Ulaanbaatar, March 10, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Renowned for her astounding voice, musical pop opera singer Otgonjargal rendered life to many beautiful songs, such as “Minii Eej Temeechin” [My Mother is a Camel Herder], “Unu Munkh Oron” [Eternal Motherland], “Ulemjiin Chanar” [Your Finest Qualities], “Ekh Oron Tanaa” [To My Dear Motherland], “Amin Urgeljlel” [Seeds of My Heart], “Khairlakhiin Jargal” [Happiness of Love], and “Khun Galuu” [Swan Goose]. We are delighted to present a fascinating conversation with Honored Artist of Mongolia Otgonjargal Davaasuren.

-Let's start our conversation with what initially drew you to the realm of music. What made you decide to pursue a career as a singer, and how did you get your start?

-Most of my family members are medical doctors, and we have a long lineage of medical professionals. Becoming a doctor was always the expected path for me and I also was considering following my family tradition. However, music and song held a much stronger pull on my soul. At that time, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, and Boys II Men filled my ears with beautiful pop and R&B melodies. I also spent innumerable hours listening to Pink Floyd, collecting their tapes and records. My teenage years were filled with music, I would close my eyes and lose myself in the music, feeling as if I had become one with the music, transported to a world beyond the stars. I felt not just the emotions in the songs but also the rhythm pulsing through my body. 

-How art, do you think, has influenced your life?

-Art can bring up, educate men, and foster mental growth, cultivating gentleness, kindness, and generosity. Art is also a powerful form of meditation. So, as an artist, I do not have any greed. My true passion lies in creating beautiful art, especially pieces that resonate with and fulfill the desires of my audience. Therefore, it takes me at least 2-3 years to complete one work, carefully deliberating, researching, and consulting with numerous artists. Some of my pieces took 7-10 years.

-Besides being an opera singer, you have sung several ethnic songs, such as Kalmyk, Buryat, and Western Mongolian. It sets you apart from other opera singers. Is it your melodious voice that distinguishes you?

-From a long time ago, I wondered why opera singers did not sing folk songs with their operatic voice. Also, one can say that a distinguishing feature of singer Otgonjargal is her songs from musicals. Sarah Brightman is an everlasting idol for me. I especially love musicals that seamlessly connect the main story with stunning visuals in animated films. Everyone knows Broadway musicals. I have performed lead roles in three major musicals, including a two-hour musical at the biggest theatre in Beijing, China.

Mongolian folk songs are magnificent for their exquisite melodies, intricate structures, and rich musical compositions. They encapsulate profound philosophical context, conveying both the depths of sorrow and the heights of joy through their poignant verses.

-I think the song "Khun Galuu" [Swan Goose] is probably one of your works that reached the audience very well…..

-"Khun Galuu" is the utmost example of my dream genre, a musical pop opera. It took flight beautifully with the version I performed. I made my version with Producer and Composer of "Anir" Studio B. Altankhuyag. Inspired by this, we then collaborated on a wonderful Buryat folk song called “Zayan Navaa.” Scholars argue that it is 800 or 1200 years old.

-It was also peculiar that an opera singer performed the legendary Mongolian traditional long song "Ulemjiin Chanar" [Your Finest Qualities]. Highly revered in Mongolia, the song is believed to possess meditative qualities….

-Indeed! I approached Producer Altankhuyag of "Anir" Studio about performing the song "Ulemjiin Chanar." He initially expressed concerns that the song's style might not be a perfect fit for an opera singer. He mentioned that the composition and the resonance of the song do not suit an opera singer. However, I was able to persuade him. I played the song on the piano and sang, making an arrangement with operatic trills (think chirpy notes) on the high notes of the long song.

"Ulemjiin Chanar" is a timeless piece that blossoms like a flower no matter how it is sung. Close your eyes and listen to the composition – it evokes the essence of spring, with blooming flowers and the gentle murmur of flowing rivers.

-As a freelance artist, you surely have heavy workloads with scheduled performances and invitations. How do you manage the work-life balance?

-I have experienced countless beautiful moments in my artistic journey, performing on stages across countries and traveling around the world. Therefore, I am truly grateful and revere my fate of entering the boundless world of art.

Singers, particularly opera singers, carry a heavy load. But just like vitamins replenish the body, my job energizes me. I perform with inexhaustible energy. However, during the lull between after New Year and Tsagaan Sar [Mongolian Lunar New Year], when there are fewer performances, I find myself feeling oddly tired /laughs/.

-Do you find free time for yourself? What do you like to do in your leisure time?

-In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hitting the gym. "Goolingoo" Fitness has been my go-to spot for 20 years. Most importantly, I cherish time with my family - my mother and children. I realized that family should be the top priority, above work, success, and material wealth.

-In which theater in the world did you dream of singing? Have you achieved your dream?

-I have had the privilege of performing on stages in England, Türkiye, the Emirates, and Russia. In Asia, I have sung in almost all prestigious theaters. As an opera singer, my dream has always been to grace the stages of Europe. Though I have not had that opportunity yet, I am incredibly proud of my fellow Mongolian singers who are impressing audiences around the world. Their success fills me with such joy that it is almost as if I am performing on that stage.

-What is your habit before stepping onto the stage?

-I usually meditate backstage for 2-3 minutes before singing. Most artists feel a surge of excitement before going on stage.

-You have been singing for over 20 years. What stage was the most classical for you?

-In my year of graduation from the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture, I held a big, pure classical concert at the National Academic Drama Theatre of Mongolia with the symphonic orchestra of the Theater. The conductor was Honored Culture Figure of Mongolia, Maestro N. Tuulaikhuu. N. Enkhtuul, Head of the Classical Arts Department at the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture, played the piano, and the performance was under the direction of my teacher O. Ichinkhorloo. I always remember that concert. The applause of the opera orchestra with their bows was truly touching. The entire performance was magnificent. It instilled in me a determination to keep going, make the right choices, and give 100 percent to everything I do.

-You were the only female member of the group “Voice.” I heard that the group aimed at developing the Mongolian pop opera genre. Can you elaborate on this genre?

-We, the members of the “Voice” Group, were drawn to the idea of creating a Mongolian pop opera fueled by the talent and intelligence of Mongolian people. We collaborated with some of Mongolia's most respected artists and poets. Our most famous song is called "Mongol." 

Initially, we set out to create works driven by the belief that a harmonious blend of a male and female voice in a pop-classical style would be euphonious.

Battulga was a baritone, Erdenejargal was a tenor, and I was a soprano. Battulga was a successful young man and a student who already established his career path in numerous fields. He was an anchorman for FM 104.5 and a singer at the State Philharmonic.

We implemented the "Voice of Mongolia" Project to instill patriotism in young people and foster love and respect for our country among teenagers, adults, and elders through our music. We produced songs that stay true to this core mission for eleven years.

In addition to an album, we created around 60 more songs. The project even reached an international stage, organizing full-scale concerts in many countries. Though the band broke up seven years ago, we still take immense pride in the fact that no one has ever said, "I have not heard of the 'Voice' Group."

-Apart from singing, you proved that you are a talented actress with your role in the film "Anu Khatan" [Queen Anu]. Was it challenging to embody the role of a wise, beautiful, and brave warrior queen? How did you come to act in the movie?

-The film "Anu Khatan" was released in January 2013. The film shooting started in April 2012. Looking back, I cannot help but wonder, “Oh my god, how did I ever pull it off?” My youthful energy, desire, and ambition, along with the energy of the film crew around me, somehow overshadowed my fear, inexperience, and incompetence.

Back then, I was 20 plus something. Author of the book “Anu Khatan” B. Shuudertsetseg (or Shuuderee) was holding auditions for the lead role of Queen Anu for her film "Anu Khatan." Over 30 were invited to the casting. I attended on the last day of the casting, which had been announced for a week.

I staged my first solo concert titled "Eternal Mongolia" at the new theatre of the Palace of Independence of Mongolia on February 14, 2011. During that time, my photo appeared on the cover of a magazine, catching the eye of writer Shuuderee. Then, she invited me to audition for the role of Queen Anu. Though apprehensive about the film casting, I respected the invitation and participated. Renowned Mongolian actors, anchors, and singers were also among the casting participants. 

At the casting, actor S. Ariunbyamba guided me through a one-minute dialogue. Afterward, I hurriedly changed my clothes and fled. Two months later, when author Shuuderee called with the news that I had been chosen for the role of Queen Anu, it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck me, jolting my entire body and leaving my brain and emotions reeling.

In the months leading up to the first day of filming, I felt like a rabbit with a pounding heart. I experienced that the first day of shooting was a solemn celebration. Since over 500 artists were involved in filmmaking, I exerted all my efforts and devoted my heart to not hinder their work.

-What exactly were the main criteria for the role of Queen Anu?

-The most crucial criteria were being able to ride a horse and physically fit and courageous like an athlete. Unfortunately, having grown up in a city, I had never ridden a horse before.

Upon arriving at Khustai Nuruu National Park of Mongolia, I found that the film crew had already prepared a horse for me. Although I was worried as I mounted the horse, a surprising sense of relaxation washed over me once I put my foot in the stirrup. When I first got on horseback and rode alongside the group of men, it was difficult to canter but easy to gallop.

Interestingly, upon my first attempt, I rode a horse like a professional athlete. I think it might be inextricably connected to the fact that I was born as a Mongolian. Also, being a player for the provincial basketball team of Darkhan-Uul aimag may have contributed to my ability to ride a horse. 

On the film set, even during downtime, everyone treated me like I was a queen. They would respect me and say, “Queen, sit up!” because every move I made needed to embody the majesty of a 16th-century queen.

-I believe a lot of funny things happened behind the scenes. If another acting opportunity came up, would you consider it?

-Opera singers certainly need enough sleep. However, after working on a historical film, I felt that the life of an actor can be even more demanding and challenging than that of an opera singer. This has made me respect actors a lot. However, if I were to receive an offer to act in a film right now, I would politely decline. I would honestly explain that I do not feel comfortable taking on an acting role at this time.