MONTRÉAL QC Jul 10 18:00 Concert au Parc Lahaie dans le cadre de « Musique sous un arbre» gratuit/free Jul 12 10:00-17:00 Atelier/Workshop polyphonie géorgienne (limité à 12 chanteurs) $150 email orishalva at gmail.com
BELLEVILLE, ON Jul 13 13:00 at the Kafana, 199 Front Street – time to be determine
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.
The rare sound of harmonized voices form the same family…
Performing a thousand year old singing tradition from a small obscure country…
Sounds that you would rarely hear in North America, let alone the rest of the world…
Saturday, April 12, 2025 7:30 PM Teatro Sur Theatre – 1159 Dundas St E, Studio 145 (at Carlaw) Tickets: $18/$22 Limited Advance | $25 Door | $50 Support/VIP ADVANCED TICKETS HERE WATCH OUR TRAILER PRESS RELEASE
Prepare to be transported to the breathtaking mountains of Georgia (Sakartvelo) through the hauntingly beautiful harmonies of Ori Shalva. On Saturday, April 12th at 7:30 PM, Ori Shalva will present “Echoes of Sakartvelo” at Teatro Sur Theatre (1159 Dundas St E Studio 145, at Carlaw). This concert celebrates their return from Georgia and the release of their debut EP, “Sounds of Georgia.”
Ori Shalva, aka the Makharashvili family, is a family like no other. They formed out of a love for Georgian polyphony, and despite being 9,000 kilometers away from its homeland, for the past 2 decades they have nurtured the rare and intricate tradition of Georgian polyphony—an ancient musical form recognized by UNESCO as an intangible masterpiece of humanity. Their masterful performances offer a rare glimpse of the breadth of this living tradition that remains largely inaccessible outside of Georgia.
Ori Shalva’s performances are not just concerts—they are profound cultural experiences. Their voices evoke images of mountain villages, ancient celebrations, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community. While Georgian polyphony remains a niche tradition rarely heard outside its homeland, Ori Shalva has become a vital link to this rich heritage.
Finally we get a chance to properly thank you for your incredible support of our fundraiser, Sakartvelo Bound. Your contributions—whether through well wishes, endorsements, financial aid, or labor—enabled us to return to Georgia to study and perform Georgian songs for the first time as a family. Immersing ourselves in the land, traditions, and teachings of the world’s best Georgian singers was transformative. Experiencing the spirit of this musical tradition in the homeland has rejuvenated our passion and commitment to sharing Georgian polyphony. There was also a strange sweetness to witness the many Canadian flags ornamenting so many places and events, and a humbling reminder of our role in representing Canada. But we did Canada proud – as we found ourselves pleasantly surprised to receive so many accolades for our authentic performances of Georgian polyphony, along with invitations for further collaborations in Georgia and with the broader singing communities across Europe. Thank you for making this journey possible!
And in case you are curious, below are many details of our travels and experiences. Hope you enjoy reading about it and please feel free to reach out if you have any comments of questions.
Supras, food, song and toasting…
On the first night of Festival Sakartvelo, after a 5+ hour bus ride from the State Folklore Centre in Tbilisi to Ambrolauri in Racha, we were greeted with an unforgettable feast. Fresh meats, vegetables, herbs, spices, and walnuts came together in dishes bursting with distinct flavors. And it didn’t stop there—breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all equally abundant, almost overwhelming in their generosity.
A highlight of the region was Khvanchkara, a unique, exceptionally smooth, and richly dark red wine. Naturally sweet from a blend of grapes that grow exclusively on the north-facing slopes of Racha’s mountains, it was unlike anything we had ever tasted.
But a supra is much more than food and drink. Toasts anchor the experience, guiding the flow of wine and conversation, as one is not to drink without contributing to the toast. Songs weave through the moments, adding depth and connection. Whether it was an intimate supra with Giorguna as our tamada or the grand feast we shared on the mountain in Lechkhumi, these gatherings were magical and filled not only our bellies but also our hearts.
Ohoh! Gabo thrown from an unexpected bass line when singing with one of Dziraini’s banis. There were so many moments like these…
Lechkumi was like visiting a dream
Our cultural day was in Lechkhumi, a region in north west Georgia known as a wild, remote highland area of the Greater Caucasus mountains. We went to visit the wine estate of the Khmelidze family. We drove for hours, high into the mountains but the marshutka (small bus) couldn’t make it all the way to the top, and we had to walk the rest of the way. When we got there, it was like visiting a dream.
It was unbelievably picturesque. (I leave it to the pictures below to better describe.) But it wasn’t time to bask in the beauty. Our day was filled with a singing/dancing workshop, wine tasting, a Lechkumi cuisine demonstration, a dance performance and, of course, a supra.
Tornike Skhiereli, the leader of Dziriani taught all the participants, including the administrators, the song Raeo. How epic it was – all of us singing and dancing on the top of the mountain. (Check out the video below in the learning from Dziriani section)
The hill that the bus couldn’t climb
The Khmelidze family has been making wine in small batches for over 200 years. The process involves the wine gestating in a qvevri, a large egg-shaped earthenware vessel that is buried in the ground for at least 8-9 months. We tasted 3 different wines, all of which were amazing. And then after, or maybe during, we broke out into song and dance, right on top of where the next batch of wine was gestating. Levan Khmelidze, the patriarch of the estate, was so pleased, suggesting that so much singing would make his wine taste even better.
Of course the singing didn’t end then. It carried on into the Supra, which looked like something out of a fairy tale: two long tables, ladened with Georgian food and the tasty Khmelidze wine, stretching out, overlooking the mountains.
Iuri, from Dziriani stopping off at his home to grab some wine along
and some lobiani that his mom made! Yum!
under each of those metal spheres lies a kvevri underground, a huge clay pot where the wine brews… it’s an 8000 year old Georgian tradition!
and it makes such good wine!
we were just about to learn a dance song
workshop on Racha’s cuisine
such goood wine!
Members of the German group Mravalo
Members of the US group Kitka
A Word About Dziriani: study, friendship…
At the beginning of the international folklore festival we were grouped with a wonderful choir of Rachian Georgian singers called “Dziriani” who shared their songs and drinks with us over the next 3-4 days. Below we talk about what we learned from them but more profoundly than learning the songs, we experienced their warmth, generosity and joy and have made lasting lifelong friendships!
In the days leading up to the performance in Racha, Dziriani taught our group two songs; The first being “Dalie”, a two-choir drinking/celebration song that was perfect for getting us in the Georgian spirit. The second was “Maghla Mtas” which translates to “high mountain”, a tale of a centuries-old battle between the Rachians and the Ossetians. It is also performed in a two-choir formation but this one has a round dance, which they tried teaching us!
Following the concert in Racha we traveled with Dziriani to Lechkumi, which we already mentioned above. Before hitting the road, Iuri (one of the members of the choir) stopped at his mom’s house to pick up a stack of freshly made lobiani and jugs of wine (you can see the pictures of this in the gallery above), and then we were off to the higher mountains. Dziriani sang so much on the ride up that the leader of the group, Tornike Skhiereli, had to urge his choir members multiple times to save their voices for later performances.
After tasting wine and singing even more with all the groups of the festival, Dziriani taught everyone one last song: Raeo, which had all of the groups singing and dancing together on top of that picturesque mountain haven.
Concert Culture
When I talk about concert culture in Georgia, it’s a different perspective. It’s not about the audience’s experience. It’s about the performers. And in Georgia, when you throw so many singers together, you just can’t stop them. Singing results. Lots of singing. Even some dancing. One doesn’t have to wonder whether more singing takes place off than on stage in Georgia – it’s just a fact in Georgia. Take a look at this video, a few hours before the opening concert of Festival Sakartvelo in Ambrolauri, Racha. Or the vids below of what happened backstage at the closing concert of the festival.
And check out these pics to help convey more about the atmosphere around concerts in Georgia.
Gabo and Shalva up front, Polo, a bani from Dziriani, and Leo (from Alilo) during sound check in Ambrolauri
Sound check for 15 ensembles takes a long time so I got some work in on my Symposium paper.
Organizers Zura and Erekle
Making the set list
then sharing the set list as a png to all
About to perform with Dziriani in Ambrolauri
Ori Shalva’s performance at the State Folklore Centre
Walking the hall of Rustaveli Theatre
The performance hall
Run through of Raeo with Tornike
Waiting room – backstage at Rustaveli Theatre
Tornike’s little girl dancing to Lalkhor and Kitka’s singing backstage, in the “waiting room” at the Rustaveli Theatre
Dziriani, Ori Shalva (without Big Shalva who was sick) and Alilo
Just before we were about to perform backstage
Shalva backstage at the Tbilisi Conservatoire, Opening concert of the Symposium
Performances & Ensembles
There’s no way we can adequately reflect on all the amazing music we saw. The two festivals (Festival Sakartvelo and the Symposium on Traditional Polyphony) featured an amazing and diverse line up of Georgian performers: like the mixed gendered Svan group Lalkhori; the women’s groups Satanao and Nanina; Mtiebi and Amer-Imeri continuing to thrive as a legacy to the Garaghanidze family; local Svanuri/Rachuli ensembles Lentekhi and Oni; the modern quartet Ranina; various student choirs from different Tbilisi Universities and different regional choirmaster schools; a trio performance featuring Georgia’s oldest surviving Master singer Tristan Sikharulidze; the inspiring and heartwarming Acharian village, song and dance ensemble Mareti; and of course the amazing featured Rachuli ensemble Dziriani. Buy we also got to connect with a host of old and new singing friends who came to Georgia from all over the world to sing and learn Georgian songs. Most impressive for their humility, warmth and exceptional skills were the American women’s group Kitka and the Latvian ladies Saucējas. The relatively young group Alilo, from France, were also excellent singers and fun musical conspirators. We also developed new friendships with the Welsh women of Samaia and the Germans from Mravalo – an online choir led by one of Georgia’s premier conductors and music educators, Tamar Buadze. And there were so many others, like ethnomusicologists Polo Vallejo (who felt like our new-found-long-lost uncle) and Caroline Bithell, or Scottish singers Madge Bray and French singer Francoise Arnaud-Demir. Of course, our hearts warmed so much to see our long-time British and Australian friends from Maspindzeli and Gorani, some of whom we hadn’t seen for possibly 10 years. And we must say how impressed we were with Maspindzeli’s repertoire and performance! Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson are two other individuals that need mentioning, for their support in documenting and advocating for Georgian polyphony through their project Voices of the Ancestors. And of course we must recognize tireless organizers from the State Folklore Centre and the Research Centre for Traditional Polyphony like Nino Razmadze, Giorgi Donadze, his son Erekle, Zura Tskrialashvili, Givi Abesadze, Ana Lolashvili and countless others who worked so hard and were exceptional hosts.
Wish we had space for pics of each group/scholar who participated in these festivals; instead this group shot will have to do
Of course there were many other performance and ensembles that were amazing, many of which never got recorded. However, if you are interested in checking out more performance videos , visit the Voices of the Ancestors Youtube channel.
Scholarship…
One final note – Andrea, as a scholar, also took part in a few academic presentations.
Andrea presented a paper on the transnational practices of traditional Georgian and Ukrainian polyphony within the dynamic cultural landscape of Toronto. She noted that Georgian polyphony is supported by a small diaspora with limited institutional backing, unlike in Georgia, where it benefits from significant support. In contrast, Ukrainian polyphony in Toronto is bolstered by a well-established diaspora with strong cultural infrastructure but faces challenges due to the tradition’s marginalization in Ukraine.
And at a round table on International Participation in Georgian Traditional Music, Andrea highlighted the lack of recognition for the significant achievements of Georgian polyphony in Canada. She attributed this to the greater distance and financial challenges of accessing Georgia from Canada compared to Europe or the United States and advocated for the international community and Georgians to not forget the work done in Canada.
Thank you!
There really is so much more we would love to share with you but it already took us so long to make this post! But this journey deepened our connection to Georgian music and traditions in unimaginable ways, and we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada so meaningfully. Thank you for making this experience possible! We hope you enjoy the photos and videos and invite you to reach out if you have any questions or comments.
A 3-ALBUM DIGITAL BUNDLE for a donation of $45-$50
An album of ZARI chanting in the Shiomghvime monestary in Mskheta
The live concert recording of GABO’s TRIO from the 2018 Symposium on Traditional Polyphony
A yet-to-be released 2019 recording of ORI SHALVA. These tracks, originally recorded for the TV show Sounds of Canada, produced by the Ethnic Channel, were never fully released! AND includes a bonus track by the beautiful Iremashvili Sisters.
A GENUINE SHEEPSKIN HAT for a donation of $150-$200
These handmade sheepskin hats, from the mountains of Georgia, are beautiful, breathable and really warm. When it’s really cold, wearing one is almost like wearing another jacket. You will literally be armed with the warmth of this hat. They come in an off-white colour (as in the picture), black, or off-white with light brown spots. When you choose this gift, don’t forget to let us know your hat size and preferred colour. For pickup or delivery within reasonable distance from Toronto.
A PRIVATE LESSON with SHALVA for a donation of $100-$125
Shalva Makharashvili has been performing the music of his homeland for over 35 years. Starting with the panduri at the age of 4, and progressing to classical guitar, studying at the Tbilisi Conservatoire. He is a natural at both the panduri and chonguri and has experience teaching online as well as in person. Note: in-person lessons must be within a reasonable distance from Toronto.
PRIVATE CONCERT by ORI SHALVA for a donation of $1000-$1250
Have a special event coming up – a big anniversary, a birthday, a reunion? Consider having Ori Shalva as that something extra to make your dinner or special event unforgettable. Have us sing a few sets or use us more informally or theatrically… Or have us frame your dinner/event in a more traditional Georgian way, with the combination of meaningful, uplifting toasts and powerful, visceral songs.
Have Ori Shalva teach a 2-3 hour workshop for your group of singers. In some shape or form, the members of Ori Shalva have been teaching workshops in Georgian Polyphony for over 22 years! With epxertise teaching online as well as in person.
Note: in-person lessons must be within a reasonable distance from Toronto, though we may consider travelling further to lovely places ;)
Join us at THE SUPRA. SUNDAY SEPT 8, 4:30 PM – 7:30ish PM at the beautiful Teatro Sur Theatre, in Toronto, 1159 Dundas St E Studio 145, at Carlaw. This is a rare chance to experience the exceptional blend of Georgian cuisine, beautiful toasts and powerful songs – performed by Ori Shalva – through a ritual feast called the SUPRA. Includes 2 glasses of wine with a 5-6 course meal, featuring some of the exquisite cuisine of Georgia.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please share with anyone who may be interested
If you are ready to donate, you can do so 2 ways:
Save on processing fees and send your donation via e-transfer to orishalva AT gmail.com. Please include Title of the Thank You Gift in the message box and be sure to send us an email so we have your contact info to send a confirmation receipt and updates.
Donate using Credit Cards via our PAYPAL LINK (which is in Andrea’s name). Note: You do not need to have a paypal account to donate this way. Also note: we will send you a confirmation receipt and updates to the email you used with the paypal payment. Please be sure to enter the correct amount and choose the correct gift from the drop down menu.
Have questions about any of the gifts, donations and/or methods of payment?
This September, for the first time ever, Ori Shalva will return to the homeland of Georgian polyphony, to perform & study with the best traditional Georgian singers in the world!
SAKARTVELO BOUND is a crowdsource funding initiative, where each donation holds so much significance, and unique and thoughtful gifts for those who contribute.
OUR THANK YOU GIFTS ARE POSTED! CHECK THEM OUT HERE
Unfortunately, our original funding fell through and we struggled with the decision of whether we should still go. Given that it’s the first time our whole family will sing and perform in Sakartvelo, we have mustered the courage to embark on this tour!
As you know, travel from Canada to anywhere is expensive. But travelling with a whole family, to a niche location like Georgia is even more challenging! So we have created this fundraiser, SAKARTVELO BOUND, to help with our flight costs (over $8000!) and we welcome any support we can get.
We have lots of heartfelt and unique gifts in exchange for your donations, like:
a seat at an authentic and intimate traditional Georgian feast framed by an elaborate series of toasts punctuated by songs performed by Ori Shalva
music lessons with Shalva (senior)
a personal performance by Ori Shalva
Genuine sheepskin Khevsureti hats
and more!
OUR THANK YOU GIFTS ARE POSTED! CHECK THEM OUT HERE
Since we ourselves are so niche, we will run a grassroots campaign. To make a donation and select your gift/s, we ask you to contact us via email (orishalva AT gmail.com) or through our online form, soon to be posted. And we are excited to update the tally of available gifts and funds raised as we go along.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS via ZOOM
SATURDAYS 2-4 pm EST (7 pm GMT)
Starting February 6th, and
EVERY OTHER SATURDAY AFTER
$20-30 for employed; pwyc for underemployed.
Questions?
A song requests?
Or want to sign up?
Drop us a line or click the PAY PAL button (make sure to enter your email address) and we’ll send you the zoom link.
MusiCamp’s most popular activity is running Georgian singing workshops. We usually run singing workshops in the fall, winter and spring. Our last one started late February 2020 – and after only 2 sessions, the workshop got hijacked by COVID 19 and the new social-distancing measures. Somehow, we transferred these harmony singing workshops to ZOOM and as you can see from the image posted above or the videos below, we were all singing together and, in some inexplicable way, it worked!! Here’s what a few of our participants have to say about it:
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
An enjoyable sharing of interesting songs, singing and music. With a smiley side of open hearts and kindred spirits. – Jan Knoppers
If you want to learn more about how we teach harmonized singing online, please read on.
VIDEO OF ONLINE GROUP SINGING
HOW DOES SINGING HARMONIES WORK ONLINE?!
The short answer: it doesn’t. There will always be some kind of latency, even with the fastest internet speeds and the most advanced technology.
What makes it work for us is the fact that we are a singing family and have enough people in our household to sing all the harmonies – all three voices are covered on our end. The ZOOM participants actually sing along with us but they mute their mics so that their voices don’t lag and upset the musical form, as you can see in the videos.
VIDEOS OF TEACHING
WORKING ONE-ON-ONE
Like in our studio, we teach the parts individually (see the video above). Participants’ mics still need to be muted for this. But there are times when mics are turned on, so we can have conversations, make a toast (once in a while only), or work one-on-one with individuals to ensure the vocal line is correct, or even work on technique. We actually had a great session a few weeks back working on some distinctive timbral issues and inflections with krimanchuli, a yodelling style in Georgian polyphony. VIDEO WORKING ONE ON ONE
TEACHING KRIMANCHULI (Note: audio quality is poor due to the wrong mic settings).
SING-ALONG FEATURE
We even offer the play-along or sing-along feature (trio minus one voice) so that participants can test themselves, make sure they can sing their part alone, and sort of feel what it’s like to fit their voice into the trio. In the video below, the participants can practice the top voice independence with the bass and middle being sung by the workshop leaders.
SING ALONG: TRIO MINUS ONE
WORKSHOPS WILL START AGAIN FEBRUARY 6
Suggested $20-30 for employed; PWYC for under employed
Let us know you are interested through our Contact Us Page or click on the PAY PAL button (make sure to enter you email address) and we’ll send you instructions for installing and running ZOOM and setting up your microphone up to work with musical content (rather than spoken content).
In the meantime, stay safe and healthy and wash your spirit often with music ;) !!
We at MusiCamp want to wish you the best for the new year and hope your 2021 is filled with happiness and health. 2020 has been one of the most challenging year for so many and while I know some people are still ambivalent to what 2021 will bring, we remain hopeful – at least hopeful for more music and creativity! Have a look at what MusiCamp has in store…
With the spirit that Christmas carols are all about celebrating rebirth and renewal, we’re sharing these downloads of carols, released only last week and and featuring the fabulous percussion of Jaash Singh.
Starting up again mid-late January, our singing family will be zooming with you, providing all 3-voices to teach Georgian songs. Look for updates on our page.
For West End Toronto folks: free or pwyc, outdoor, socially distanced, body percussion workshops in January. Starting Tuesday January 5 2-3pm at Christie and Bloor. Beginner/intermediate level. Learn more here.
February 5-7, MusiCamp’s Andrea Kuzmich will be one of many facilitators at this winter camp for women, which features workshops on drumming, kirtan, dance, sound healing and more Free/pwyc event. Click here to register.
While we recorded this in August, it was only released last month and features excellent production quality by Labyrinth Ontario, which also produced a number of other exceptional performances and interviews with traditional musicians in Toronto. Hope you get a chance to check them all out.
Protect yourself: wash your spirit with music, often…
It is without doubt that the performing arts are charting untrodden territory in the COVID-era. Compared to many arts organizations and innovative artists, MusiCamp has been a bit slow in response to the epidemic. Clearly, we can no longer offer our adult workshops, summer kids’ camps or facilitate other music events.
It was a sad day for us when the Dundas West Festival was postponed and we wouldn’t be able to present the incredibly diverse musical youth in our community at the MusiCamp Youth Stage. It was particularly sad because I, as an artist in residence at Dewson Public School, had been working with a group of rather talented grade 5 and 6 youth, and was inadvertently mobilizing a body percussion troupe that were creative, energized and excited to be part of the Dundas West Fest. But while we at MusiCamp were slow and careful to react, we soon found ourselves involved in different musical activities and are happy to share some updates with you.
But most importantly we want to reach out and encourage you to process all the changes of the COVID-era in your own time and space, and, if you feel like it, to be creative. Music and the other arts have such powerful healing qualities and are essential to any and all social groupings. But in this time in particular, creative work can help slow down the busy and stressed brain, help refocus on the moment, and empower you in unspeakable ways. So please, stay healthy and safe… and wash your spirit often with music, dance, drawing, film making, painting, body percussion, cooking, baking, writing, or whatever else your heart implores.
UPDATES
ONLINE SINGING WORKSHOPS?!?
We believe we have made it work. Follow this link to see videos and understand how we teach harmonized singing online.
ONLINE BODY PERCUSSION BODY MUSIC WORKSHOPS
A fun, physically active, movement and rhythm workshop, and a great workout for the brain. Beginner/intermediate level. Follow this link to learn more, see videos, and/or register.
VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS (8-14 yrs)
AUGUST 17-22 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Each day offers 3 workshops: BODY PERCUSSION, EXPLORING SONGS, and COMPOSITION & SONGWRITING. Sign your kid up for all 3 or for individual workshops. (Note for some workshops, the class size is limited.)
Click here to register or learn more.
PERFORMANCE & MUSICAL EVENTS
While we aren’t streaming our own musical performances – we’re leaving that to the experts to ensure excellent audio, video and connectivity – we have joined Virtual Private Concerts online. So if you have a special event coming up – an anniversary, birthday, or simply a need to connect – you can hire a musician for a private virtual event. Check it out at Virtual Concerts Online.
ORI SHALVA PERFORMS in URGNT’s ONLINE FESTIVAL
Ori Shalva, our family ensemble, will be a part of this incredibly diverse and exciting online festival of musician from across Ontario! With Juno award winning names like the Gryphon Trio, Lila Biali and too many others to name. Visit our post to learn more.
We hope to have the opportunity to cozy up with you in our studio and blend our voices into a warm harmony that will help pass the winter away.
A 6 Week Workshop
WEDNESDAY 7-9 PM FEB 19 – APR 1 (skipping Mar 4)
at the MusiCamp studio
$250 for new participants; $200 for repeat students
More info or register by email through our contact page
Under the direction of Shalva Makharashvili and Andrea Kuzmich, MusiCamp will be hosting another Georgian singing workshop. 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.
In this series, we’ll take a look a variety of regional styles and song-types (harvest/work/travel/table/love songs and chants). At the end of the 6 weeks we’ll have a little performance for friends and family… and a little toast – to keep it in the Georgian tradition…
Georgian-born singer/multi-instrumentalist Shalva Makharashvili and his Toronto-born partner, Andrea Kuzmich are Canada’s foremost experts in Georgian polyphony. Both Shalva and Andrea were featured soloists in Darbazi; founded the award-winning trio ZARI; perform with their family ensemble Ori Shalva; led Georgian workshops and/or have collaborated with many groups in Canada, including VIVA Youth Singers, Aradia Ensemble, UofT Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Young Voices of Toronto and Folk Camp; and have exposed many in Toronto (enthusiastic amateur singers to professional musicians and composers) to the intricacies of Georgian polyphony through regular workshops they lead out of MusiCamp. (Andrea is also an academic (PhD ABD) who has presented and published papers on Georgian music to international audiences.)
To register for the workshop send us an email through the contact us page.
For some samples of Georgian songs have a listen to Shalva’s and Andrea’s trio soundcloud playlist or visit their website ZARI
Under the direction of Shalva Makharashvili and Andrea Kuzmich, MusiCamp will be hosting another Georgian singing workshop. 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.
MusiCamp 