“One of the most astonishing sounds a human body can produce. …There are plenty of recordings of Tuvan throat singing out there, but they can’t compare to witnessing such sonic magic in real time.” — Washington Post
Valencia, CA, August—The Alash Ensemble brings the beautiful and exotic sounds of their Inner Asian homeland to launch the 2015-16 season of the California Institute of the Arts’ (CalArts) Wild Beast Concert Series on Saturday, September 19. Alash’s musicians, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam and Ayan Shirizhik are internationally renowned practitioners of Tuvan throat singing, an ancient technique that allows vocalists to sing multiple pitches at one time. Ensemble members also play a variety of Tuvan traditional instruments, contributing to an overall musical experience that the Washington Post described as “absolutely stunning.” Click here for music samples, video and high resolution photographs.
The open-air concert takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 5 p.m. at the Wild Beast music pavilion on the CalArts campus. Hosted by the Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts, the Wild Beast Concert Series is free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested.
Alash has brought Inner Asian music, with its multiple layers of complex sounds, to audiences around the world. While Western musicians seek to produce a pure focused tone, Tuvans break tones into a spray of sounds and textures. The haunting and distinctive sound draws on the unique qualities of throat singing. Newsweek once described a traditional Tuvan singer as, “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.“
Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, Alash stays true to the traditions of their musical heritage while blending new influences. The ensemble has collaborated with a wide range of musicians including American classical artists, beatboxer Shodekeh, and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. “This is some of the most beautiful and haunting music I have heard,” commented Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones and Dave Matthews Band. “If you have not heard them, you have no idea how incredible they are.”
More about The Alash Ensemble and traditional Tuvan music and culture:
http://www.alashensemble.com/
Music samples, video and high resolution photographs:
http://www.alashensemble.com/press.htm
Calendar Editors Please Note
What:
Alash Ensemble, featuring Tuvan Throat Singing and Traditional Instruments
When:
Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Where:
The Wild Beast Music Pavilion on the campus of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia CA 91355
Free admission. Reservations suggested.
Click here for directions and more information
For information call 661 253 7825