From Mongolia to the Midwest: Anda Union Performs on Sept. 30
Musicians Will Give Workshops at Lebanon, Okawville and Belleville Schools
(LEBANON, Ill., September 19, 2016) - Anda Union will bring its original music from
the steppes of Mongolia to the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts stage on Friday, Sept.
30 at 7:30 p.m. The group’s appearance is part of Arts Midwest World Fest, which presents
international musical ensembles in week-long residencies to promote cultural diversity.
Admission is $5 and free for McKendree University students.
Hailing from differing ethnic nomadic cultures, the band brings together tribal and
musical traditions, styles and influences from Inner and Outer Mongolia.
“Anda Union travels to the Hett from about as far away as you can be from Lebanon,
Illinois,” said Peter Palermo, director of the Hett. “The disappearing culture they
represent is fascinating and as performers, they are mesmerizing.”
The nine members were trained in traditional Mongolian music from a young age; many
come from musical families. Describing themselves as “music gatherers,” they find
inspiration in old and forgotten songs, holding on to the essence of Mongolian music
while creating a form that is new. Anda Union seeks to reengage young Mongols, many
of whom have forgotten how to speak their own language. Keenly aware of the threat to the Grasslands of their homeland and to their age old
culture, the band is driven to preserve an endangered way of life by keeping the essence
of its music alive.
The Hett is proud to host Anda Union from Sept. 25 to 30 as the only Illinois venue
in the 10-state Arts Midwest World Fest. During its week long residency, the band will conduct workshops at Lebanon Elementary
and Lebanon High School on Sept. 27; at Okawville Elementary, and Whiteside Elementary
in Belleville on Sept. 29.
-McK-
