California University and Stanford University organized Mongolian Culture Days in Berkley, California between February 2 and 6. Our journalist asked Ts.Uranchimeg, lecturer at California University, what took place.

What was special?
This was the first joint festival organized by two universities where artists in many sectors attended from Mongolia. We talked about business support for the arts, as seen in the Khan Bank gallery and in its support for the Altan urag band and for singer B.Sarantuya.

We also presented examples of Mongolian music, fine arts and poetry, all accompanied by academic papers. Ten artists came from Mongolia, including throat singer N.Sengedorj, morin khuur player G.Urtnasan, and members of the Burte band. Music composed by B.Sharav, poems by G.Mend-Ooyo and works by N.Nandin-Erdene were offered and papers read in both universities.

Who read these papers?
All artists read their own reports. My paper was on fine arts and Buddhism. The audience included teachers and students of the two universities and Mongolians who live and work in the USA. Our Consul, N.Battulga, came to the opening ceremony.

How did foreigners receive Mongolian Culture Days?
Attendance was large as the festival was held over four days and much was on offer. The Mongolians’ Union in the USA organized national games show and fair. People were interested in throat singing because Tsenddorj explained its finer points in English. The concert by pianist Julian Ma and morin khuur player G.Urtnasan, conducted by Jindon Tsai, was much appreciated.

What about visual arts?
Artist N.Nandin-Erdene and O.Enkhtaivan displayed modern art works and installation art items. They also talked about Mongolian modern art development.