After years of practice and performance, the AnDa Union will convey the rich culture of Mongolia through music at Stuart’s Opera House tonight.
“Opportunities to see a group such as AnDa Union who perform amazing music from a completely different culture are important and valuable,” said Brian Koscho, marketing and promotions coordinator at Stuart’s Opera House. “Experiencing other cultures is always an important thing to do, but in this case, the music and performance is unlike anything most people have seen, so that makes it even more special.”
The AnDa Union brings musical styles from Mongolian history into its work. The band “aims to stimulate their culture and re-engage young Mongols,” according to its website. The history of Mongolian music is becoming lost, according to the site, and the group is “bound by a mission to promote the essence of this music to the world.”
The group has bonded together over its shared cultural history and goals.
“Most of the band members have been playing together since childhood,” group leader Narisu said in a news release. “As adults, we studied professional vocals and instruments together. We are like a family.”
The group’s music includes vocals, throat-singing, the morin hurr, the maodun, chaoer, a three-holed flute, and the Mongolian lute and mouth harp. The AnDa Union uses traditional folk music from throughout history as the main focus of its shows.
The band returns to Nelsonville after visiting in 2009. Their style of music is not only new to Southeast Ohio, but also “the very existence of a music group like AnDa Union is new to inner Mongolia,” according to the news release.
“It is such a unique performance and a great chance to see examples of a culture from the other side of the world right here in Southeast Ohio,” Koscho said. “The music and performance is powerful. I don't think many other places — anywhere not just in our area — can claim to have throat singing from Inner Mongolia on a Monday night.”
Koscho said floor seats are $10 in advance or $13 at the door and balcony seats are $5 in advance or $8 at the door. There are still several box seats available for $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
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