Biography
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Years Active
2001 – present (23 years)
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Members
- Altangerel Khishigtogtokh
- Evgeny Zolotaryov
- Jamyan Urantogs
- Namgar Ayushievna Lhasaranova
Namgar (Buryat: Намгар) is a 4-piece music group that performs traditional Buryat and Mongolian music.
Its leader Namgar Lhasaranova (Buryat: Намгар Лхасаранова) comes from the east borderland where three countries, Russia, Mongolia, and China meet. She inherited a rich singing tradition of the Buryat people who reside in Russian regions of Buryatia and Agin Buryat Region. The group comprises singing of Namgar Lhasaranova and instrumentalists from Mongolia. Instruments of the group include morin huur, chanza, traditional percussion, etc.
Namgar Lhasaranova performed solo or with modern groups at local and international venues since 1980 in a variety of genres including traditional songs, jazz and pop. It was in 2001 in Moscow that she and Evgeny Zolotaryov created a permanent group inviting Mongolian musicians Kh. Altangerel on morin huur and Jamyangiin Urantögs on yatag.
Their notable distinction from Mongolian groups are dance tunes extinct in Mongolia since 17th century, and the endorsement of Buryat tradition with minimum inclusion of songs from 20th century.
Launching Moscow concerts in March 2001, the group performed at the international festival Riddu Riđđu (Norway) in July 2001 along with Hedningarna, Wimme, Sainkho, Mari Boine, Chirgilchin etc. The collaboration with the festival continues until today (2008), while the group became the official representative of the festival in Russia.
There were several appearances of the group at Russia's major TV channels and concert venues. For some years they would also open exhibitions of a leading Buryat sculptor Dashi Namdakov in Moscow.
Namgar's debut CD titled Hatar (Dance), was recorded and issued in October 2003 by Moscow World Music label Sketis Music. It attracted several international reviews, including Dirty Linen that would endorse both the music and the cover design by Dashi Namdakov.
In 2005 Namgar performed at the Rainforest world music festival (Malaysia), in 2007 at Shark Taronalari festival (Uzbekistan), and in 2008 at Alianait Art Festival (Canada).
In 2006-2007 Namgar was invited to take part in two film soundtracks by Alexey Aigi and his Ensemble 4'33". One of these works was for TV detective serial "Syschik Putilin" (2007) partly staged in Mongolia, and its CD included 3 tracks by the group, issued as Alexei Aigui / The Prince Of The Wind. Ensemble 4'33", Moscow Film Orchestra, 2008.
In late 2000's they evolved their repertoire to include compositions with strongly changing rhythm and key. In late 2008, they completed a new album "Nomad" with songs in at least 3 styles: traditional Mongolian/Buryat music, pop music, and ethno-rock.
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