Take part in a Georgian singing workshop and join the thousands of voices before you that have contributed to this millennia-old folk tradition.
The songs we teach span a wide range — from lively toasting and horse-riding songs to meditative chants — and vary in complexity depending on the skill level of the participants and the length of the workshop. We provide lyrics (and occasionally notated scores), but all songs are taught by ear, since this is the most effective way to convey the unique musical nuances of the tradition.
We also spend time on developing specific vocal techniques characteristic of Georgian singing. (Check out some of the videos below.)
If time and enthusiasm allows, we may even teach a round dance – both the song and the movement – it’s such fun! (see a vid example at the very end.)
Whatever we end up teaching, we always explain each song in the context of Georgia’s diverse regional styles, genres, and cultural narratives.
TEACHING STYLE
The videos above provide a general mood of our workshops and an idea of some of the repertoire we cover. The videos below – although are from our online workshops – are examples of our teaching style:
1) melismatic techniques from Satamahsho, a Kakhetian dance songs;
2) a complex krimanchuli (yodelling) line from the song Guruli Perkhuli;
3) general way of teaching the Svanuri song Lazhghvash;
4) reviewing all three parts of Azar (a lament from Abkhazia);
5) demonstrating possible variants in Imeruli Mgzavruli
6) teaching the last verse of Imerguli Mgzavruli
Please note these videos are excerpts and represent only a moment of the whole teaching process.
MORE ABOUT US
We are Canada’s foremost experts in Georgian polyphony, Georgian-born singer/multi-instrumentalist Shalva Makharashvili, his Toronto-born partner, singer and published Georgian ethnomusicologist, Andrea Kuzmich, and their son Shalva-Lucas (aka Luca) Makharashvili. Shalva and Andrea have been leading Georgian singing workshops for over 20 years. Both were featured soloists in Darbazi; founded the award-winning trio ZARI; and perform with their family ensemble Ori Shalva. They also have collaborated with many groups in Canada, including the award winning international ensembles Tafelmusik and the Aradia Ensemble; as well as UofT Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Toronto Children’s Chorus, Folk Camp Canada (formerly the Kosa Kolektiv) and many others. As a result, they have exposed many in Toronto (enthusiastic amateur singers to professional musicians and composers) to the intricacies of Georgian polyphony.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
An enjoyable sharing of interesting songs, singing and music. With a smiley side of open hearts and kindred spirits.
– Jan Knoppers
Thank you for a wonderful workshop and an opportunity to learn from artists with such integrity, talent and hospitality… The workshops are well structured, easy to follow and very enjoyable.
– Merey Ismailova
ABOUT GEORGIAN POLYPHONY
Georgia, is located in the mountainous region of the Caucasus, the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its ancient singing tradition, known for its distinctive and haunting harmonies, was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible masterpiece of humanity in 2001. The 3-part form defies Western conventions and comes in a plethora of musical dialects, reflecting the diverse geographical and cultural makeup of the land.
If you are interested in having Ori Shalva lead a workshop, send us an email through the contact us page.
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