About the Artists
An Da Union from Inner Mongolia, China
An Da Union was formed in 2003; its 14 members all hail from the Xilingol Grassland area of Inner Mongolia, a semi-autonomous region of China. At the Inner Mongolia Ethnic Opera and Dance Theater, the members of An Da Union studied the folk music they now perform and traditional instruments they now play. The main singing style performed by An Da Union is khoomii, commonly referred to as throat singing, a traditional type of Mongolian overtone singing, which replicates the sounds of nature. Winners of the prestigious Eco-Youth Prize awarded by China Central Television (CCTV) and featured at the Kennedy Center Festival in China, An Da Union has toured France, Spain, Finland, Sweden, and Korea. An Da Union will be joined on this, their first American tour, by two of Inner Mongolia’s most important performers of the long song.
Esta from Israel
Esta is a multi-ethnic Israeli ensemble with a unique blend of original music and innovative sound that draws on the diverse cultures of Israel. Esta’s members have been the most important forerunners contributing to the exploration of Israel’s amazing original roots since the group formed in 1983. An instrumental group for more than 18 years, Esta welcomed lead singer Yarona Harel in 2000 and expanded its repertoire to include her powerful vocals. Esta has created a rich, hot, musical stew simmering with Middle Eastern, Balkan, Mediterranean, Jewish, Celtic, African influences while also drawing from contemporary rock and roll and jazz. Esta has performed widely including a special performance at The White House for and with former President Bill Clinton.
Los Utrera from Veracruz, Mexico
Los Utrera, from the Hato community, near Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico, interprets and recreates music in verse and dance from the son jarocho tradition, a multicultural mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. Since its inception, Los Utrera has established a reputation for exploring the traditional roots of son jarocho, as well as showing relationships between diverse cultures and contemporary world music genres. The group is dedicated to the diffusion of the son jarocho and fandango through performances and workshops. Los Utrera has participated in the principal son jarocho festivals throughout Veracruz and has performed throughout the world.
Mauvais Sort from Quebec, Canada
Accordion, violin, guitar, bass, mandolin, drums, percussion, feet and voice come together in energetic fashion in the French Canadian ensemble Mauvais Sort. The group combines talent, accessibility, and enthusiasm with a love for music, specifically traditional music, to capture the hearts of its audience. Using bygone tunes and lyrics, anecdotes of its own making, contemporary melodies, and legends or stories of yesteryear all of which combine into a blissful mixture of rhythms from around the globe. The group’s members have played some 400 performances on stages in Québec, Canada, Europe, and Oceania. Mauvais Sort was officially launched following a victory at the CONGA competition in 2000 and the ensemble subsequently earned an ADISQ award for traditional album of the year in 2003.
