Rustavi Choir and a Taste of Georgia
Founded in 1968 by legendary folklorist Anzor Erkomaishvili, the choir Rustavi have since created recordings of thousands of Georgian songs and performed more than 8000 concerts in over 80 different countries. They have graced many of the world’s most prestigious stages and concert halls, even being invited to perform at the 1990 Oscar presentation ceremony (where their performance upstaged the awards themselves) and, uniquely, at UNESCO’s 60th anniversary in Japan. In 2001 they were awarded the UNESCO Pacha Prize for the safeguarding and promotion of Georgian polyphonic singing.
Rustavi’s vast repertoire includes songs from all genres of Georgian polyphonic singing. These include ancient sacred songs, and there’s a link below this article to a performance of Shen Khar Venakhi, a well-known and searingly beautiful sacred song. There are work songs or naduri (designed to be sung in group harmonies while working on the land). In addition there are wedding songs, ritual songs (developed to be sung at funerals, and combining the religious Orthodox with the shamanic), traditional folk songs and dance, and ‘city songs’ – modern songs composed for three-part harmony, often romantic, sometimes performed in cafés and restaurants.
On this occasion the organisers have been privileged to book twelve men from this ensemble, who will visit Hastings between their scheduled performance at the BBC Proms (in the Albert Hall), and a concert in Warsaw. At Thursday’s concert here at Henry Ward Hall, the evening will be opened by local choir leader Juliet Russell with The Fell Trio, blending strings, accordion looper, and voice in a haunting mix of Celtic and Balkan folk songs.
On the previous day (10 September) there is a unique sharing event in the form of a singing workshop and supra – a key part of Georgian culture. It’s a shared meal at which a toastmaster (tamada) is elected. Food should be brought by everyone who attends, and is then served on small plates across the table so that every guest can help themselves as they wish during the course of the supper. Wine is available, but is only to be drunk following a toast, when usually a song will be sung that relates to the theme of the toast. You’ll be taught songs by ear, without needing to be an expert singer or to know the Georgian language. Members of choirs in our area, or anyone else at all who loves singing, will cherish an evening like this.
These two unique events will take place in the lovely Henry Ward Hall in Robertson Street. Readers are urged not to miss them. Listen to the wonderful choir now and marvel – there are Spotify and YouTube links below.
Concert brought to you by PitchBlend, Mike Willis, and Juliet Russell’s Vocal Explosion. Workshop and Supra: 10 Sept, Concert: 11 Sept, both at Henry Ward Hall, Robertson Street. Tickets: tickettailor.com/events/pitchblend/1813016 Youtube: Kviria–YouTube Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/7u8PixV3FwEQ3ttxaAjjfF
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