Artists

The Administrative and Operational Department of the "Khan Khentii" Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances is responsible for the backstage operations of the organization’s artistic productions.

Structure and Composition

The department consists of a Director, Artistic Director, Director, Accountant, Human Resources Officer, Secretary, Costume Manager, Operations Treasurer, Cashier, Marketing Manager, Lighting Engineer, Sound Technician, Stage Manager, Carpenter, Driver, Security Guard, Cleaner, and Livestock Caretaker.

This unit plays a crucial role in the execution of performances, musical dramas, and commissioned cultural events for provinces and local communities. It also ensures the smooth organization of performances by external artists, theater productions, comedy shows, film screenings, conferences, and various events. The department works with efficiency and accountability to bring artistic productions to life on stage, creating a comfortable environment for audiences and collaborating closely with fellow professionals.

The Vocal Division of the Khan Khentii Ensemble traces its origins back to 1958 when the Cultural Palace was first established, combining both choir and drama divisions. Over the years, this division has produced many renowned singers.

The first vocal instructors of the Khan Khentii Ensemble were People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUUGZ) L. Dashnyam from the Tsend-Ayush Cultural Palace.

The first generation of singers included People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUAJ) Ch. Sharkhuukhen, Merited Actor of Mongolia (MUGJ) S. Nansalmaa, Merited Actor of Mongolia (MUGJ) Ts. Ichinkhorloo, Merited Artist of Mongolia (MUSTA) Nyamdavaa, MUSTA Mendee, MUSTA B. Tsende-Ayush, MUSTA Kh. Lkhagvakhorol, MUSTA Janchiv, MUSTA Dashdondov, MUSTA Enkhbat, MUSTA Bold, and People’s Honorary Merited Artist B. Davaajav.

Vocal instructors throughout the years have included People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUUGZ) L. Dashnyam, Merited Artist of Mongolia (MUSTA) B. Avirmed, MUSTA B. Khurelbaatar, MUSTA B. Byambajav, MUSTA G. Batbaatar, People’s Honorary Merited Artist B. Davaajav, and MUSTA B. Enkhbayar.

The mid-generation vocalists of the Khan Khentii Ensemble include Merited Actor of Mongolia (MUGJ) Ts. Tuvshintogtokh, MUGJ D. Enkhzul, MUGJ N. Tumurkhuyag, Merited Artist of Mongolia (MUSTA) Tsambalkhündev, MUSTA S. Oyunchuluun, MUSTA Baasanjav, MUSTA Khandarmaa, MUSTA Enkhdulam, MUSTA Narantsetseg, MUSTA Altantuya, MUSTA Tsermaa, MUSTA Ölziinaran, MUSTA Lkhagvakhorol, G. Gerelbaatar, B. Davaajav, Ts. Battör, B. Khurelbaatar, R. Otgontuya, MUSTA G. Batbaatar, MUSTA D. Shinebayar, Merited Actor of Mongolia (MUGJ) G. Khongorzul, MUSTA R. Batbold, MUSTA O. Enkhbileg, N. Byambajav, MUSTA Sh. Sukhbat, N. Bayartsesteg, Kh. Sandagdorj, MUSTA Ts. Ankhbold, S. Saruuljargal, N. Erdenesaruul, D. Bayartsogt, MUSTA G. Bolormaa, B. Nandinsuvd, P. Oyuuntuya, J. Byambalkhagva, Altansaruul, Songuul, Tsolmonbaatar, Sarankhuu, and Mungunzul.

The vocal division is distinguished by its unique tone, distinctive vocal technique, and stylistic depth that set it apart from others. Furthermore, its timeless musical style ensures that the artistic legacy of this division endures across generations, without fading away over time.

The Dance Division of the Khan Khentii Ensemble originated in 1983 from the foundation of the Cultural Palace’s eight principal dancers. At that time, the division was led by the renowned Eastern Mongolian choreographer and dance instructor, People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUUGZ) D. Sanjaasuren, who had been the dance teacher of the Cultural Palace. Expanding on the original eight dancers, the ensemble selected talented young dancers from Khan Khentii province, increasing the number of dancers to sixteen.

Over the past 40 years, the Dance Division has been led by various distinguished dance masters. From 1975 to 1993, it was directed by People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUUGZ) D. Sanjaasuren. From 1993 to 2004, it was under the leadership of People’s Artist of Mongolia (MUUGZ) Ts. Oyunbaatar, and from 2004 to 2018, it was led by Merited Artist of Mongolia (MUSTA) D. Tsogt-Erdene. These choreographers have masterfully depicted the daily lives, customs, traditions, labor, and traditional games of the Eastern Mongolian people through elegant and expressive movements, crafting unique interpretations of multi-ethnic dances. Throughout the years, the division has created numerous remarkable works, earning high praise and consistently achieving outstanding results in national and international competitions and festivals.

In 1983, the Instrumental Music Division was established on the foundation of the Cultural Palace’s music section, forming a new structure for traditional folk music. The division originally consisted of two yochin (dulcimers), two shanz (three-stringed lutes), two morin khuur (horsehead fiddles), one huuchir (two-stringed fiddle), two yatga (zithers), two bishgüür (double reed instruments), two limbe (flutes), two ever büree (horns), two dund khuur (mid-sized fiddles), two tsokhiur (percussion instruments), and one ikh khuur (large fiddle), creating a fully structured national instrumental ensemble.

First Music Instructors:

• Demberel

• D. Gombo

First Conductor:

• G. Shagdarjav

First Generation of Musicians:

• L. Lkhagvasuren, G. Sukhee, Tseveendolgor, S. Khurelbaatar, S. Narmandakh, M. Buyandelger, B. Davaadorj, D. Shirmnbaatar, D. Darkhanbaatar, Ts. Dugar, G. Batbold, G. Bat-Ochir, L. Töögöö, Uranchimig, Gantsestseg, Chuluunzorig

These musicians laid the foundation for the Khan Khentii Ensemble’s traditional folk music section.

Music Teachers Over the Years:

• D. Gombo (1983-1990)

• S. Gursoronzon (1990-1992)

• Buyan-Orshikh (1993-1994)

• Ts. Dugar (1998 - Present)

Conductors Over the Years:

• G. Shagdarjav (1983-1985)

• B. Avirmed (1986-1997)

• B. Ganbold (1997-2003)

Mid-Generation Musicians:

• G. Altmaa, B. Ganbold, A. Batzaya, Badamkhand, Davaadorj, Mart, S. Oyuuntuya, E. Arslan, G. Oyun-Od, G. Bolormaa, Tsogbayar, Uranchimig, D. Bolorbat, Olontumen, E. Adiyaasuren, Davaasuren, B. Batzaya