A day and evening full of song, warmth, food and community!

At this half day workshop you will learn three-part folk songs from the country of Georgia, and experience the joy of connecting with others through shared sound.

The Workshop Leader

Eminent Georgian ethnomusicologist, singer and choir leader Dr.Nino Naneishvili will be leading an open workshop in Oxford as part of her tour of the UK. This workshop not only introduces traditional folk songs from the Caucasus region, but offers a deeper insight into intonation, melody, musical phrases, folk verses, context and the psychological influences of singing on our body and soul.

Following Nino's 2023 tour of the UK with her women's ensemble Ialoni, this promises to be both a profound and thrilling experience.

To hear Nino talk about healing songs and round dances, listen to her interview on the Voices of the Ancestors podcast.

Followed by a Bring and Share Supra Feast

The most authentic setting for song sharing in Georgia is not on the stage but around the table. 

A supra is a shared ritual meal combining toasts, wine, food and songs, all led by the 'tamada' or toast master.

We will sing the songs we've learned in the workshop, and Oxford Kalta Choir will share some songs they have been working on this term.

Schedule

15.00-18.00 Workshop 

18.00-19.00 Break/Prep hall and food for supra.

19.00-21.30 Supra

21.30- 22.00 Clear up

Georgian Polyphonic Songs

Georgia is a small country bordering the Black Sea, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Its polyphonic music, as well as its unique alphabet, have been recognised by UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.

Though small, there is great variety within the different regions of the country, including soothing healing songs, rousing table songs, and reverent chants. These songs touch something deep inside our bodies, reaching down to the earth and back through generations of ancestors.

This workshop offers a way in to learning about these songs, as well as the stories and people behind them. Nino will bring cultural context to this centuries-old tradition.

Singing Level Required

This workshop is open to those who can hold a tune while singing with others. No previous experience of Georgian music is required, and you do not need to be able to read music. If you already know many Georgian songs, this workshop offers a new perspective on them.

How does the bring and share supra work?
A supra is a traditional Georgian feast, which combines toasts, wine, food and songs. The food is usually served 'tapas style' in many small dishes repeated down the long table. 
In Oxford we have pot-luck style supras, where everyone contributes to the table, keeping costs down. 
-You don't need to make something Georgian, but you are very welcome to.
- Your contribution could be homemade or shop-bought, food or drink. Tablecloths and decorations are useful too. 
- It works best if you separate your dishes into three or more containers, ready to be distributed along the table (if you can do this before you arrive, it saves on crowding in the kitchen).
- Please label each container with allergens e.g gluten, nuts, dairy.  
- There is plenty of fridge space at the venue, so if you are coming to the workshop your food can be refrigerated.
- You see what other people are bringing on the shared spreadsheet, and add your contribution there too. 

How to pay?
Booking on TicketTailor does NOT mean you have paid, after completing the booking please make a BACS transfer to my account.

This is to avoid all of us paying our hard earned money to the paypal corporation :)

The details are:
Name: Holly Taylor
Bank: Co-op
Sort Code: 08-93-00
Account Number: 80438621
If asked for a reference write: NINO and your name/initials