Tuvan Throat-Singing Masters Huun Huur Tu Bring Their Far-Off Sounds to Beijing

Founded in 1992, Tuvan four-piece band Huun Huur Tu have been traveling the globe ever since, playing a significant role in promoting ancient khöömei (throat singing) music to an international audience and spellbinding crowds with their otherworldly sound and superior musicianship.

As one of the world’s oldest and most striking vocal traditions, throat singing is deeply rooted in the remote Tuvan region, a land defined by nomadic herdsmen locked between Mongolia and Siberia. It is said that nature directly inspired the practice of throat singing, with the whistling of the high-mountain wind, the thrumming of the woods, the chirping of birds, and the gentle grunting of horses and yaks all getting a say in Huun Huur Tu’s unique acoustics.

"Singing is like a childhood game for us," lead vocalist Sayan Bapa tells the Beijinger, "Our inspirations are from our tribe, our grandfathers, uncles, fathers, brothers, and cousins. As we grew older, we slowly came to have our own voice."

Each of Huun Huur Tu's band members (Sayan Bapa, Kaigal-ool Khovalyg, Chanzy Radik Tyulyush, and Alexey Saryglar) learned to throat sing from a young age, mastering a different style and approach. They all also happen to be multi-instrumentalists, elevating their songcraft and interplay to new heights.

At their disposal, then, is a whole orchestra of rare and beautiful traditional instruments that span blowing horns, hang drums, didgeridoos, horse-head fiddles, doshpuluur lutes, jaw harps, and many more esoteric items, which contribute to rich-layered rhythms. The playful instrumentation also perfectly juxtaposes with Huun Huur Tu's low, pulverizing, and drone-like singing, immediately arresting the listener with its ethereal growl.

Similarly to Sainkho Namtchylak, arguably Tuva's other most renowned musician and who also came through Beijing recently, Huun Huur Tu constantly aspire to present and teach the history and culture of Tuva. As such, they transform ancient Tuvan songs into complex acoustic compositions while remaining committed to the centuries-old musical roots of their homeland, promoting authentic Tuvan music and traditional instrumentation.  

This year’s tour marks Huun Huur Tu's sixth in China, and you'd be remiss not to join them on their sonic journey into the high mountains, expansive grasslands, and flowing waters of this mysterious far-off land.

Huun Huur Tu take the stage at the National Library Concert Hall this Saturday, Aug 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost RMB 100-500, can be booked here.

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Email: kuang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Riot Artists, Jaro Artists