Our Journey
Our organization's story is deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to promoting the rich heritage of Mongolian culture through the Morin Khuur. This enduring pursuit has always guided us from the start, beginning as humble personal and hobbyist endeavors that paved the way for future achievements. Later, we began our official advisory role for the Mongolian Cultural Organization (MCO) at the University of Michigan in 2013. Our collective passion and purpose reached new heights in 2019, as we took the lead in co-founding and organizing The First Morin Khuur Festival in the USA. We decided to embrace a symbolic founder to represent the collective spirit of the multitude of founders whose diverse contributions could not all be named, but whose unified dedication was essential to our festival’s inception. This decision honored the unified dedication at the heart of our festival’s inception and acknowledged the legacy and the hard work of the generations that preceded us.
This milestone marked the beginning of a transformative journey. The first festival not only celebrated Mongolian heritage but also sparked connections that led to the creation of the Morin Khuur Center in North America (MKCNA), a nonprofit dedicated to carrying forward the festival’s indomitable spirit. Our horizons expanded as MKCNA organized The Second Morin Khuur Festival in the USA and played a pivotal role in co-organizing The First European Morin Khuur Festival, fostering international collaborations.
Yet, every journey encounters challenges, and ours was no exception. As we navigated a pivotal chapter of our history, internal complexities necessitated thoughtful deliberation and tough decisions. In our commitment to foster a positive and collaborative work environment, we faced the difficult choice of parting ways with some cherished team members. We undertook this period of change with deep empathy and a keen understanding of the intricacies involved.
Throughout these times, our dedication to our mission never wavered. We recognized that our impact extended beyond the confines of any single festival. In 2022, Morin Khuur Heritage emerged from this dedication to our cause, a testament to our sustained commitment and our fervent aspiration for positive evolution. Embracing this broader vision, unburdened by past constraints, we charted a new course, eager to embrace the future and all the possibilities it holds for Mongolian cultural heritage.
As we embark on a new era for Morin Khuur Heritage, we do so not as gatekeepers but as collaborators, inviting all who wish to explore and celebrate the profound legacy of the Morin Khuur. We are crafting a future where the echoes of our ancestors’ music find harmony with the modern world’s melody. Join us in the effort to preserve and innovate cultural heritage, ensuring the Morin Khuur resonates for generations to come.