A performance by Levi Chen

Los Angeles Music Award

“Best Instrumental Artist 2007”

&

“Music Video of the Year 2007”

With

Dalai Mongol Orchestra

of traditional Mongol instruments.

8:00pm

Monday, July 7th, 2008.

State Opera House

Ulaanbatar, Mongolia

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Eight hundred years ago, the legendary Chinggis Khan rode a conquering horse and created an empire that included more land, cultures, cities, people, and music, than the world has ever know. Though truly nomadic people, the Mongol Empires’ administrative interest in expanding  the flow of trade across civilizations, led to an exchange of ideas and technology that paved the way for our modern reality.

The great leader never once built a monument to himself, but built bridges where there were none.

He created an era of peace, prosperity and religious tolerance that lasted longer than any other in history. With his intense appetite for knowledge, and the vision to freely promote the exchange

of ideas across his empire, it is safe to say that Chinggis Khan did more to promote world culture

and music than any man in history. It is also easy to imagine that the Mongols had as

great and diverse of a musical appreciation and tradition as any...

In this day and age of ‘Globalism,’ and the delicate interdependence of human socio-political reality with nature, the contemporary concept of nomadism involves cars and airplanes as much as the traditional paradigm revolved around the horse. And music is about guitars and computers, as much as it has always been about melody and rhythm. Music has  always been a bridge between peoples and cultures.

******

The “Dalai Mongol” Concert will be the first concert ever in Mongolia

by an American musician/composer.

*****

The intention of this concert is to promote the exchange of new musical ideas into and across Mongolia, as it was in the time of the great Mongol Khans; so that the rich musical heritage

of the Mongols continues to evolve, and reach new audiences around the globe.

("Dalai" is the Mongol word for 'oceans.'  The title "Dalai Lama" was bestowed by the Mongolian ruler Altan Khan upon Sonam Gyatso, the 3rd Dalai Lama,  in 1578.) Levi is literally crossing the Pacific Ocean to reach his bride, in Mongolia.

Dalai Mongol: Liquid Gardens in the Land of Chinggis Khan.

Having been drawn to Mongolia by his engagement to B. Uuganjargal,

a beautiful Mongolian girl, Levi felt a strong connection to the people, land, and culture. His own spiritual path had led him to Taoism, Buddhism, and Native American thought, and the Buddhist and Shamanistic traditions in Mongolia made him feel right at home.

He also discovered the musical magic of the Mongols...

Levi’s most ambitious musical project to date, this will be a world-

class event featuring Levi’s music “Liquid Gardens,” with

an ensemble of traditional Mongolian string instruments;

Morinhuur, Bass Morinhuur, Yochin and Horchow.

Also featured will be “Khoomi” (polyphonic throat singing.)

The State Opera House in Ulaanbaatar, was designed by a German architect and built by Japanese contractors as WWII retribution.

Laurel Kitten

Dance was certainly as much a part of life in the time of the great Mongol Empire as music. Entertainment for merchants and courtesans alike, from the war camps to the temples, sacred and seductive. Performing with Levi will be Laurel Kitten, a Shamanic Dancer based in Los Angeles. Laurel is a dancer/model who has performed with artists such as Cher and Prince. She is also a “Doula” and has helped many families with natural childbirth.

Drummer Josh Rosenfeld, will  be accompanying Levi from Los Angeles. Levi will premier 2 new compositions, as well as an arrangement of beloved Mongol composer J.Jantsannorov’s pieces entitled “Hot Ashes” and “White Stupa No.1,” and a version of “Gingiima,” a traditional favorite. 

Formoz Festival 2005, Taipei, Taiwan.

Photo: Mickey Man