Polyphony is the art of singing in three or more voices. Shavnabada will be performing this rare and beautiful sound that has echoed across the regions of Georgia since time began. Davit Tsintsadze, the artistic director and head of the Patriarch's gate keeping organisation to preserve authentic Georgian music will compliment the voices of George Abashidze, supreme singer of the most haunting Georgian sacred song and Bacho Tsiklauri who specialises in not only song but traditional Georgian Dance. Supported by the an astounding depth of sound the remaining members each play a unique role in creating an astonishing performance which is sometimes accompanied by the traditional Georgian instrument the Changouri.

     Shavnabada's passions lie in resurrecting Monastery and Folk Music that had all but disappeared from Georgian culture as a result of Georgia being part of the Soviet Union. Under the Soviets much of the music was banned but did however remain in the conscious memories of singing families across the country. Georgian Polyphony is an ancient oral tradition with its own unique musical scales handed down through generations and learned by ear. Indeed, the finely tuned Georgian ear often can-not hear or sing an individual harmony line out of relatedness. Georgian Polyphonic singing was declared a ’masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity’ by UNESCO in 2001 and its haunting sounds now travel the universe as part of the American Space Programme where, in 1977 the masterpiece Chakrulo was sent, along with other inspiring and unique music as a gift to the universe from the people of the earth.

     Shavnabada members come from all over Georgia and have been singing together, first as children of the Martve Choir estab-lished by the Patriarch and secondly as part of the Patriarch’s choir, since they were 12 years old. With appearances across Europe and Eastern Europe their reputation is second to none for quality, authenticity and professionalism.

     The concerts in the later section of the tour will be performed by all twelve members. No matter which concert you choose to see, either a more intimate one or a larger robust one, memories of this haunting and stunning sound will stay with you forever.  Attending a concert by Shavnabada members is a truly uplifting and inspiring experience.

TOUR DATES September-October 2011

27 September -

BBC RADIO LEEDS LIVE INTERVIEW 3—3.45

29 September -

RADIO BRADFORD LIVE INTERVIEW 2—3

1 October - ST ETHELBURGAS FILM & CONCERT 3 MEMBERS LONDON 7.30

3 October  - RICHMONDSHIRE CHORAL WORKSHOP YORKSHIRE

6 October - 7 ARTS LEEDS FILM AND CONCERT 3 MEMBERS YORKSHIRE 7.30

8 October - STAGECOACH WORKSHOP YORKSHIRE

9 October - ST ANDREW’S CHURCH MORLEY YORKSHIRE 7.30

10 October BRADFORD UNIVERSITY FILIM & CONCERT 3 MEMBERS

     10.30am-9.30pm YORKSHIRE PHILHARMONIC CHOIR WORKSHOP

12 October - ST JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC HIGH GEORGIAN DAY YORKSHIRE
13 October - SHEFFIELD SINGERS WORKSHOP

15 October - VORTEX WORKSHOP LONDON 

16 October - WORKSHOP KIRKGATE CENTRE

FULL CONCERT BRADFORD PLAYHOUSE  7.30

17 October – WORKSHOP 3pm - FULL CONCERT JDP OXFORD 7.30

19 October - KIRKHAMGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL YORKSHIRE

19 October - YORKSHIRE YOUTH CHOIR WORKSHOP

21 October - WAKEFIELD CATHEDRAL FULL CONCERT 7.00RECORDED FOR RADIO 4

For more information contact Sarah Cobham

Tel: 01924 276250 07760667689

Email: sarahcobham@hotmail.com