Huun-Huur-Tu(RU)

Huun-Huur-Tu is a group from Tuva in southern Siberia, a region where the unique tradition of throat singing, or khöömei, has developed over thousands of years. Their music is deeply rooted in the sounds and rhythms of nature, inspired by the whispering wind, flowing water, and the movements of animals. Throat singing, once used by shamans in spiritual rituals, is a powerful expression of the human voice’s capabilities. By employing special techniques, the singers can produce multiple tones simultaneously, creating a hypnotic resonance that at times resembles a flute or birdsong.

Since their formation in 1992, Huun-Huur-Tu has worked to restore and preserve Tuva’s musical heritage, which was partly lost during the Soviet era. They blend traditional instruments such as the igil (a two-stringed horsehead fiddle), khomus (jew’s harp), doshpuluur (a string instrument), and tüngür (shaman drum) with modern elements like guitar and electronics. Through this unique fusion of old and new, they have established themselves as one of the world’s leading folk and world music groups.

Through extensive touring and collaborations, Huun-Huur-Tu has brought Tuvan music to audiences far beyond Siberia. With millions of streams on digital platforms, they have reached a new generation of listeners and demonstrated that their ancient singing style remains relevant in today’s musical landscape. Their ability to merge tradition with innovation continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. The group has toured globally, performing over 200 concerts per year, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Frank Zappa, the Kronos Quartet, The Chieftains, and the Japanese drumming group Kodo. Their music has also gained popularity in film scores and remix projects—one of their songs became a major hit in Greece in 2002, and their album Spirits of Tuva topped the European world music charts that same year.

On Stage:
Kaigal-ool Khovalyg – Vocals (Khöömei, Sygyt, Kargyraa), Igyl
A self-taught master of throat singing, Khovalyg grew up as a shepherd before being invited to join the Tuvan State Ensemble. He possesses a wide vocal range, from tenor to bass, and is particularly known for his interpretations of khöömei and kargyraa. As one of the founders of Huun-Huur-Tu, he has also collaborated with groups such as Vershki da Koreshki and the Volkov Trio.

Chanzy Radik Tyulyush – Vocals (Barbang-Nadyr), Byzaanchi, Khomus (Jew’s Harp)
Born in rural Tuva, Tyulyush started as a shepherd before becoming a professional musician. He is a virtuoso of the borbangnadyr style of throat singing and joined Huun-Huur-Tu in 2006. He has also toured as a soloist and performed in the UK with his own program.

Sayan Bapa – Vocals (Kargyraa & Khöömei), Toschpulur, Guitar, Igyl
Bapa, the son of a Tuvan father and a Russian mother, grew up in the industrial town of Ak-Dovurak. He studied music in the North Caucasus, where he played bass in a Russian jazz-rock band. In the early 1990s, he returned to Tuva to reconnect with his roots and became one of the founders of Huun-Huur-Tu. He is a skilled multi-instrumentalist and specializes in the kargyraa singing style.

Alexei Saryglar – Vocals (Sygyt), Tuyug (Horse Hooves), Tungur (Shaman Drum), Igyl
Saryglar joined Huun-Huur-Tu in 1995 and is the youngest member of the group. He trained as a percussionist in Ulan-Ude and previously played with the Russian State Ensemble Siberian Souvenir. In addition to being a skilled sygyt singer, he is also an accomplished pianist.