Echoes of the Steppe | The First European Throat Singing Festival
We are honored to present the very first European Overtone Singing Festival, taking place on August 29-30, 2025, in the stunning medieval village of Romainmôtier! Immerse yourself in extraordinary concerts held in the country’s oldest church and in the gardens of Henosis. Experience the power of unity by attending—or even participating in—the first European overtone singing competition. Dive deeper through immersive workshops and savor the flavors of Central Asian cuisine. Discover the rich traditions of Mongolia, the Republic of Tuva, and the Altai region through captivating performances, traditional instruments, folk dances, and much more.
Access to the Henosis Gardens and various activities is free. However, access to the concerts requires the purchase of a ticket.
Mathias Duplessy and the Violins of the World | Friday, August 29, Abbatiale of Romainmôtier
In 2010, Mathias Duplessy envisioned a bold project: bringing together three virtuosos of traditional violin to create an unprecedented musical encounter. For the very first time, the Indian sarangi, the Chinese erhu, and the Mongolian morin khuur united on stage and on an album, carried by the mesmerizing sounds of Mathias’ flamenco guitar.
After 15 years of captivating compositions and concerts across the globe, these exceptional musicians have shaped a unique sonic universe, blending the traditions and influences of their respective cultures.
On this special occasion, the Violins of the World will present a carefully curated program designed to transport the audience on a musical journey through the steppes.
Let yourself be carried away by vibrant, timeless melodies, resonating within the majestic setting of the Abbatiale of Romainmôtier—a place steeped in history and spirituality that will elevate this extraordinary experience.
Argusan | Saturday, August 30, Henosis Gardens
Argusan is a Franco-Mongolian group that blends traditional Mongolian music with world music influences. From the sounds of the Gobi Desert to baroque repertoires, the group offers a rich musical diversity shaped by the unique cultures of its members.
Brothers Daansuren grew up in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and now reside in France. They are joined by another Mongolian musician and a French percussionist.
Experience the magic of Mongolia with Argusan—where music transforms into the gallop of horses, and the voices of birds or wolves come alive through the singer’s throat. Let yourself be carried away by the melodies of the steppes, odes to the mountains, and the vastness of the Gobi Desert.
Tengerton | Saturday, August 30, Henosis Gardens
Tengerton is a new Mongolian quartet, formed in 2023, dedicated to the art of the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) and khuumii (Mongolian throat singing). The group features soloist musicians from some of the most renowned Mongolian ensembles in Europe, including Egschiglen, Transmongolia, Sedaa, and Argusan.
Their music is deeply rooted in Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, blending traditional melodies, improvisation, and instruments they sometimes craft themselves.
The members of Tengerton were born and raised across four distinct natural landscapes of Mongolia: the Altai Mountains, the Khangai Mountains, the steppe, and the Gobi Desert. These diverse terrains have shaped their musical expression, infusing their compositions with the essence of Mongolia’s varied landscapes.
While they grew up amid the vast expanse of Mongolia’s nomadic culture, they also received formal education at leading universities and conservatories in Ulaanbaatar. Their profound expertise in instrumental performance and vocal techniques has earned them recognition at various competitions and festivals.
Khukh Mongol | Saturday, August 30, Henosis Gardens
Khukh Mongol, established in Ingolstadt for 25 years, originates from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
Founded in 1997 by flutist Dashtseren Erdenebold, the group was named Khukh Mongol—meaning “Blue Mongolia”—in honor of the “eternal blue sky,” a powerful symbol of Mongolia.
Their music blends traditional songs, epic narratives, and modern compositions.
Through traditional singing techniques and instruments, Khukh Mongol immerses listeners in the beauty of Mongolian nature and culture—its vast plains, majestic mountains, endless deserts, and the nomadic people who call these landscapes home.
Biyelgee | Traditional Dance
Biyelgee is a traditional Mongolian folk dance born in the steppes, originally performed within the confined space of yurts (ger). It is characterized by expressive movements of the torso, shoulders, clavicles, and arms, performed in a semi-seated position, cross-legged, or standing.
This dance embodies Mongolia’s cultural diversity, with movements that represent daily life—milking animals, archery, offering milk, braiding hair, and more. It is accompanied by simple, repetitive traditional melodies played on the morin khuur or tovshuur.
As the foundation of Mongolian dance, Biyelgee is a cultural treasure, inscribed in 2009 on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. It plays a key role in preserving Mongolian culture and enriching global artistic diversity.
Tsuur Flute | An Enchanting Traditional Instrument
The tsuur is a traditional Mongolian flute with a unique timbre—an extraordinary instrument that combines breath and simultaneous singing, creating an enchanting harmony between man and nature. Played for centuries by herders in the Altai Mountains, it was used to communicate with spirits and imitate the sounds of wind, rivers, and animals.
Listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by UNESCO, the tsuur is a fragile art form, preserved by a few exceptional musicians dedicated to keeping it alive. Its playing requires rare technical mastery, as it lacks a bevel. The musician must position the instrument precisely against the teeth. During performance, a throat drone is added, creating a resonant base over which the flute’s melodies emerge—similar to khoomii throat singing.
During this unique event, Dalaijargal Daansuren, a tsuur virtuoso, will immerse you in the fascinating world of this extraordinary instrument. His exceptionally refined performance will reveal the rich and powerful expressiveness of this ancient flute. An immersive experience, blending ancestral traditions and sonic magic—not to be missed!
Throat Singing Workshops
Overtone singing, or khoomii, is a vocal technique practiced by many Central Asian cultures, including the Tuvans, Mongols, Altaians, Khakas, and various other Turkic-Mongolic peoples.
By modulating the lips, tongue, and applying pharyngeal pressure over a fundamental note, it is possible to produce two or more notes simultaneously.
Our free workshops will introduce you to the basics of this unique technique, guided by masters who have come straight from the steppes!
Nomadic Cuisine
Curious to taste the flavors of the steppe?
Central Asian cuisine is rooted in what nature provides—meat, dairy, and flour.
With just a few simple ingredients, they have created a variety of delicious dishes that you’ll be able to savor in our gardens!
Tales of the Steppe | Yurt in the Meadow
Step into a unique experience at the heart of our yurt, brought to life by enchanting stories!
Let yourself be carried away by legendary tales where heroes and heroines encounter spirits, gods, winged animals, and fantastical creatures.
You’ll be transported to Mongolia, immersed in the fascinating world of nomads who pass down their stories within their yurts. An invitation to dream, to journey, and to embrace adventure—perfect for entertaining both young and old.
Clothing, Art, Souvenirs, and More
Wander through the Henosis Gardens, where you can enjoy artistic performances and explore various stands offering souvenirs from the steppe—such as cashmere or yak wool clothing, art objects, traditional instruments, and much more!
