Tuvan Throat Singers Alash Ensemble to Open WMI's 2017-18 Origins Series

World Music Institute and Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center present Alash Ensemble, a trio of master throat singers from Tuva, a tiny Russian republic in the heart of Central Asia.

This will be the opening concert of WMI's 2017-18 Origins series, set for Sunday, October 1, 2017, 7:30 p.m. at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center (129 West 67th Street, NYC). Tickets $25-35.

From World Music Institute Artistic Director Par Neiburger: "Alash Ensemble are simply some of the finest Tuvan Throat singers performing today and it is always a special occasion to be able to see them live. It is a truly culturally unique experience to which there are few parallels. Bringing a modern sensibility to this traditional art form, Alash are at the forefront of bringing this ancient art form to audiences around the world."

Tuvan throat singing (xöömei) is a remarkable technique that involves singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, Western instruments and contemporary song forms in Alash's music, but its overall sound and spirit are decidedly Tuvan.

Alash Ensemble presents more than a concert-they introduce a complete cultural immersion. Pairing traditional costumes, instruments and songs with storytelling, narration and a coordinated video project, these masterful musicians connect the dots between our modern Western world and the history and tradition of remote Tuva.

World Music Institute's ORIGINS series highlights artists who delve into the folklore and roots of their respective culture's music to tell the story of their origins, preserving and affirming cultural identities and legacies. For the complete 2017-2018 season schedule, visit www.worldmusicinstitute.org.

Founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit, World Music Institute (WMI) has served as one of the leading presenters of world music and dance within the United States.

WMI is committed to presenting the finest in traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world with the goal of inspiring wonder for world cultures through music and dance. WMI aims to enrich the lives of people living in New York by promoting awareness of other cultures and their traditions. WMI collaborates with community organizations and academic institutions in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the world's cultural traditions and presents at venues throughout the city.

Under new leadership since 2015, its 30th anniversary season, World Music Institute has introduced an ambitious expansion of concert offerings that include contemporary, experimental and avant-garde presentations, as well as the traditional music that WMI has long been known and admired for. In addition, the institution is thrilled to have launched new partnerships with BAM, 92nd Street Y, SummerStage, Merkin Concert Hall, National Sawdust, Storm King Art Center, Le Poisson Rouge, Littlefield and Drom-while continuing partnerships with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Town Hall, Symphony Space, French Institute Alliance Francaise, and Apollo Theater (the annual Africa Now festival).

WMI has presented more than 1,500 concerts and events featuring artists from more than 100 countries across all continents. Through powerful programming, WMI is creating a movement that promotes awareness and engagement of other cultures, helping to encourage deeper understanding of communities around the globe.