Baltimore vocal percussionist Dominic “Shodekeh” Talifero and world-renowned Tuvan throat singing group, Alash Ensemble, merge cultures once again on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The event, sponsored by ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, displays how two unlikely groups from completely different sides of the planet interweave contrasting musical elements that share similar styles and techniques.
When Shodekeh first discovered the unique style of throat singing, he realized there was an entire realm of music in which he never knew existed. In 2011, Alash Ensemble – composed of members Ayan-ool Sam, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar and Ayan Shirizhik – visited Shodekeh’s hometown of Baltimore where he expressed his desire to learn more about the group.
The bond formed between these two drastically different cultures in this moment resulted in throat-singing lessons, a film based on their cross-continental collaboration entitled, “SHU-DE! Let’s Go,” and inclusion within multiple albums and nearly annual U.S. tours.
“It’s extremely powerful to have two very different cultures join in creating something together that is both complex and unique,” Martin School Director Anita DeAngelis said. “I feel as though people are more alike than we’re willing to admit. We tend to look at differences. When you actually get to know someone from a different culture, you find that you have many of the same common goals and interests.”
The fusion of Shodekeh and Alash Ensemble is something bigger than simply a new form of music.
“This event highlights the realization that cultures from separate sides of the globe can share similarities,” DeAngelis said. “We have the ability to humanely bond and create with others even if we speak a separate language.”
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors 60+ and $5 for students with ID.
