SOCORRO, N.M. – All the way from a small republic in Central Asia, a trio of musicians known as “human bagpipes” will perform Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in a free concert at Macey Center. The Alash Ensemble are
masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. The ancient tradition of throat singing developed among the nomadic herdsmen of Central Asia – people who lived in yurts, rode horses, raised yaks, sheep and camels, and had a close spiritual relationship with nature.

What distinguishes the trio – Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, Ayan-ool Sam and Ayan Shirizhik – from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. Alash’s music includes complex harmonies, western instruments and contemporary song forms.

Passed down through the generations but largely unheard by the outside world, Tuvan throat singing is now the subject of international fascination and has become Tuva’s best known export. Tuva (sometimes spelled Tyva) 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. Tuva is now a member of the Russian Federation.

The group’s performance in Socorro is the third of four free concerts sponsored by the 2023-2024 Presidential Chamber Music Series and the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series (NMT PAS). NMT PAS Director Dana Chavez said that this will be Alash Ensemble’s first visit to Socorro, as part of a tour of the Southwest.

“We are super excited about this group and even more excited that we can offer it for free through the Presidential Chamber Music Series,” she said. “We felt that their music really is ‘chamber’ in that it uses a very little bit of amplification, played on traditional instruments, so we view it as world chamber music.”

Beyond performing, Alash has a passion for teaching and promoting understanding between cultures. Their tours often include workshops in which they introduce Tuvan music to students. Chavez confirmed that the group will be doing a lecture-demonstration for youth the afternoon of Jan. 18.

“We are very excited about this as well,” she said.

The Presidential Chamber Music Series, which sponsors several free concerts each season for NMT students and community members, began more than 30 years ago, conceived by Adam Gonzalez, a faculty member in the New Mexico Tech Music Program under Director Michael Iatauro. The tradition continues with sponsorship by NMT Interim President Dr. Daniel H. López. The next free community concert in the series will be Thursday, March 7, 2024, featuring the Moanin’ Frogs Saxophone Sextet (replacing canceled Alias Brass)..
More info is at nmt.edu/pas