namgar

The repertoire of Namgar consists of the songs and melodies shared by Buryats and Mongolians, embracing the world of sounds as big as from the Lake Baikal in the East of Russia to the Great Wall in China, from the songs of shamanist gatherings of Siberia to celebration songs you might hear at a midsummer fest in Mongolia to exquisite melodies from Inner Mongolia. Looking like characters from the ancient legends of Asia on stage, the group delivers the music that is both exotic and easily accessible. Four musicians were drawn together by this ancient music little known to the world in January 2001, in Moscow, Russia: Namgar Lhasaranova and Jipo from Ulan-Ude, Buryatia (South Siberia), Altay and Urna from Mongolia. Their collaboration sprung from the songs and music of the Hori Buryats, as well as from Mongolian compositions, as Buryats and Mongolians share many common musical traditions. The heart of this project, Namgar (Namgar Ayushievna Lhasaranova) whose name was used to call the entire group, grew up in a Buryat family in a tiny village of Kunkur near the border crossing of Russia, Mongolia, and China. Hori Buryat tribes to which Namgar belongs, historically were supporters of Chingis Khan and important commanders of the Mongol Invasion. Their songs and dances date back to the glorious times of the Mongolian Empire, preserving many genres and songs that became extinct in the other parts of Mongolian world. Being separated from each other politically since XVII century, Buryats and Mongolians still share many common traditions, and in search of cultural identity often think about each other as "true keepers of the ancient heritage".DISCOGRAPHY: In October 2003, Namgar released their first official CD entitled “Hatar” (round dance). It boasts a first ever collection of Buryat all-time favorites that are quite distinct and neatly arranged. It was a group of enthusiastic young people from Moscow who started a label called “Sketis Music” , specializing in world music, who gave the opportunity to the group to record their album, because they were sure this music was fantastic. Album cover was designed by Dashi Namdakov, the most prominent young artist among the Buryats.The Group: Namgar(full name Namgar Ayushievna Lhasaranova) Jipo (full name Eugene Zolotaryov) Altay (full name Altangerel Khishigtogtokh)Uri Balashov Battuvshin ___________________________________________________