Tbilisi, Georgia: The ensemble “Didgori” presented their new album of Megrelian-Abkhazian songs named after Anzor Erkomaishvili at the hall of the State Folklore Center on Monday.
The album was created with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia as part of the “Sung Museum” project, which promotes and preserves the diversity of Georgian folk music.
The event was attended by Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, Deputy Minister of Education and Culture of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia Mariam Kuchava, Head of State Folklore Center Giorgi Donadze, former Minister of Culture Guram Odisharia, Anzor Erkomaishvili’s wife Lali Seturidze, and guests interested in folk songs.
The album features Megrelian and Abkhazian songs related to their genre, function and sound. The songs reflect the historical and cultural ties between the two regions and the richness and beauty of their musical traditions.
The album was recorded at the Ethnographic Museum, named after Giorgi Chitaia, in July-October 2023 and was prepared for release with the support of the “Georgian Chant” foundation.
Ensemble “Didgori” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The ensemble is dedicated to the renaissance and popularization of Georgian polyphonic singing, both secular and sacred. The ensemble has performed in various countries and festivals and has won several awards and recognitions. The ensemble members are also active in teaching and researching Georgian folk music.
The project “Sung Museum” has been running since July 9, 2023, with the support of Georgia’s Ministry of Culture. The project has organized eight folk concerts and four folk song working meetings featuring different folk ensembles and singers from Tbilisi and regions.
The project has attracted foreign and Georgian listeners to the Ethnographic Museum, offering them the opportunity to hear folklore from different angles, take folk song lessons and sing with professionals.
The project is expected to continue until the end of the year, with more concerts and events planned. The project aims to create a “sung museum” that showcases Georgian folk music’s diversity and vitality and fosters a dialogue and exchange between musical traditions and communities.
