Mongolian Horse-Head Fiddle Virtuoso Jigjiddorj

Mastery of the Mongolian horse-head fiddle (morin khuur) is considered to be a supreme expression of Mongolian artistry, and a powerful example of cultural and intellectual heritage. The virtuoso Jigjiddorj Nanzaddorj plays the instrument with lyricism and complexity beyond his years, performing modern and traditional Mongolian pieces alongside contemporary Western classical works in his international repertoire. For this performance Jigjiddorj will be joined by Anna Shelest on piano.

About the Musician

Jigjiddorj Nanzaddorj studied at the Music and Dance College of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 2003-2013 under the instruction of Yo.Batbayar, State Meritorious Teacher of Mongolia, and graduated as a professional Morin khuur musician. He has been a member of the Morin khuur Ensemble of Mongolia since 2008 and has been a solo performer in dozens of works by Mongolian and foreign composers. As a part of ethno jazz band Arga-Bileg, he has recorded two albums ‘Deelt’ and ‘Dev’. In 2012 he recorded his first solo album ‘Portrait of Morin Khuur’. He has performed on many world renowned stages, including the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, Russia, the National Grand Theater in Seoul, Korea, the China National Grand Theater in Beijing, the UNESCO Hall in Paris, France, and the United Nations Hall in New York.

Jigjiddorj (or Jiigee, as he is called) won first place at the first international contest of professional Morin khuur musicians in 2015, in addition to many international awards, and has twice been named the state laureate artist of Mongolia.