Alexandr Salchak is the Best Khomus Player

Different traditions of khomus playing were demonstrated at the International Jew's Harp Festival which has just finished in Tuva. Dozens of scientific presentations were made by scholars from Russia and abroad. A big variety of vargans from the museum funds was presented by a delegation from Yakutia. They ranging from a fragile bamboo jew's harp used in South-Eastern Asia to a three-tongued metallic ones played in the North of Russia, impressed one by the richness and difference of the sound. The Grand-Prix after a long controversy in the jury (the main prize should stay in the republic! we should be hospitable and giveit to the guests!) went to Alexandr Salchak (Tuva). The 1st prize in the solo was given to Eduard Damdyn (Tuva) and Leonid Ivandaiev (Khakassia). Among the ensembles the best ones are Aiarkhaan (Yakutia) and Altai Kai (Altai). The 2nd went to 'Koshkun Khogzhum' (Tuva) and the 3d one - to 'Tyva Kyzy' (Tuva). Good for them before the overseas trip of the girls' group. In October 'Tyva Kyzy' is expected to tour in the United States.