Didn’t they have a lovely time… when Mongolian band Hanggai arrived in Bangor!
A few years ago I presented a series on World Music for BBC Radio Cymru, called 'Beth yn y Byd!' (a play on words meaning What in the World!). During this amazing sonic journey I made friends with a wonderful contributor, DJ, world music enthusiast and promoter in north Wales, Dewi Llwyd Evans.
Whenever I needed to ask anything about this unfamiliar and vast world of music, he would have the information eloquently expressed at the tip of his tongue. During the three series for BBC Radio Cymru, including a beautiful Christmas special, we travelled the world many times over and my wealth of knowledge had a much-needed injection of enthusiasm from Dewi.
Hanggai performing at Hendre Hall near Bangor. Photo: Mary Roberts
We've kept in touch ever since, and through the wonder of Facebook, I was astounded to read that Dewi had organised a very special gig in north Wales, at a unique venue - Hendre Hall, a huge farm building just outside Bangor.
I've participated in many gigs at Hendre Hall myself, and the log fire, stone walls, isolated location and huge acoustics all make it pretty incredible place. Under the Byd Mawr banner, there would be an unforgettable gig organised. Dewi had secured one of world-class Mongolian band Hanggai's two UK shows - the other being the Southbank centre in London. What an incredible coup!
So the world famous Chinese folk group from Beijing, who specialise in Mongolian folk, the amazing Hanggai came to north Wales.
A little more about them from Wikipedia - The term ‘Hanggai’ itself is a Mongolian word referring to an idealised natural landscape of sprawling grasslands, mountains, rivers, trees, and blue skies. The band was created when leader Ilchi, captivated by the sound of throat singing and wanting to rediscover his ethnic heritage, travelled to Inner Mongolia to learn the art. It was there that he met fellow band members Hugejiltu and Bagen.
In an interview with NPR Ilchi said "Most of our people have moved away from the old way of life…After moving to the cities, many of us have gradually been subjected to a very strong cultural invasion by an oppressive culture. So this traditional music has completely lost its space."
Listen to the wonderful report from Dewi Llwyd Evans, who interviewed the band for my BBC Radio Wales show. Here's a clip of our conversation. You'll be amazed by what the band did as soon as they step off the coach at Hendre Hall. The report starts with Dewi analysing the misnomer genre that is 'world music'.
Dewi Llwyd Evans tells Bethan Elfyn about Hanggai's recent show in north Wales.
