Daily Inspiration: Meet Shuree Enkhbold

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shuree Enkhbold. They and their team shared their story with us below:

As an immigrant, I envision a world where Mongolian music becomes a tool for cross-cultural exchange. So, I put together the Endless Steppe Project with my co-founder, Prof. Joe Lerangis. We met last summer in Mongolia while Joe was researching his dissertation on Mongolian music. The American Center for Mongolian Studies connected us initially. Since we are Mongolian music researchers in the States, we should also put together a project to promote the music in the States. After the brief conversation over lunch, we stayed connected and applied for funds for the project. Although it has only been a couple of months since we started the project, we are excited to be doing initiatives in the country as a series of concerts and educational events. Through the Endless Project, we aim to strengthen relationships between Mongolian and American musical organizations via concerts and educational programs. We aim to broaden the reach of Mongolian music on the international stage, introducing Mongolian modes of creation to audiences in the United States. Through initiatives in Mongolia, we also hope to introduce new career paths, prepare educated audiences, and realize the power of music in personal development among younger generations.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
We are putting together our first concert series at Cornell University this fall in October. In this concert, we have Cornell singers, musicians, and Mongolian traditional music artists performing Mongolian compositions by Byambasuren Sharav. Organizing a series of concerts and educational programs involving international participants requires travel arrangements, scheduling rehearsals, and ensuring smooth execution.

While working on the project this summer in Mongolia, my co-founder and I contacted the composer’s family and their foundation for copyright permissions to perform the pieces in the US. Navigating these aspects to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations in both countries can be challenging for the project’s planning.

This year, our first concert is being funded by Cornell University. Securing adequate funding to support the project’s various components, especially when dealing with travel expenses for artists and educators, is an ongoing challenge for the project. Fortunately, our previous entrepreneurial experiences helped us balance the budget to avoid financial constraints.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This is Shuree Enkhbold. I am a co-founder of the Endless Steppe Project and a classical concert pianist located in Arizona. It’s been about 25 years since I was first introduced to the world of classical music. Having been fulfilled in entrepreneurship programs throughout graduate school, I always created opportunities to collaborate on music-related businesses and projects. My doctoral dissertation discusses the piano music of Sharav Byambasuren and how his pieces represent the unique Mongolian culture. Since the initial part of the dissertation, I have been looking for ways to promote Sharav’s compositions while emphasizing the traditional musical elements. For that reason, at the Endless Steppe project, we are featuring Sharav’s piano and small orchestral pieces to extend the reach of Mongolian music to the international stage, promising to introduce Mongolian modes of creation to eager audiences across the United States. I am a solo pianist, chamber musician, and organizing team member.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
I advise people to collaborate with academic institutions, cultural centers, and music festivals to amplify their impact and reach a broader audience for music-related initiatives. We are still trying to forge partnerships with local and international organizations that share our values. If you are interested in a transformative journey of cultural unity and musical marvels, discover how you can contribute to this symphony of cultural exchange and artistic excellence.

Pricing:

• Free Tickets

Contact Info:

• Website: http://steppesounds.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.shuree/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shureepiano
• Other: https://www.shureepiano.com

Image Credits
Mateusz Jagiello, Patiar Studio