Part of Small World Music Society's 18th Annual Small World Music Festival presented in partnership with ADEM and the Canada-China Cultural Development Association.

Hanggai (杭盖), from the steppes of Mongolia by way of Beijing, is a crossover band that blends traditional music and rock. The band is comprised of Mongolian-Chinese musicians, members of
one of China’s 55 official ethnic minorities. Though rooted in the northern province of Inner Mongolia, the members of Hanggai, like the country’s Mongolian population, grew up in disparate parts of the country, uniting in the capital, Beijing. The band came together in 2004 when Ilchi and another member of his rock band rediscovered traditional Mongolian music on regular trips home from the capital. A period of intense study and growing excitement resulted in the formation of the band.

Yiliqi (Ilchi) – Tobshuur, Banjo and khoomei (throat singing) vocals (Inner Mongolia)
Hurizha – vocals, aman khuur (jaw harp) (Qinghai)
Batubagen (Bagen) – Morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) and khoomei (throat singing) vocals
Ailun ( Ailun ) – Guitars and sanxian (three-stringed lute) (Inner Mongolia)
Meng Da – Drums, percussion (Inner Mongolia)

"Hanggai have made the leap from folk phenomenon to crossover pioneers without losing their soul. Built from - and meant for - Mongolia's wide open spaces, this music will make you homesick for a place you've never been." – Rhapsody


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