Georgian Traditional Polyphonic Singing Workshop at AqTushetii

From July 22nd to July 31st, Aqtushetii is delighted to host a workshop on Georgian traditional polyphonic singing led by the renowned singer and folklorist, David Shughliashvili. The event will also feature two guest lecturers: Levan Bitarovi and Lasha Bedenashvili, both members of the famous Adilei Ensemble
Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in learning and practicing traditional polyphonic folk songs from different regions of Georgia. The sessions will include both practical singing and theoretical teachings on ethnomusicology, providing insights into the historical context of each song. Participants will also have the chance to learn traditional Georgian chants and explore urban songs.

The daily schedule will be divided into two sessions, each lasting two hours. The workshop will incorporate listening sessions and excursions, including chanting near places of worship. To conclude the eight-day workshop, participants will come together for a group performance showcasing the songs they have mastered.

On July 25th, Aqtushetii will host a jubilee celebration in honor of the legendary Inola Gurgulia, a prominent Georgian singer-songwriter known for iconic urban songs.

Key Workshop Facilitators:

David Shughliashvili (1964): A Doctor of Musicology and leader of the Anchiskhati Ensemble, David was a former chant singer at the Anchiskhati Cathedral from 1988 to 2017. He serves as a lecturer at the Tbilisi Conservatory, is a professor at the University of Georgian Chant, and is the Head of the Music Department at the National Library of Georgia. David is an author-compiler of several musical collections and has gained international acclaim through numerous concerts and tours in Europe, the USA, and Canada.
David regularly teaches Georgian folk song internationally (Italy – Siena Jazz Academy; Austria – Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts;
Ireland – Limerick University).

Levan Bitarovi (1991): Levan, a folk music practitioner, singer, and teacher, is a valued member of the folk ensemble “Adilei.” He actively participates in various international projects and festivals, conducting traditional Georgian music and singing workshops globally. Levan contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of Georgian culture. https://adilei.ge/
https://www.youtube.com/@levanbitarovi8438/videos

Lasha Bedenashvili (06/09/1990): Lasha, a folk music singer with a family musical tradition, is a member of the folk ensembles “Adilei” and “Shavnabada.” Actively participating in festivals, concerts, and studio albums, Lasha conducts traditional Georgian music and singing workshops worldwide.
https://adilei.ge/
Since 2016, he has been continuously traveling abroad with ensembles (in Europe and America), conducting traditional Georgian music and singing workshops and promoting Georgian culture.
https://adilei.ge/

 

Accommodation

The residents will be accommodated at our site, which offers capsule beds in dormitories, showers, a dining area, and several terraces.

Fees:

The total cost of the workshop is 900 Euros which covers:
– transport Tbilisi-Omalo-Tbilisi
– 9 nights accommodation (in capsule dormitories)
– 10 days of catering: a light breakfast and two large meals per day

Application information

To apply please send your information to aqtushetii@gmail.com

Deadlines will close once all 6 available spots are filled