One of the members of Alash ensemble, 23-year-old Bady-Dorzhu Ondar, has been awarded the title People's Xoomeizhi of Tuva. The title “People’s Xoomeizhi” is an honor conferred by the president of Tuva in recognition of a throat singer’s artistic achievement. Alash’s artistic director, Kongar-ool Ondar, is a well known and highly respected People’s Xoomeizhi.

Sholban Kara-ool, head of the Republic of Tuva, made the official announcement on the 15th anniversary of the young throat singer's professional debut.

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. He was given a horse (a very cherished prize in Tuva) as grand prize. In July 2005, Bady-Dorzhu Ondar won the Best Vocals category at the Ustuu-Huree Festival, and in September 2005 he was given a special award at the 4th All-Russia Festival of Folk Orchestras, dedicated to Kalinin and held at the Saratov Folk Arts Center.

Photo by John O'Hara, Whitefish Bay Herald