The Grasslands Ensemble

The Grasslands Ensemble comes from the Inner Mongolian prairies of Hulunbuir. They represent a diversity of ethnicities: Mongolian, Manchurian, Evenk, Daur, Russian, and Han Chinese. Their music is an organic and inimitably rich presentation of traditional, ethnic minority folk songs.

The group’s greatest feature lies in its ability to seamlessly layer music with unique artistic individuality. Hasibatu’s Mongolian long songs are magnificent and moving. Qiqigema’s dynamic voice has the qualities of both a clear spring and a raging hurricane. Bayinhehe’s gentle vocals sweetly echo, leaving a lasting impression. Han Mou Ren’s chaoer, an instrument that is soon to be lost to the sands of time, is enchanting. Tamir Hargana works toward passing down orthodox throat singing and traditional instrumentation. And the spirited Hasar Band, comprised of musicians of varying ethnicities, holds to the mission of carrying on the legacy of folk music through diversity in backgrounds, instruments, and vocal techniques.

The Grasslands Ensemble breathes new life into centuries-old folk songs. The tunes on this album are played on traditional instruments. They have been re-imagined in the context of reverently enhanced arrangements. The imagery of the sky and prairie are alive in each note, and are a source of hope to perpetuate repertoire that has existed for generations.

Artist's others Profiles:

Between the Sky & Prairie