ALASH are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this group 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 & contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound & spirit remain 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 & the National Endowment for the Arts. Since then they have returned many times, to the delight of American audiences. Alash enjoys collaborating w/musicians of all mediums. Since their early partnership with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, they have joined forces with musicians across the spectrum—from country to classical to jazz to beatboxing. Alash appeared as guest artists on Béla Fleck & the Flecktones’ Grammy-winning holiday CD Jingle All the Way (2008). They joined Chicago’s innovative Fifth House Ensemble in a groundbreaking concert series called Sonic Meditations, and later were part of a “global jam band” which recorded the soundtrack for the video game The Pathless. Bady-Dorzhu Ondar even teamed up with beatboxer Shodekeh in a live recording of original Tuvan songs filtered through the creative artistry of hip hop musicians. Beyond performing, Alash has a passion for teaching & promoting understanding between cultures. Their tours often include workshops in which they introduce Tuvan music to students in primary, middle & high schools, colleges, universities, and music conservatories. Even children have learned to throat-sing.
Members of Alash:
Bady-Dorzhu Ondar: vocals, igil, guitar, bayan (accordion). 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 of Tuva, 2007. Grand prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008.
Kang-Khüler Saaia: vocals, byzaanchy, chadagan. Kyzyl Arts College, founding member of Tuvan National Orchestra.
Ayan-ool Sam: vocals, doshpuluur, igil, xomus. Republic School of the Arts, Kyzyl Arts College, Moscow State
Pedagogical University. First prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008. Named People’s Xöömeizhi of Tuva, 2015.
Ayan Shirizhik: vocals, kengirge, shyngyrash, shoor, xomus. Kyzyl Arts College, East Siberia State Academy of Culture and Art. Second prize, International Xöömei Symposium, 2008. Distinguished Artist of Tuva, 2009. Named People’s
Xöömeizhi of Tuva, 2021.
Sean Quirk: manager, interpreter. Studied music in Tuva on Fulbright fellowship. Named Distinguished Artist of Tuva, 2008.
I had the pleasure of getting some time with the ensembles manager/interpreter Sean Quirk as the ensemble got its tour on. Here in Madison on March 29th, people can experience all that is the Alash Ensemble at the Bur Oak. We got deep into trying to explain just what it is people who go out and see an Alash show are going to experience. I will attest (Sean will back me), it is as much a feeling within as it is getting wrapped in the sound vibrations coming out to you. It is something that does change people. Sean does his best to share what is was/is about the music and the culture that changed his life. Click into his name above to see just how much he got immersed – amazing cat. We talk about the ability of this music and these artists to be universal collaborators, with an openness to see where the ‘fits’ are, I believe the bridges of the world do get extended. We also get into a little lesson or two on both the instruments (not just throat singing happening here) and the region of Tuva. The music is as fascinating as all the pieces that make it happen. I believe I could do greenarrowradio from Tuva (with our new Packers Bar opening).
