An outstanding local choir – called the A-minor Vocal Orchestra from North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – recently hit the headlines when it triumphed at an international festival.

The choir won gold medal in the open vocal category at the 11th World Peace Chorus Festival, standing out among more than 340 choirs from 55 countries.

The festival is regarded by many as being one of the most important choral events in the world. This year's festival was held from May 22 to June 12 in the form of an online event.

The A-minor Vocal Orchestra was established in 2016 and consists of six young Mongolians. 

It's smiles all round during a group photo of the A-minor Vocal Orchestra. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The choir specializes in cappella, pure vocal singing, as well as imitating the sounds of various instruments. Its conductor, Cholmon, says it is particularly known for performing works that integrate the Mongolian long tune, also known as the Urtin Duu – an historical Mongolian folk music song dating back to the 7th century – with humai, or throat singing.

Since its establishment five years ago, it has performed in nine countries and won two international awards. 

"I think our singing touches everyone because we not only sing notes and harmony, but nature. We hope that more friends can hear our voices and feel the beauty of the grassland," Cholmon said.

Check the video here to enjoy a work called the Father's Grassland and Mother's River performed by the A-minor Vocal Orchestra.