Ganbold and Curtet
in intimate concert

An unforgettable evening with two undisputed masters of Mongolian throat singing

April 18, 2025

The Centre des musiciens du monde and Traquen’Art invite you to a remarkable evening dedicated to Mongolian throat singing, featuring two outstanding masters: Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet.

Embark on a journey across the sweeping Mongolian steppes alongside Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet.

Experience the mesmerizing world of the Mongolian steppes, where traditional music is deeply connected to nature and the nomadic lifestyle. Discover this unique soundscape and the ancient vocal art of khöömii—Mongolian throat singing—recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.

Nasanjargal Ganbold

Nasanjargal Ganbold

Also known as Nasaa, Nasanjargal Ganbold is a master of Mongolian khöömii throat singing and an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Originally from the Altai region in western Mongolia, he studied at the Ulaanbaatar Conservatory from 1994 to 2002, earning a diploma as a musician and music educator. Nasaa co-founded several renowned ensembles, including Hosoo-Transmongolia in 2005 and Sedaa in 2009, the latter blending Mongolian and Iranian musical traditions. In 2023, he helped create the quartet Tengerton, continuing his commitment to preserving and sharing Mongolian musical culture worldwide.

Johanni Curtet

Johanni Curtet

Johanni Curtet is a French ethnomusicologist, musician, and educator who specializes in Mongolian khöömii throat singing. After training in classical guitar at the Rennes Conservatory, he shifted his focus to oral musical traditions rooted in Asia and Africa. He was first introduced to khöömii by Trân Quang Hai in France, then refined his technique with Tserendavaa Dashdorj in the Altai steppes, and later with Odsure Baatar at the University of Arts and Culture in Ulaanbaatar. Deeply committed to his art, Curtet played a significant role in having Mongolian throat singing recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Throughout his career, he has engaged in numerous artistic collaborations, including the Katajjaq and Khöömii project, and continues contributing to the preservation and sharing of traditional vocal arts.

From the Mongolian Steppes to Canadian Stages

In Mongolia, traditional music is deeply intertwined with the natural world and the nomadic way of life. Mongolians maintain a close dialogue with their environment, whether through their instruments or their voices, blending praise songs and the unique art of throat singing.

Nasanjargal Ganbold, originally from the Altai—the birthplace of khöömii in western Mongolia—embodies the virtuosity of this remarkable vocal tradition. He also masters emblematic instruments such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and the tovshuur (lute). Alongside him, French ethnomusicologist and throat singing specialist Johanni Curtet brings a passionate and insightful perspective to this musical journey.

Together, Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet present an immersive concert where songs, instruments, poetry, and improvisation transport the audience into the heart of Mongolian culture. Their collaboration offers a true sensory voyage, weaving together natural sounds, improvisation, and contemporary poetry for a profound immersion in the Mongolian soul.

Their Canadian tour is an initiative of Traquen’Art, in partnership with Routes Nomades (Rennes, France), the Centre des musiciens du monde (Montreal), Small World Music Centre (Toronto), and the ensembles Oktoecho (Montreal) and E27 musiques nouvelles (Quebec City)

Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet
Diphonic songs from Mongolia

MONTRÉAL
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 8 pm
Église Saint-Enfant-Jésus
5039 Saint-Dominique Street, Montréal

QUÉBEC
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 7:30 pm
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ – Espace Nord)

E27 musiques nouvelles – ÉCLIPTIQUE
Special Concert Event

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of E27 musiques nouvelles, Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet will join Oktoecho and composer Katia Makdissi-Warren for a brand-new creation blending Inuit katajjaq, Mongolian throat singing, percussion, clarinets, and flutes.

Écliptique is an immersive concert that pushes musical boundaries, bringing together musical traditions from distant horizons, reimagined and elevated.

Artists: Katia Makdissi-Warren, Mélanie Bourassa, Raphael Guay, Bertil Schulrabe, Michel Dubeau, Nina Segalowitz, Nasanjargal Ganbold, and Johanni Curtet.

TORONTO
Friday, April 25, 2025, 8 pm
Small World Centre
180 Shaw Street, Studio 101, Toronto

MONTRÉAL – WORKSHOP

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 2 to 4 pm
Maison de la culture Ahuntsic
10300 Lajeunesse Street – Henri-Bourassa Metro

Oktoecho – Workshop: Mongolian Music and Throat Singing
Free – Limited spots (registration by email: alicericard@hotmail.fr)

Led by Nasanjargal Ganbold and Johanni Curtet, this workshop is open to everyone and offers a chance to discover the fascinating world of Mongolian throat singing (khöömii) through musical demonstrations, vocal techniques, and cultural context. It’s a unique opportunity to experience this ancient vocal art, deeply connected to the natural world and nomadic life of the Mongolian steppes.

Images: Courtesy of Traquen’art

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