Inner Mongolia's Anda Union brings Indigenous throat singing to Vancouver, March 14
Caravan World Rhythms presents the nine-member ensemble, which evokes the beauty of Mongolian grasslands through haunting harmonies and vibrant strings
Anda Union.
Caravan World Rhythms presents Anda Union, a nine-person band that unites tribal-music traditions from across Inner Mongolia, at the Massey Theatre on March 14 at 7:30 pm. With all its members hailing from different nomadic cultures, the ensemble’s thoroughly addictive combination of Mongolian musical styles is a reflection of diverse roots.
Anda Union brings a wide range of musical instruments and vocal styles together in a fusion that honours history while carving a new path. Keenly aware that Mongolia’s grasslands and culture are at risk in the present day, the group is fighting for the survival of this endangered way of life by keeping regional music alive. Accompanying the musicians’ upcoming performance, a multimedia video will showcase the beauty of Mongolian land and culture.
The nine members describe themselves as music gatherers, digging deep into Mongolian traditions and unearthing forgotten music. They are on a mission to stimulate their culture and re-engage young Mongols, many of whom have forgotten how to speak their own language. One of Anda Union’s members, Saihanniya, is working hard to open a bar in Inner Mongolia’s capital Hohhot, where she will promote traditional music. Bataar, the ensemble’s drummer, notes that their goal is to ensure future generations recognize the importance of this rich culture and continue fostering care for it.
Anda Union in concert.
Anda Union’s members have all trained in traditional Mongolian music from a young age, many coming from musical families. They are part of a movement that finds inspiration in old and forgotten songs. The group holds onto the essence of Mongolian music while creating a form that is new and exciting, and the resulting works encompass different traditions and styles, producing a sonic innovation previously unheard of.
Anda Union has been performing its music to crowds all over the world for more than 15 years. Audiences can expect haunting Indigenous throat singing, powerful harmonies, and vibrant strings that evoke the endless beauty of the Mongolian grasslands.
In addition to Anda Union’s Vancouver concert, Caravan World Rhythms will also present the group in Victoria at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium on March 15.
Purchase tickets and learn more here.
Post sponsored by Caravan World Rhythms.
Related Articles
Montreal-based singer-songwriter talks about the dreamy layers of sound that went into her latest album—and stripping them away for her new EP and solo tour
Audiences can expect a heartwarming set, plus a merch table filled with homegrown garlic and handmade soap
The Mohawk musician’s career trajectory has taken him from bar shows to The Launch to Nashville, but he’s always stayed grounded in his Six Nations community
The pair of Grammy Award winners honour the jazz legend’s legacy in honour of his centennial
Program features the Canadian premiere of Tawnie Olson’s Missa Brevis, kicking off her tenure as Composer-in-Residence
The New York artist draws on everything from the guitar work of legends like Joe Pass and his own father to the unmistakable voice of Tony Bennett—the inspiration of his latest album
A new series of public performances and a cross-country collaboration with La Nef and Seán Dagher mark the choir’s 35th season
Japan’s Kuniko Kato Quartet opens the lineup as part of the VNM Festival: Open Frequencies, performing the music of Steve Reich
The singer-songwriter and Latin Grammy winner has collaborated with artists from all over the world, and she will perform with Vancouver’s own Black Dog String Quartet
Former artistic director Joan Blackman, esteemed pianist Jane Coop, and newly appointed artistic director Hung-Wei Huang join forces onstage
Singer-songwriter performs tracks off her latest album, playing guitar, piano, and autoharp
Nebula Performances stages a full production of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s famous work, with Wanshuai Yu in the leading role
Meditative piece is a collaboration between interdisciplinary artist Alex Mah and violinist Ilana Waniuk
Guitarist Cole Schmidt performs at a jazz-driven music-and-dance series reborn after the June passing of Tony Wilson
For 2026–27, the choir will premiere new commissions by Canadian composers Suba Sankaran and Alex Eddington, as well as revisiting works from its inaugural year
With the new CD Artemis Sleeps, the late composer’s former roommate celebrates chamber works that range from pithy to rhapsodic to enigmatic
Singer Krystle Dos Santos and her band celebrate the record label that brought us legendary performers including Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye
With songs from his latest album, the swing ambassador pays tribute to another great swinger
The daughter of the Band’s legendary drummer and singer Levon Helm is a musical force to be reckoned with in her own right
