A soloist of the Alash ensemble, 23-year-old Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, has been awarded the title People's Xoomeizhi of Tuva. Sholban Kara-ool, head of the Republic of Tuva, made the announcement on the 15th anniversary of the young throat singer's professional debut. Bady-Dorzhu Ondar's career started early. At the age of eight, the young throat singer began to tour with his teacher, the well known xoomeizhi Kongar-ool Ondar. The teacher and student were guests on one of the most highly rated American talk shows, the David Letterman Show. Later, 9-year-old Bady-Dorzhu Ondar performed Tuvan throat singing on another popular talk show, hosted by the comic TV personality Chevy Chase (video).

Bady-Dorzhu Ondar was born in the village of Iyme. In May 2006, he was awarded Best in Competition among xoomei performers on the 85th birthday of the famous throat singer Maxim Dakpai (read more). He was given a horse as grand prize. In July 2005, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar won the Best Vocals category at the Ustuu-Xuree Festival, and in September 2005 he was given a special diploma for high performance mastery by the Saratov Center of Folk Arts, which was presented at the N. N. Kalinin 4th All-Russia Festival-Competition of Folk Orchestras and Ensembles of Folk Instruments.

Dina Oyun, TuvaOnline
6 December 2007