This talented group of singers from Georgia presents women's songs from their homeland in the Caucasus. As well as lullabies for one to three voices we find songs which have a magical effect on the weather, healing songs for infectious diseases and songs associated with religious customs; songs which were sung whilst carrying out work traditionally done by women, such as the production and processing of wool or calming the cows during milking. The laments, which are still common in many parts of Georgia, are particularly impressive. There are also comical songs and songs to accompany dancing.
Mzetamze means "sun of suns," a mythological name with female origins. For Mzetamze members the sun symbolizes the inherent self-confidence of Georgian women and a new approach to their traditional music. (note that the sun is female and the moon masculine in Georgian mythology).

In 1986, 6 women ethno-musicologists from the Tbilisi conservatory - Ketevan Baiashvili, Nino Shvelidze, Ketevan Nikoladze, Nato Zumbadze, Nino Makharadze and Nana Valishvili - joined together to form an ensemble dedicated to singing the musical traditions of Georgian women. Often their songs are ones that they have learnt and recorded themselves from the rich, oral musical tradition still to be heard in the Georgian countryside.
Today you have the opportunity to sing with them and to hear them.

With support from Talking in Tune

Booking Info:
Tickets Ashlyn: tel: 01223 353586email: ashlyn.armour-brown@ntlworld.com