100 Years of Rustaveli in English
Iranian-American (with Georgian roots) Mahan Esfahani, 'the leading harpsichordist of his generation' will perform Bach and Rameau in Oxford's Trinity College Chapel, on Sunday May 6th at 15.00, as part of our celebrations for 100 years of Georgia's greatest poet Shota Rustaveli being translated in English by Margery Wardrop. Please see Rustaveli May 6th in Oxford Timings and Directions or download pdf.
Sathanao Ensemble From Tbilisi May UK Tour
Geomusica.com presents the unique and sublime harmonies of Sathanao, a wonderful female choir from Georgia for their first UK tour performing in Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Keswick, Derby, Highgate and Holland Park. Here is a pdf of the press release and some pictures.
Centenary celebration of Rustaveli in English
The great Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli (1172-1216), was first translated into English by Marjory Wardrop 100 years ago. BGS plans to hold a few events to celebrate the centenary, and the inaugural event Rustaveli and the Wardrop Heritage will be held in Oxford on Sunday 6th May from 12 noon to 5pm. Speakers include Peter Nasymth and Donald Rayfield. The celebrated Iranian harpsichordist Mahan Isfahani will also perform.
Salt White reviewed by Ben Pearce-Higgins
BGS film screenings resumed at the Georgian Embassy with Keti Machavariani's beautifully crafted debut feature Salt White (2011). One of our members Ben Pearce-Higgins who was at the screening reviewed the film. Our season continues next month.
Read more...
Sakhioba Ensemble on BBC Radio
During the recent tour of the wonderful Georgian polyphonic singers Sakhioba, they were recorded by BBC World Routes. You can hear the singers on Sunday 8th January at 10pm, presented by Lucy Duran. Here is a link to BBC World Routes.
Become a Guardian Angel of Vardzia
Queen Tamar at Vardzia is an iconic image of Georgian History. Dating from 1184-86, it forms part of the wall paintings adorning the Church of the Dormition, the focal point of this famous rock-cut monastery in Southern Georgia. Comprising images of the Virgin, donors and nationally revered saints, with scenes from the Passion of Christ, the wall paintings survive almost complete. View images.
Read more...
Georgian Holiday 23 July to 4 August 2012
The Northern Georgian Society is arranging this Georgian holiday with song; view holiday details (as a PDF).
BGS Kancheli weekend at 'Little Georgia' 17/18 December
A performance of Giya Kancheli's music by the Georgian pianist Alisa Tavdidishvili from his 'Simple Music for Piano' - 33 miniatures for piano based on themes from his scores for plays and films, will take place at the BGS Christmas Party and book launch on 18th December 2011, 6.30pm for 7. During the weekend various films will be screened downstairs at Little Georgia with Kancheli scores most of which are included in 'Simple Music for Piano' the 2009 publication with drawings by Rezo Gabriadze. This will take place at the newly opened 'Little Georgia' restaurant 14 Barnsbury Road, London N1 0HB. Giya Kancheli weekend.
First tour of the UK by Sakhioba Ensemble in November
BGS member Tamta Turmanidze, singer and musician and leader of two London Georgian singing groups, has teamed up with Marc Jackson to form a new company Geomusica, to promote Georgian Music in the UK and Europe. In November they promote Sakhioba Ensemble, a really interesting ensemble from Tbilisi, in there first UK tour. Using the traditional Georgian tuning system, this is Georgian polyphonic singing at its best and most authentic, and they also play traditional Georgian instruments and dance.
Read more...
Marjanishvili Theatre collaboration brings Captain Corelli's Mandolin to the stage
In a major international co-production between the Mercury Theatre Colchester and the Marjanishvili Theatre Tbilisi. five actors (four British and one Georgian) combine with scores of beautiful character puppets, skilfully manipulated by ten Georgian puppeteers, to bring Louis de Bernières classic to the stage, directed by one of Georgia's leading directors.
Read more...
