Alash Stops at Northeastern on North American Tour

Alash Stops at Northeastern on North American Tour Nov. 24

Tuvan Throat Singing Ensemble Gives Free Lecture, Concert

TAHLEQUAH If throat singing was an internationally recognized sport, members of the ensemble Alash would surely be gold-medal toting Olympians. The renowned musical group from Tuva (near the southern edge of Siberia) will perform on the Northeastern State University campus, Monday, Nov. 24 as part of their North American Tour.

The public has three, FREE opportunities to experience the ancient art of Xoomie or throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. The art has often been compared to using the voice like a human bagpipe, producing a low fundamental note, like a drone, while adding a higher series of harmonics. Lectures and demonstrations by Alash will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the NSU Playhouse. A free concert will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the same location.

Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash members Ayan-ool Sam, Ayan Shirizhik, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Nachyn Choodu are deeply committed to Tuvan music and culture. The men cover a full range of styles from the traditional basics of sygyt, xoomei, and kargyraa, to the embellished forms of borbangnadyr and ezenggileer. As fans of western music, the members meld western elements into their traditional song, creating a unique style that also remains true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

This event is sponsored by the NSU College of Liberal Arts and the Sequoyah Institute. To learn more about Alash, or to sample their music, visit the Alash web site.

For more information, contact The Sequoyah Institute at 918-458-2075. Information on the 23rd Annual Galaxy of Stars Series can be found on The Sequoyah Institute's web site.

11/21/2008

Published: 2008-11-21 00:00:00