Alash started their tour with a very special concert on January 11, 2008. Teaming up with a classical string quartet from the Chamber Music Society (CMS) of Lincoln Center, they played music arranged especially for the occasion by Ayana Samiyaevna Mongush, director of the Tuvan National Orchestra. The brilliant blend of igil, kengirge, violin, viola, cello--and of course throat singing--awed the audience. The concert was part of the CMS Student Producers series of Unconventional Concerts produced by and presented for high school students.
The next night, Alash returned to Barbes in Brooklyn, New York, where they gave two concerts, both to a completely packed house. About the half the audience were returning fans; the rest were hearing a concert of Tuvan music for the first time. The crowd swayed to the rhythms as they were treated to two new songs in addition to the old favorites. Some closed their eyes in sublime enjoyment. People in the foyer outside the performance space peaked through the window and strained to hear. At the end of each concert, Alash performed an encore in response to thunderous applause.
The tour continues through February 2, 2008. The complete schedule is available at http://www.alashensemble.com/performances.htm