Language and Culture Taster: Discover Mongolian Language, Music, Dance and the Stories of the Steppe
- Date
- Thursday 12 November 2026, 2-3pm
- Location
- Leeds City Library: Music Library, Floor 1
- Tickets:
- Free. Booking required.
Register Here
Curious about Mongolian language and culture? Join us for an interactive journey into the rich traditions of Mongolian communities!
Discover the beauty of traditional Mongolian writing, learn some everyday expressions, and explore how language connects with music, dance, storytelling and cultural heritage.
From the legendary Jangar epic to the distinctive sounds of traditional Mongolian music and the expressive movements of Mongolian folk dance, this session will introduce you to the stories, customs and living traditions that shape Mongolian cultural identity.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to practise simple Mongolian phrases, enjoy live music and dance demonstrations, and experience cultural traditions through interactive activities.
No prior knowledge needed – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering new languages and cultures!
Meet the Artists
Tong Gulong (ᠲᠤᠩᠭᠠᠯᠠᠭ) — Lead Cultural Presenter | Mongolian Heritage & Storytelling
Tong Gulong is a Mongolian cultural practitioner from Xinjiang, China, and founder of the Xinjiang Jangar Culture and Tourism Centre. With ten years of experience in intangible cultural heritage and international cultural exchange, she is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Mongolian heroic epic Jangar and traditional Mongolian culture.
Samuel (Ulziibayar · ᠥᠯᠵᠡᠢᠪᠠᠭᠠᠲᠤᠷ) — Morin Khuur | Lead Cultural Presenter & Composer
Samuel is a professional morin khuur player, composer and University of Leeds graduate. A prizewinner at the Baotou Morin Khuur Competition, he has performed across China and internationally. His original compositions draw inspiration from Mongolian musical traditions and cultural heritage.
Lijun (Mio) Zhang — Guzheng | Event Coordinator
Lijun (Mio) Zhang is a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds with a background in music psychology. A guzheng player and community music facilitator, Mio brings traditional music into performances, workshops and cross-cultural community projects.
Deedee Zhang — Percussion | Musician
Deedee Zhang is the founder of Bandroom3, a music community, and a graduate of the China Conservatory of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Her work spans music performance, teaching, event production and creative collaboration.
Boya Xie — Dance | Cross-Cultural Dance Artist
Boya Xie is a cross-cultural dance artist with a master's degree from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Blending Chinese classical and contemporary dance, she creates performances and participatory movement experiences that connect diverse communities.
Hao — Piano | Music Producer
Hao is a music producer with an MA in Music Production and a background in classical piano. His work combines classical performance and contemporary music production, exploring musical styles and traditions across cultures.
Vince Chin — Guitar | Fine Artist
Vince Chin is a Leeds-based fine artist and musician with a background in Fine Art. Through musical performances and collaborations, he explores connections between music, memory and creative expression.
In partnership with Leeds Libraries and the Business Confucius Institute .
