Alash {Throat Singing Folk Trio from the Republic of Tuva}

Sunday, April 19th: A Cultural Exchange Sunday Matinee showcasing Alash {Throat Singing Folk Trio from the Republic of Tuva} Matinee Showtime: 4 pm | Doors: 3 pm | Educational Meet-and-Greet Reception: 3:30 pm Admission: $20 Advance Music-Makers receive exclusive discount for this special cultural showcase using their special/standard promo code. All advance buyers will be guaranteed a seat reservation with name card placed to designate their seat. This is an all-seated, all-listening theater-style performance. What does throat singing sound like? “Imagine a human bagpipe—a person who could sing a sustained low note while humming an eerie, whistle-like melody. For good measure, toss in a thrumming rhythm similar to that of a jaw harp, but produced vocally-by the same person, at the same time.” ALASH ensemble is a trio of master throat singers (xöömeizhi) from Tuva, a tiny republic in the heart of Inner Asia. The ancient art of throat singing (xöömei) developed among the nomadic herdsmen of this region. Alash remains grounded in this tradition while expanding its musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West. The ensemble is named for the Alash River, which runs through the northwestern region of Tuva. The Alash River has also inspired a couple of Tuvan songs which carry its name. All members of Alash were trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood, first learning from their families, and later becoming students of master throat singers. In 1999, as students at Kyzyl Arts College, they formed a group called Changy-Xaya and soon became the resident traditional ensemble on campus. At the same time they learned about western music, practiced on hybrid Tuvan-European instruments, and listened to new trends coming out of America.