Tyva Kyzy

Tyva Kyzy (Тыва Кызы, pronounced [tɯˈva kɯˈzɯ]) (Daughters of Tuva) is an all-female folk ensemble performing Tuvan throat-singing, under the direction of Choduraa Tumat. It is the first and only women's group in Tuva that performs all styles of Tuvan throat-singing.
 
The group fosters growth, talent, and confidence in women and girls by teaching in Tuvan schools and leading workshops internationally. They aim to strengthen the livelihood of female khöömei and add an important new element and history to the development of Tuvan music. Female khöömei are still considered rare and sometimes controversial in Tuva. Tyva Kyzy is at the forefront of the effort to establish women among the great Tuvan throat singers.
 
Their first CD, &setkilemden sergek yr-dyr& (a cheerful song from my soul) was released in March 2006. Their second CD, &igi unu - iyem unu& (the igils voice - my mothers voice) was released in 2009. Both CDs are available from the Tuva Trader website (see below).
 
In the Soviet era it was rare for women to perform on stage, except during Republican festivals. Valentina Salchak performed throat-singing in public in 1979. Valentina Chuldum from Mongun-Taiga (1960- Autumn 2002) toured European countries as a throat-singer in the early 1990s. With the start of the International Symposium of Khoomei women could sing publicly there.
 
Since its inception in 1998, Tyva Kyzy has participated in numerous international festivals of world music in Europe and Japan. They also toured the United States in October 2005. Tyva Kyzy performs the five main styles of khöömei with traditional female vocal styles. They utilize a range of folk instruments including their own signature instrument the chadagan (similar to the zither or hammered dulcimer). Several members perform in the Tuvan National Orchestra and member Ayana Mongush conducts the orchestra. Their songs are a blend of contemporary and traditional culture, some very old and some written and composed by the group or specifically for them. Tyva Kyzy performs a number of songs, often relating to the life of women, songs of their elders and of the land. They were recognized as the best players of national instruments in the Ustu-Hure Festival in Chadan, Tyva.