches at the same time. The Washington Post described their music as “utterly stunning,” quipping that after the performance “audience members picked their jaws up off the floor.” In December 2007, the president of Tuva honored Alash member Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, only 23 years old, with the title of People’s Xöömeizhi of Tuva, the highest honor in throat singing.

What distinguishes this gifted young group from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. They are open to new musical ideas while remaining true to the traditions of their grandparents and generations past. The result is an intriguing tapestry of new and old, east and west.

More information about Alash and Tuvan music, including audio and video clips, can be found at the Alash website: http://www.alashensemble.com

The concert will include informative commentary and an opportunity for Q&A. The event is free and open to the public.

Official Website: http://concerts.newenglandconservatory.edu/index.php?Date_Year=2008&Date_Month=01&Date_Day=23