This event is part of Lancaster Music Festival. Participants will have the opportunity to perform the songs learnt during the workshop as part of a concert by Chveni Khmebi.

Georgia is a small country bordering the Black Sea, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Its’ polyphonic music, as well as its unique alphabet, have been recognised by UNESCO as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Some of the songs are ancient, while some urban songs are newer. Though small, there is great variety within the different regions of Georgia, including soothing healing songs, rousing table songs, and reverent chants. These songs touch something deep inside our bodies, reaching down to the earth and back through generations of ancestors.

Beth de Lange first came across Georgian polyphonic singing at Unicorn summer voice camp in 1998. She was hooked instantly by the rich, unusual harmonies, and the power of the songs. She has since learnt from visiting singers from Georgian choirs; Mtiebi, Anchiskhati, Metamze, Sathanao, laloni, Musikeli, as well as a trip to Georgia to visit the singing village, Lakhushdi, in the high mountains of Svaneti. Beth enjoys teaching songs by ear, for its authenticity as well as its inclusivity. She leads lancaster Georgian choir “Chveni Khmebi” and is looking forward to sharing this wonderful music with you.