Press Releases

Tuvan Throat-Singing Group Tyva Kyzy to Give Demonstration at Naropa University

BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 16, 2009)—On February 16 at 7 p.m., Tyva Kyzy, the first and only all-female Tuvan Throat Singing Group, will provide a lecture/demonstration of folk instruments and throat-singing at Naropa University's Performing Arts Center. The event will be held in conjunction with Swallow Hill Music Association, which will host a concert the previous night. Tyva Kyzy literally means “Daughters of Tuva,” and by breaking tradition (this form of singing was usually practiced by men and prohibited for women), they bring a uniquely feminine twist to their performances.

Throat singers play with tones by altering the shapes of the resonant cavities of the mouth, larynx and pharynx. By altering these shapes, the singer is able to actually hold multiple tones simultaneously. Another technique that throat singers use is to mimic the sounds in nature. The Tuvan geography is why throat singing is so popular in that region. This small republic in the far southern edge of Siberia is host to many wide-open fields and more than 9,000 rivers, both of which carry sound very far.

Tyva Kyzy was formed in 1998 after Khoomei magazine published an article about putting together an all-female ensemble of Tuvan throat singers. In July of 1998, Tyva Kyzy performed at the International Symposium of Khoomei in Kyzyl, the capital city of Tuva. The audience called it “a brave step” by these women. Since that time, some of the original seven members have left the group, but the remaining women have continued to perform in various incarnations. The musicians of Tyva Kyzy are currently work for various cultural institutions in Kyzyl—playing music and teaching young girls who are interested in Khoomei singing and folklore.

Held on Naropa's Arapahoe Campus, this demonstration is open to the public. General admission is $10 and free for seniors and students with a valid ID. Tickets are available at the door only, and payment must be in the form of cash or check. The Swallow Hill Music Association is also presenting Tyva Kyzy in concert at Daniels Hall in Denver the night before at 7 p.m.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate degree programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.