Anthony Johnston and Borjghali choir, Songs from the Republic of Georgia

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.

ANTHONY JOHNSTON AND BORJGHALI CHOIR
Borjghali, Bristol Georgian choir, was founded in 2004 by Anthony Johnston. Already an experienced musician and teacher, Anthony first came into contact with Georgian song through a meeting with the male ensemble Mtiebi in 1994, led by the late Edisher Garakanidze.

The choir specialises in the music of Georgia, and has visited Georgia a number of times. In 2010 we were honoured to be invited to sing at the Chveneburebi Festival in Borjomi and Tbilisi (Georgia's capital). In 2012 we stayed in Svaneti in the Caucasus mountains and in the eastern region of Kakheti, learning songs and experiencing Georgia's rich and vibrant culture first hand. In 2019 our visit took us from the eastern borders of Georgia, overlooking the beautiful Alazano valley, all the way to Guria on the Black Sea coast.

The choir has a close relationship with the Bristol Tbilisi Twinning Association and we were invited to sing at the 25th and 30th anniversaries of twinning between the two countries in Tbilisi. Among many other prestigious engagements, the choir has appeared on Georgian national television and has sung at the Houses of Parliament in the UK.

Like all choirs, our activities have been severely disrupted by the events of the last three years, so we are hugely excited to be singing together again now, and to be able to invite you to hear us and sing with us.

WORKSHOP
The workshop is open to all, and there is no need to read music, know the language, or have previous experience. Songs will be taught by ear by Anthony Johnston, leader and musical director of Borjghali, Bristol Georgian choir. Anthony is a highly experienced workshop and choir leader with a patient teaching style, and there will be experienced singers on hand to help and support newcomers. So if you are unfamiliar with this tradition, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and an enjoyable introduction to this beautiful music.

As well as teaching songs, Anthony will spend time in the workshop teaching how to sing Georgian songs more authentically, not just in the technical sense, but also in learning to embody and convey the true spirit of each song.

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

PERFORMANCE
Following the workshop a group of singers from Borjghali, Bristol Georgian choir, will give a short performance of sacred songs.

SUPRA
In the evening you are invited to join us for a supra, or ritual Georgian feast.

Georgia has a highly distinctive and sophisticated cuisine. Led by a toastmaster, or tamada, the supra tradition combines the sharing of this delicious food with heartfelt toasts and further songs. If you've attended the afternoon workshop you will be able to join us in singing some of these songs at the supra table, for an unforgettable, moving and highly authentic experience of Georgian culture. But beautiful though Georgian food, wine and song are, at Borjghali we firmly believe that the supra is more than the sum of its parts. Our aim is not merely to entertain, but to welcome and move you. The structure of the supra creates a space where it is possible to connect with each other not as performers and audience, but as hosts and honoured guests. 

You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to raise in toast.

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. However, younger children will need to be in the care and supervision of a responsible adult at all times. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the suitability of this event for your children, please contact us to discuss.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
At a supra, food is served to table in small plates and bowls, from which guests select whatever food they wish. The majority of the dishes will be vegetarian, and many will also be vegan and/or gluten free. Please be aware that walnuts feature prominently in Georgian cuisine, and we cannot guarantee that any dish will be free of all traces of nuts. If you have any severe food allergy or other special dietary requirement, please contact us beforehand to discuss.

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.

Workshop 1.30pm-4.30pm
Performance 5.00pm-5.30pm
Supra 6.00pm-8.00pm

Workshop £35/30, Supra £30/25, Combined £55/45

Performance £5 suggested donation to DEC in aid of emergency relief to Turkey and Syria.

Note: We believe that the ticket prices shown are good value for the experience that you will have, and the cost of providing the workshop and supra. However, we also recognise that many people are experiencing financial strain. 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 try to work something out.