Oct 8 | 20:00

Ensemble Erisioni

Georgian State National Singing and Dancing Academic Ensemble Erisioni was founded in 1885. The ensemble has stepped into the third centennial which is an unprecedented case in Georgia, as well as all around the world. It is even referred to as an ensemble -museum. Ever since the day of its creation through dedication to national folklore, own traditions and original artwork Erisioni has been the only one capable of bringing to life, maintaining and preserving for future generations the masterpieces of professional folk creations of all regions of our country that have survived through hundreds of centuries, such as: Two-choir performance (alternation of two choirs), round dance, ceremonial, ritual dance and other species. 

Throughout 138 years of its existence outstanding Georgian conductors, choirmasters and choreographers have worked in the ensemble: Sandro Kavsadze, Mikheil Kavsadze, Kirile Pachkoria, Datashka Kavsadze, Grigol Kokeladze, Shalva Mshvelidze, Valerian Tsagareishvili, Anzor Kavsadze, Grigol Chkhikvadze, Guram Bakradze, Davit Javrishvili, Jano Bagrationi, Iliko Sukhishvili, Avtandil Tataradze, Konstantine Manjgaladze, Rezo Khonelidze, Bukhuti Darakhvelidze, Givi Kojorashvili.

Throughout its existence the ensemble has astounded numerous countries and cities: Paris, Geneva, Brussels, New-York, Los-Angeles, Chicago, Madrid, Moscow, St Petersburg, Athens, Istanbul, China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Nanchang, Huaian) Singapore, Ukraine,  India, Vietnam, Peru, Mexico, Germany, Canada, Germany, Norway, Canary Islands, Caribbean Islands, Baltic states Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and many more. During the two hours show the ensemble demonstrates Georgian folk songs and dances that have no analogue on the planet. The costumes represent each part of Georgia with Georgian character and ethnographic nature. We are proud that Erisioni shows  inspired by Georgian songs and dances not only endure the requirements of modern time but even outpace them with their authenticity and incomparable polyphonic thought.

From 1986 to 2015, Mr. Jemal Chkuaseli was the artistic director of the ensemble and  Mr. Revaz Chokhonelidze was the main choreographer. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the golden age of “Erision” began with the tandem of Jemal Chkuaseli and Revaz Chokhonelidze. It was during these years that the ensemble was named “Erision”. (which, according to Sulkhan Saba’s definition, means sky high, above the peaks of the mountains).

In 1999–2007 the world-famous show “Georgian Legend”, “Legend of Tamar” and “Legends of the Storm” were produced, Erisioni toured a great number of countries with the projects and was immensely successful.

In 2002 Erisioni was awarded by the Gold CD in Paris. The company “Universal” selected and released recordings of the best performers and ensembles (Montserrat Caballé, Freddy Mercury, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Maria Callas). Samaia (Shatilis Asulo) from the show  “Georgian Legend” is among them. All the above can be considered as unprecedented in the history of Georgian culture.

The song “Chakrulo” was sent into space by Voyager in 1977 by Nasa along with several musical masterpieces. It was recorded by renowned Erisioni soloists Rostom Saginashvili and Ilia Zakaidze. 

Georgian people opened a STAR for the ensemble in 2010, honoring the work ”Erisioni”  has accomplished. The ensemble has had Mr. Shermandi Chkuaseli as an artistic director and Mrs. Eka Chkuaseli as chief choreographer  of the ensemble since 2015. The ensemble has successfully been touring around the world with the new show-programs created by them and according to foreign audience the new program is very successful and one of the best among the Erisioni show-programs. Due to Mr. Shermandi Chkuaseli, the artistic director and Mrs. Eka Chkuaseli, chief choreographer the new show is a huge step forward being a more dynamic and varied show, artistically depicting the ancient history of Georgia with astonishing ethnographic precision. 

# This is  ERISIONI. 

#MyGeorgiaErisioni

#Mustsee

www.erisioni.ge

erisionigt@gmail.com

info@erisioni.ge 

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WeChat :+995 558 888 999    

In 2001 UNESCO recognized Georgian folk song as the masterpiece of musical thought of the peoples of the world. According to Igor Stravinsky’s assessment Georgian folk song (namely the ones from Guria) polyphony is the most modern song of all times

PART ONE

1. DAVLURI – GEORGIAN
   It is a court dance of romantic content that has come down to our time and was used
   to be performed at the royal court. The dance can be considered the peak of Georgian folk choreography.

2. KINTOURI
   It belongs to the number of urban type dances and in its essence reflects the life of the old city, while he name of the dance itself is related to the names of prominent and honorable minor merchants of old Tbilisi – Kinto

3. IMERETIAN KANURI
   The Song is Imeritian laber song.

4. GURIAN PERKHULI
   An old ceremonial folk dance, a three-tiered round dance, which is performed in Guria accompanied by a two-choir three voiced singing.

5. KHASANBEGURA
   Gurian song of historical heroic nature.

6. KHORUMI
   Khorumi dance is a martial dance, Khorumi is a symbol of bravery and nobility of Georgian fighters embodied in the dance.

7. NANA
   It is a dance depicting bashfulness of a Georgian woman, showing the emotions and feelings of Georgian women.

8. KAZBEGURI
   Born in the mountains of Georgia, this dance is distinguished by its characteristic strict dance movements. The boys performed the dance in the mountains.

9. SVANURI PERKHULI
   It is a ceremonial and ritualistic round dance, which is performed to the accompaniment of a song and shows the strong character of the people living in the Savaneti region. The Svans are representatives of the highlands of Western Georgia.

10. VOISA-HARIRA
    A Megrelian round dance, romantic, festive song that ends with a dance.

SECOND PART

1. KARTL-KAKHETIAN, FESTIVE SONG
   A festiv dance accompanied by a song, which was performed in Kartli and Kakheti.

2. GEORGIAN RHYTHMS 
3. ABKHAZIAN
   A humorous song accompanied by dancers, reflecting the festive mood of public celebration.

4. TESH IGBALI
   A romantic Megrelian love song.

5. ADJARIAN
   It is a traditional dance of the people living on the shores of the Black Sea, in which the love between a man and a woman is conveyed through lyrical song and dance.

6. ODOIYA
   Megrelian laber song in polyphonic form. It was performed during weeding and hoeing of the farms.

7. MTIEBI
   Mtiebi represents a celebration in the mountains. Young men with flamboyant tricks and girls with grace flirting with each other. A choir of singers is involved in the competition, thus creating an unforgettable spectacle in unity.

8. KUMURIS NADURI
   Imeretian laber song in polyphonic form. It was performed during weeding and hoeing of the farms.