The folk and ethnography studio AMER-IMERI was founded in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, in 1991 to promote authentic Georgian folklore in all its varied forms of unique choral polyphony, dance, oral tradition and games. In a familial atmosphere, at the age of 5-6 children begin to learn traditional folk songs, children’s games, round dances, as well as Georgian history, ethnography and mythology. The ensemble members also learn church hymns and chants, which they later perform in churches. The educational foundation for both the instructors and learners is provided by frequent field trips in various regions of Georgia, where they are afforded access to the very roots of the authentic folklore offered by local peasants, songsters and storytellers. Thus, the AMER-IMERI members get the natural and unmediated feel of the original performing manner which they internalise with little guidance or modification. Such an approach makes the operation of the AMER-IMERI studio so unique, distinctive and valuable.
A characteristic feature of the Georgian choral harmony is three-voice singing. Georgian dances are divided into solo, couple and group ones. Women move gracefully in short steps. Men display belligerent eagerness expressive in fast movements, high jumps and dashing pirouettes. Both men's and women's backs always remain straight and motionless.
The Festival audience will have a chance to see and hear a medley of songs and dances of a war, playful, joking, ritual and religious character, as well as nursery rhymes, poems and games from a number of Georgian regions.
Magda Kevlishvili is the ensemble leader, while Erekle Tsintsadze and Jokia Gugava are instructors and choreographers. The musical band will be playing bagpipes, stringed instruments and drums.
A characteristic feature of the Georgian choral harmony is three-voice singing. Georgian dances are divided into solo, couple and group ones. Women move gracefully in short steps. Men display belligerent eagerness expressive in fast movements, high jumps and dashing pirouettes. Both men's and women's backs always remain straight and motionless.
The Festival audience will have a chance to see and hear a medley of songs and dances of a war, playful, joking, ritual and religious character, as well as nursery rhymes, poems and games from a number of Georgian regions.
Magda Kevlishvili is the ensemble leader, while Erekle Tsintsadze and Jokia Gugava are instructors and choreographers. The musical band will be playing bagpipes, stringed instruments and drums.