Alash

Alash is a Tuvan group from Kyzyl that performs central Asian throat singing and folk music. The ensemble forms in 1999 and continues to be active. Its members are Nachyn Choodu, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam and Ayan Shirizhik.

The group takes its name from the Alash River, which runs through Tuva, the region where the musicians come from. All of the members graduate from Kyzyl Arts College and study with Kongar-ool Ondar, a master throat singer and former member of the Tuvan parliament who appears in the film Genghis Blues. When the ensemble forms in 1999, it develops into Alash, with Kongar-ool Ondar as artistic director.

The musicians train in traditional Tuvan music from childhood and also have an interest in western music. They sometimes add non-traditional instruments such as guitar, and use their knowledge of western harmony and song forms to broaden their sound.