Mandakhjargal DAANSUREN

MONGOLIAN HORSE-HEAD FIDDLE
FEBRUARY 16 to 20, 2026
AUBAGNE

OBJECTIVE

To explore and deepen one’s practice of:

The Horse-Head Fiddle (Morin Khuur) of Mongolia
Various instrumental techniques
The instrument’s repertoire
And, depending on time and participants’ abilities, accompaniment of throat singing (khöömii) for those who have experience with it, or more generally, vocal accompaniment

GENERAL CONTENT

The morin khuur is the ancestral and emblematic instrument of the Mongolian people. This two-stringed bowed fiddle, whose sound resembles that of a cello, is instantly recognizable thanks to its carved horse head at the top of the neck. Its vast repertoire ranges from traditional pieces accompanying vocals, to dance rhythms, as well as solo works—both simple and virtuosic—called tatlaga. While its playing style often evokes the movements of animals like horses or camels, its subtle resonances mirror the vastness of the steppes. Today, it features in diverse genres, from classical music to experimental and ethno-rock creations.

Mandakhjargal’s approach is rooted in a family tradition from the Gobi Desert and enriched by numerous creative experiences, spanning traditional, classical, and experimental music.

Whether or not you are familiar with bow technique, this workshop offers:

Exercises tailored for beginners and advanced musicians alike
Fundamental technical training
Explorations of how to accompany vocals, including throat singing, overtone singing, or other styles

This masterclass complements the Mongolian throat singing program taught by Johanni Curtet, which has been offered for four years. It aims to open a more institutional perspective for teaching morin khuur in France—an instrument until now primarily passed on through private instruction.

SCHEDULE

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM // 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Open to all – no prerequisites (18+).
Younger participants: please contact us.

REGISTER NOW
>> ONLINE REGISTRATION <<
>> FEES AND REGISTRATION DETAILS <<

BIOGRAPHY

Mandakhjargal Daansuren

Mandakhjargal was born on May 19, 1992, in the village of Luus, in the Dundgobi region of Mongolia. From the age of 9, he began learning to play the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) from his father, a musician and luthier. He grew up in the Gobi Desert, within a large family of musicians.

In 2010, he completed his studies at the University of Culture (Soyol), graduating as a morin khuur player and teacher. He also learned all the techniques of khöömii (throat singing) and overtone singing, and also masters the tsuurflute and the jaw harp.

Since settling in France in late 2010, he has actively promoted traditional Mongolian music throughout Europe. He has performed in concert with a range of artistic collaborators, including Argusan, Duo Gobi Rhapsodie, Uvidas, Mathias Duplessy & Les Violons du Monde, Sakhius, and Yidjam. He released his first solo album in May 2016 and the debut album of his new ensemble Argusan in 2021.

DISCOGRAPHY

La mélodie de Gobi (self-produced, 2016)
Pierre Redon et l’Ensemble 9 – Chakras & 5 éléments (Les Sœurs Grées, 2020)
Argusan (self-produced, 2021)
Gobi Rhapsodie – Nar (Ars Produktion, 2022)
If Only I Could Hibernate – Film soundtrack by Johanni Curtet (Buda Musique, 2024)

VIDEO

More information :
http://www.ethnomusicologie.fr/la-sfe/annuaire/userprofile/jcurtet
http://www.routesnomades.fr/
http://www.meikhaneh.com/

MONGOLIAN HORSE-HEAD FIDDLE FEBRUARY 16 to 20, 2026 AUBAGNE