Moonstone song and dance ensemble in Ulaanbaatar

On the weekend I saw the Moonstone song and dance ensemble in Ulaanbaatar. Moonstone is the first privately owned professional ensemble in Mongolia. They presented several aspects of traditional, classical and modern compositions, including sitar playing, the “tsam” (mask dancing), horse-headed fiddle playing (Mongolia’s traditional instrument), and two female contortionists.

The ensemble was founded in 2001 and conducted its first performance in 2002. They close for the winter months and commence in March through spring, summer and autumn. The current season is a short concert. In summer, during the high tourist season, they perform a longer rendition of “Mongolian Melody of the Great Steppe” and the “Worship of the Sun” to packed-out audiences. Because it was the commencement of the 2010 season, the weekend’s audience was rather scarce, but just as appreciative.

The atmosphere in the Tsuki House Center is a relaxed cabaret style with cushioned settees, tables and bar service. The Moonstone performance was held in the “White Rose” karaoke show pub which seats 120. The one-hour performance cost 10,000 togrog (about USD $7.00) per person and was totally worth it.

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