The State Philharmonic was established on June 5, 1957. It was one of the most important events in the Over 40 years the Philharmonic has played many works by famous western, as well as Mongolian composers.

Its proudest monument was the playing of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, conducted by Ts.Namsraijav in 1980, which showed the outstanding professional level that Mongolian musicians had attained.

It is unthinkable to imagine modern Mongolian music without State Prizewinners L.Murdorj, Gonchigsumlaa, Birvaa, D.Luvsansharav, B.Damdinsuren, N.Jantsannorov and the famous composer B.Sharav. The premier of a new opera production named after the great Mongolian Khan “Genghis” by B.Sharav took place at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre on the occasion of the 840th anniversary of the Khan’s birthday on May 3, 2003.

Traditional Musical Instruments

There are traditional Mongolian string and wind instruments, as well as drums and gongs. Mongolians have made their music through the ages using metal, stone, bamboo, leather and wood. The most popular musical instrument is Morin Khuur (horse fiddle) which is said to represent the movement and sounds of a horse.

Traditional Mongolian instruments include:
- Morin Khuur (horse head-decorated 2-string cello)
- Modon tsuur (string instrument)
- Yatga (psaltery-like horizontal string instrument)
- Limbe (flute)
- Shudarga (3-string sitar-technique instrument)
- Yochin (multi-string horizontal instrument with echoing box)
- Khuuchir (cittern-like string instrument)
- Tumurkhuur or khulsankhuur (metal or bambuu leaf resonance based instrument)
- Buree (trumpet-like instrument)
- Bishguur (cow horn flute)
- Tsan khengereg (drum)

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