What we’re about
If you are interested in singing, humming, feeling body vibration and exploring the potential of your voice with others, this meet-up is for you!
We are hosting Georgian singing meet-ups in Castlebar (taught by Fiona) and in Ballinrobe (taught by Andrew).
Each week we learn and sing 3-part harmony songs from the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus. The sessions start with a body and vocal warm-up. Songs are learnt by ear. No previous experience of singing or Georgian singing is necessary.
Georgia has a rich and varied tradition of polyphonic singing with songs for all occasions: hosting, toasting, eating, drinking, working, soothing, healing, celebrating life events, mourning, and dancing. The songs are sung in three voices (top, middle and bass) which meet in rich and crunchy harmonies.
The meet-ups will be hosted by Fiona Dowling and Andrew Ilsley. Members of Zurmukhti Georgian Singing Ensemble from 2011 to 2016 under the leadership of Louise Brennan, they have been singing and studying Georgian Songs for the last 10 years with Georgian and Western Teachers such as Frank Kane, Nana Mzhavanadze, Carl Linich, Bernard Burns, Malkhaz Erkvanidze, the Pilpani Family in Svaneti and the Turmanidze family in Achara. Their approach to Georgian singing is inspired by the teachings of Frank Kane (https://www.georgische-lieder.de) and his understanding of body vibration.
