Submitted photo The Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton welcomes Alash Ensemble to its stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Submitted photo
The Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton welcomes Alash Ensemble to its stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton welcomes Alash Ensemble to its stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted trio from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit is decidedly Tuvan.

Trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood, the Alash musicians studied at Kyzyl Arts College just as Tuva was beginning to open up to the West. They formed a traditional ensemble and won multiple awards for traditional throat singing in international competitions, both as an ensemble and as individuals, while also going on to collaborate with American musicians such as Bela Fleck and Sun Ra.

Tickets are available at the door and in advance at pocahontasoperahouse.org or at the Fourth Avenue Gallery in Marlinton.

The Pocahontas County Opera House is located at 818 Third Avenue in Marlinton. Performances at the Opera House are informal, family-friendly and open to all. The entrance and main seating are accessible to persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend; special accommodations can be arranged upon request by calling 304-799-6645.

This engagement of Alash is made possible through the Special Presenters Initiative program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Support is also provided by Pocahontas County Drama, Fairs and Festivals and the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.