Taipei Philharmonic Orchestra
December 17, 2015TYVAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA
The Tyvan National Orchestra; Тыва Национал Оркестр (Tyvan)
is a unique orchestra that uses traditional Tyvan instruments alongside classical Western instruments, traditional Russian instruments and Soviet-era “hybrid” instruments, reflecting the complex cultural history of the republic. The musicians also sing, and the majority of the Orchestra’s repertoire uses voices as well as instruments. Often featured is the ancient art of Tyvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Formed in 2003 as the Tyvan National Orchestra of Traditional Instruments, the orchestra was originally directed by Aldar Tamdyn. The orchestra is now led by the artistic director Shoraan Salchak, and managed by Artysh Opuilaa.
The Republic of Tyva (sometimes spelled Tuva) sits at the southern edge of Siberia, with Mongolia to its south. Over the centuries, Tuva has been part of Chinese and Mongolian empires, and shares many cultural ties with Mongolia. In 1944 it became part of the USSR, and is now a part of Russia.
The Tyvan National Orchestra has earned recognition throughout the Russian Federation. In 2005, just two years after its inception, it won one of the first prizes in the All-Russia Competition of Folk Orchestras and Ensembles, held in Saratov, Russia. The following year it competed in the newly configured All-Russia Competition of National Orchestras and Ensembles, held in Ulan-Ude (capital of the Republic of Buryatia), where it won the overall grand prize as well as a special prize for the most original program. It then performed in a two-day gala held in Moscow in 2008 to honor the regional winners.
Orchestra members include musicians known in the West for their throatsinging (members of the groups Chirgilchin, Tyva Kyzy, and Alash), Andrei Mongush (formerly of Huun-Huur-Tu), Ai-Xaan Oorzhak, Kang-Xuler Saaya, and Nikolai Damba, among others.
Dyrgen chugaa, Tyvan recitations, Tyvan National Orchestra and Throat Singing Choir, MP3, 320 Kbps, 2 min 28 sec
Sygyt and khoomei, Tyvan National Orchestra and Throat Singing Choir, MP3, 320 Kbps, fragment, 4 min 5 sec
Suzugleldig Bailak Tsurtum, Tyvan National Orchestra and Throat Singing Choir, MP3, 320 Kbps, 2 min 29 sec
