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 2.30–5.30pm
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.

Timings 2.30–5.30pm Doors open at 2.00pm
Tickets £25/17.50/12.50

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 eighteen 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.

DONATIONS
are being invited to a fundraiser to pay for the urgent medical and living expenses of Nika Tibiashvili, a young doctor and father in Georgia who has a brain tumour requiring complex treatment and surgery. Without this financial support he will be unable to access the treatment he needs to survive, and to continue working to provide medical care to others.

You can either donate directly to the fundraiser, or add your donation at the checkout when paying for tickets (If donating at the checkout, 100% of your donation will be passed on to the fundraiser).

We are aware that there are many, many worthy causes in the world, and funds are not unlimited. If you are unable to donate, you can nonetheless still help by sharing the fundraiser with others. Didi madloba! Thank you!

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less