Ori Shalva, led by virtuoso traditional singer and multi-instrumentalist Shalva Makharashvili, is Canada’s foremost Georgian polyphonic vocal ensemble, performing one of the world’s oldest and most complex vocal traditions.
Step into a world of “amazing harmonies” (Eroll Nazareth, CBC Frequencies) and ancient traditions with Ori Shalva, a Georgian family ensemble based in Toronto. Known for their breathtaking performances of Georgian polyphony – a UNESCO-recognized musical treasure, Ori Shalva brings to life a thousand-year-old art form rarely heard outside Georgia. Their visceral voices transport you to the mountain villages and ancient rites of Sakartvelo (Georgia), offering an experience that transcends music and time.
Their EP, Dilao, is their first ever self-produced, studio-recording, which was recorded in a few short hours by Jean Martin at The Farm, in Toronto, October 30, 2025. Dilao stems from the Georgian word for “morning,” symbolizing the dawn of Ori Shalva’s journey.
Georgian polyphony is a millennia old singing tradition known for its distinctive and visceral harmonies and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible masterpiece of humanity. The singing family unit played an instrumental role in the preservation of Georgian polyphony. Ori Shalva, otherwise known as the Makharashvili family, is one of the first singing families of Georgian origin, performing, teaching, and living halfway around the world from the homeland.
Following the tradition of singing families in Georgia, singing for Ori Shalva is natural, instinctive, and originally framed by family celebrations, not staged performances.
Music in the Village by Fabcollab at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto, August 2025. Photo by Six Shutter 
Shelter from the Sky 2022. Photo by Neatmeat 
Doors Open Festival, Aga Khan 2025. Photo Zurab Kaisidi 
Doors Open Festival, Aga Khan 2025. Photo Zurab Kaisidi 
Doors Open Festival, Aga Khan 2025. Photo Zurab Kaisidi 
Photo by Zurab Kaisidi 
It is only recently that Ori Shalva emerged from its humble familial beginnings through performances with the internationally acclaimed Tafelmusik, and other presenters like Fabcollab, SING! Toronto, the Community Folk Art Council, Labyrinth Ontario, BLOKMUSIC, and others.
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