The Alash Ensemble will perform Saturday, March 31 at the MonDak Heritage Center, Sidney. Originally from the Republic of Tuva, the border region between Siberia and Mongolia, the four members specialize in throat singing. Throat singers have the ability to sing up to four notes at once; in other words, they self-harmonize.
Alash was inspired by the culture’s nomadic herdsman origins. According to their website, “Alash remains grounded in this tradition while expanding its musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West.”
Manager and interpreter Sean Quirk said that Tuva has a history of its own. He explained that Tuvans have a rich oral tradition, and that they communicate through their music. “Each song tells a story,” Quirk said.
The performance will include original songs, each sung in the Tuvan language. Singing is accompanied by a variety of traditional instruments. One featured instrument is the murgu, a flute with no holes, played by Ayan Shirizhik. The songs cover a range of themes including love, nature, national politics and spirituality.
“Tuvan language culture is very different from America’s,” Quirk said. “But when it comes down to it we are all singing about the same things. When it comes down to it, it’s just folk music. It’s universal.”
These performers are from a region not unlike the MonDak, and have a deep passion for music, and a unique sound, it will be a concert no one will forget. Alash has performed for countless festivals and concerts, and has shared the stage with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. There is no fee to attend, but donations are encouraged.
This concert is made possible by the membership of the MonDak Heritage Center.
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