Inner Mongolia ethnic extravaganza strikes a chord among Australian audiences

Before ethnic Mongolian musician, Enhe, stepped onto the stage in Sydney, he thought he was going to perform to a mostly Chinese crowd.

So he was pleasantly surprised when the curtain was raised to the applause of many foreigners in the audience.

"We didn't expect to see so many locals. We knew then that they could also feel our music," Enhe told China Daily.

On Tuesday evening (April 22), Enhe led the seven-member Nair band as part of a cultural extravaganza showcasing the music, song and dance of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, playing to a full house of more than 400 people at the Seymour Centre performing arts venue.

The band's rendition of popular grassland-themed pieces, including The Horseman's Song and The First Snow, integrating modern electronic arrangements with traditional techniques like throat singing and the horsehead fiddle, struck a chord among many listeners.

The Inner Mongolia culture and tourism department and the China Cultural Centre in Sydney co-organized the event, which presented seven acts that also included traditional Chinese pipa, flute instrumental performances and dancers dressed in colorful ethnic attire.

At a pre-performance reception, China Cultural Centre director Liu Dong said Inner Mongolia, with its vast grasslands, rich nomadic heritage and deeply rooted traditions, "offers a cultural and tourism experience unlike anywhere else in China".

"What truly captivates visitors is the region's vibrant performing arts — especially its unique and soulful singing and dancing. From the haunting beauty of the long tune to the powerful resonance of throat singing, these traditional vocal styles reflect the spirit of the steppe and the enduring strength of its people. Accompanied by dynamic folk dances that echo the grace and freedom of galloping across open plains, Inner Mongolia's cultural performances are both emotionally moving and visually breathtaking," he said.

"Tonight, we are privileged to be immersed in this spectacular showcase, and to experience firsthand the unique charm of Inner Mongolian culture and tradition," Liu said.

For Australian composer John Huie, the event was a valuable opportunity to enjoy an "extraordinary mix of cultures and music".

The musical and cultural aspects of Inner Mongolia's ethnic communities are well-preserved and increasingly appreciated worldwide, he said.

"The throat singing, particularly, is quite incredible," Huie told China Daily.

"I'm a musician and I appreciate this musical side of what they're bringing to Australia," he said.

Nair band leader Enhe said it was enough for audiences to remember their music, which transcends borders and connects cultures.

"This is our original intention," said Enhe, whose band heads to Christchurch, New Zealand, as part of the next leg of their tour.

"We have been to more than 30 countries, but we have never been to Australia. This time, we've finally come to this beautiful country and beautiful city. So giving people here a chance to enjoy our music is most important for us".

Contact the writer at xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn