Radio show about G.Ariunbaatar nominated for Prix Europa

A documentary radio show called “From the Steppes to the Stage” about State Honored Artist and Laureate of the Order of Chinggis Khan G.Ariunbaatar aired earlier this year on BBC Radio 4. The show was created by Kate Molleson and produced by Steven Rajam. Recently, the program was nominated for the Prix Europa, which is awarded annually to the top five journalists and audio programs of the year.

The one-hour program featured G.Ariunbaatar, his parents, and his vocal coach Mary Kong, who had been so touched by his performance of “Mongolian Steppe” that she bawled in tears. Additionally, the author of the book “Mongolian Music, Dance and Oral Narrative”, ethnomusicologist Carole Pegg and Head of the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet Ch.Munkhzul spoke of G.Ariunbaatar and his music.

The show surprised the audience with Mongolian throat singing and concludes the song with ethnic band Soyol-Erdene that includes all the main elements of music that is played in Mongolia. They performed folk or long songs, horse fiddle (murin khuur), the main theme of “Uran Khas” ballet “Dumbee and Aria”.

Some experts have criticized the program as a reflection of the Mongolian music world since it included a wide variety of the music in the country despite having the focus on G.Ariunbaatar.