Mongolian Opera Brief History

Mongolian first Opera was named “Saran Khukhuu” and it was written by renowned composer, poet, lama Noyon Khutagt Danzanravjaa. However, it was quite different from modern opera.

In 1930, Soviet Union’s specialists came from Mongolia to help to improve our classical art. It was become an important step to develop Mongolian opera. In 1931, the People’s Stadium, Bumbugur Nogoon or the Green Dome theatre was expanded into the National Central Theatre. This was the first professional theatre of Mongolia. During 1931 to 1934, mainly musical plays were performed in this theatre. The first modern national opera (tragic) “Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi” or The Love Triangle, written by renowned writer Natsagdorj.D, was first performed in 1934.

It is great to note that the first ever Asian opera theatre was established in Mongolia. The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia opened on 18th of May, 1963, with the “Eugene Onegin” opera by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Ever since its establishment, the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet greatly developed the Mongolian opera and expanded its number of performances. Two of the main objectives were to develop the national opera and to present the world classics for Mongolian audience. Currently, the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet performs 22 national operas and many more world classics.