Bristol Georgian Choir
The Bristol Georgian Choir is a mixed chorus for adults,
learning, singing and performing three part harmony folk songs and sacred chants from the Republic
of Georgia.
The choir began it's life in Bristol in 2004 and has been performing to
delighted audiences in locations in and around Bristol such as Ashton Court
Festival, the Watershed Theatre, the Venn Festival, Harbourside Festival, in Bristol University's Wills Memorial
Building as part of the University’s Arts Based Educational Research
Conference and the annual Georgian Studies Day. The choir performed last year at the Rudolf Steiner House Regents Park, as part of the Chveneburebi Festival. At a recent concert given in St Aidan's Church, St George, Bristol, members of the audience commented:
"Spellbinding - I didn't want the concert to end."
"Fantastic concert and a wonderful sound - you sounded like real Georgians!"
"Wonderful music - exceptional voices"
Information for prospective
members
For
those who love the haunting and evocative harmonies of Georgia and the Balkans
this is an opportunity to learn a repertoire of fantastic songs towards
performing. Members of the Bristol Choir have the option of joining Singing Mountain Choir that shares repertoire and a number of its members. Singing Mountain meets on weekends around the country and has one main tour per year.
- New members are welcome to
join us at the beginning of the Winter and Spring terms.
We meet on Mondays for two hours a
week, three terms a year, each term being ten weeks long. For venues and times
see Calendar of Events).
The songs are taught by
ear, so you don’t need to read music.
While we do not hold
auditions, you will need to have an ability to sing, a basic ability to
control your voice, an awareness of pitch and an interest in Georgian polyphony.
- You
will also need a commitment to learning lots of strange words and unfamiliar
melody lines!
Openness to exploring your vocal range and tone and an openness to express
yourself through the voice and movement is a distinct advantage.
- For new members there are
regular ‘catch up’ days or weekends where new members can learn and sing songs
in our existing repertoire.
About Georgian
Polyphony
The
Republic of Georgia is a small country of 4 million people, at the cross roads
of East and West. It is home to a treasure trove of three part harmony songs,
many of which have their roots in ancient and even pre-Christian times. The
music is varied as each region, often cut off by mountains, developed its own
particular songs, variations and styles of singing. There are dance songs,
lullabies, work songs, travelling songs, and lyrical love songs, telling stories
of people’s loves, joys and hardships. There is also a rich tradition of
Georgian sacred music. Songs are often accompanied by dances and are sung at a
supra - a traditional ceremonial feast that features eloquent toasts and
singing.
Click here for information about Singing
Mountain Choir
