“New Expressions and Shapes of Ancient Kyrgyz Songs” is a project by Aigine CRC designed to help creative youth reconnect with Kyrgyz song heritage and strengthen indigenous cultural identity through practice, learning, and contemporary artistic expression. In Kyrgyz culture, collective singing has long been part of everyday life—linked to rituals, work, celebrations, and the transmission of memory, values, and language. Today, under globalization and shifting cultural habits, this connection is weakening. The project responds by making the tradition visible, accessible, and meaningful for a new generation.
The project has two interconnected components:
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developing and performing a repertoire of ancient Kyrgyz songs with the youth choir Barchyn Capella;
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an open creative competition inviting young filmmakers, animators, dancers, artists, designers, and other creators to reimagine ancient songs through modern visual forms—animation, video, live performance, and other media.
Throughout the project, we curate and adapt songs across key genres (ritual, historical, women’s, and labor songs), hold regular rehearsals, and create opportunities to learn from tradition bearers and experts. The project culminates in a public concert and a set of new visual works inspired by ancient songs—supporting intergenerational dialogue and making heritage relevant and inspiring for today’s audiences.