This workshop focuses on specifically for women who want to discover, deepen and strengthen their voice. Led by D. Zolzaya — born in Chandmani, Khovd, the birthplace of Mongolian throat singing (khömii) — we explore the ancient singing tradition from a new, female perspective.
Zolzaya is one of the rare generation of female throat singers who have proven that khömii is not a male domain! During this day, she shares her knowledge, personal experience and techniques, and shows how women can find their own unique sound and strength in this tradition.
The workshop is organized in collaboration with Altai (Netherlands) and takes place at the Henosis's enchanting location in Romainmôtier, a beautiful cultural center.
The day offers a varied program of presentations, singing moments and cultural deepening. We start with an introduction to Mongolian music and throat singing, followed by live demonstrations of instruments such as the morin kuur (horsehead violin), tov rental (lute), steering wheel (flute), mouth harp and Altai harp.
In the afternoon, we dive into practice: vocal exercises, breathing techniques and basic principles of throat singing and overtone singing. The atmosphere is inspiring — a space where women can meet, learn and be touched by the power of their own voice, surrounded by the beautiful nature and energy of the Henosis cultural center.
Zolzayaa is a talented Mongolian throat singer from Khovd, one of the few female professional throat singers in Mongolia. She works at the Drama Theatre in Ulaanbaatar and plays various traditional instruments, including the mouth harp, overtone flute, ikel, morin khuur and tovshuur. After graduating from the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture (SUIS), she worked to preserve the Mongolian throat singing tradition. She has taught over 400 children and continues to share her knowledge locally and online.
At the age of 17, around 2006, Rowan fell under the spell of music from Mongolia. He soon travelled to Mongolia to further explore the country and culture. Since then, Mongolian music and traditions have become an integral part of his daily life. In 2014, he married Saran, and together they have been working on their dream ever since: sharing Mongolian culture and music in the Netherlands through their concept Altai.
.svg)