Workshop of songs from the country of Georgia with Nino Naneishvili

A workshop of polyphonic songs from the Republic of Georgia by Nino Naneishvili, leader of renowned women's ensemble, Ialoni. As October is the month of the grape harvest in Georgia ('Wine month', or Ghvinobistve, in the old Georgian calendar), this workshop will have a theme of songs relating to wine. Wine originated in Georgia, and is central to Georgian culture, being indispensable in feasting, and prominent in rituals and religious celebrations. So it features in a great many songs.

After the workshop we may have the opportunity to retire to a nearby pub and sing the songs together, with appropriate refreshment!

NINO NANEISHVILI
One of Georgia's leading ethnomusicologists and singers of traditional polyphonic songs, Nino has led Ialoni since its formation in 2009. They have now recorded five albums, and taught and performed internationally, including on several previous visits to the UK. Winners of Best Female Folk Ensemble at the National Folklore Festival of Georgia 2015–16, in the following year Ialoni were awarded the Grand Prix in Georgian Traditional Chant, and the first place and Gold Medal in Georgian Folk Song at the Tbilisi Choral Music Competition.

GEORGIAN POLYPHONY
The Republic of Georgia, in the Caucasus mountains, boasts a rich and ancient UNESCO listed tradition of complex polyphony. Like Georgia itself, the music sits at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, yet has its own, truly unique character. It blends challenging, dissonant and microtonal chords with sweet and lyrical close harmonies. Ancient pagan, shamanic ritual songs with soaring liturgical chants. Powerful work songs, rousing wedding songs, and modern, composed songs all continue this music into the present day.

WORKSHOP 6.30–9.00pm (Doors open at 6.00pm)
The workshop is open to all, and each song will be taught by ear, as is the tradition in Georgia. Whether you are a seasoned singer or completely new to this tradition, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and an enjoyable introduction to this beautiful music.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge.

Tickets £25/20/17.50/12.50

If you are keen to attend but cost is an issue for you, we wouldn't want anyone to be excluded on that basis. Please contact us directly, and we can make an arrangement that works for you.

ACCESSIBILITY
It is important to us that this event be accessible to all who wish to participate. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please let us know when booking, and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.

UNDER 18S
This is a family friendly event, and all are welcome to attend. Youth tickets are available for young people between fourteen and twenty-one years of age participating in the workshop. Children below the age of fourteen may attend without charge, but will need to be in the care and supervision of a responsible adult at all times.

COVID POLICY
Please do not attend the event if you are suffering from any potentially infectious respiratory illness, including Covid. In the event that you are unable to attend for this reason, a full refund will be given.

If you have reason to believe that you may have been exposed to Covid in the week before the event, please take a lateral flow test. In the event of a positive test result, a full refund will be given.

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