The Tuvan National Orchestra reflects the complex history of the Republic of Tuva (sometimes spelled Tyva), a federal subject of Russia which sits at the southern edge of Siberia, with Mongolia to its south.
Over the centuries, Tuva has been part of Chinese and Mongolian empires, and shares many cultural ties with Mongolia.
In 1944 it joined the Soviet Union, and Tuva is now a constituent republic of the Russian Federation.
It is now led by Conductor and Artistic Director Ayana Samiyaevna Mongush.
Orchestra members include musicians known in the West for their throatsinging (members of the groups Chirgilchin, Tyva Kyzy, and Alash), and Nikolai Damba.