Georgian Polyphonic Singing Day Workshop
Sun 9 Feb 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
South Oxford Community Centre, OX1 4RP
Description
At this full day workshop you will learn three-part folk songs from the country of Georgia, and how to use your whole body to sing them.
The Workshop
You will learn several folk songs from the polyphonic tradition of Georgia, and how to make the most out of your natural voice while singing them. You will experience the joy of connecting with others through shared sound. You are invited to bring along some food to share over lunchtime.
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. Holly will bring cultural context to this centuries-old tradition.
The Workshop Leader
Holly Taylor-Zuntz is a voice leader, song collector and multi-disciplinary artist from Oxford who has been living in Georgia and studying Georgian songs for the last seven years. In 2022 she trained as a Natural Voice Leader with Frankie Armstrong.
Holly leads Kalta Choir, a Georgian choir for women, and other community singing events in Oxford. See more at www.hollytaylor-zuntz.com
She is one of the founders of Voices of the Ancestors, a podcast and theatre show about Georgian polyphonic songs, the women who sing them, and how they came to be loved in the UK. For more info go to: www.voicesoftheancestors.co.uk
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.
Tickets
Tickets are £60, or £50 for those on low means. Early bird discount £40 (limited availability).
This includes all teaching time and materials, tea, coffee and biscuits. But not lunch.
How to pay?
Payment is made by BANK TRANSFER to avoid transaction fees.
Booking on TicketTailor does NOT mean you have paid, after completing the booking please make a BACS transfer to my account.
The details are:
Name: Holly Taylor
Bank: Co-op
Sort Code: 08-93-00
Account Number: 80438621
If asked for a reference write: WORKSHOP and your name/initials
Venue
South Oxford Community Centre can be found in the peaceful setting of Hinksey Park and Lakes.
Main Hall,
South Oxford Community Centre,
Lake Street,
Oxford
OX1 4RP
Location
South Oxford Community Centre, OX1 4RP