The Anchiskhati Quartet from Republic of Georgia Performs Ancient Chant and Song in Chicago with Local Group Ensemble Alioni

Chicago, IL – Performances by the Anchiskhati Quartet of Tbilisi, Georgia, have been called “outstandingly humble and profound” by John Graham at Liturgica.com. Renowned for their vocal precision and exquisitely executed performances, the quartet presents a program of Easter and Lenten music from Caucasus Georgia. Sung in three-voiced close harmony. Anchiskhati’s music blends the ethereal sounds of Orthodox prayer texts with the rustic authenticity and hearty passion of Caucasian folk-singing.

On the present tour, Anchiskhati will be performing a selection from their latest project, “The Orthodox Paschal Cycle.” The singers expertly negotiate the complex polyphonic forms of these Paschal texts, their voices precisely tuned to the unique other-worldly harmonies and intonation styles of Georgian music.

Ensemble Alioni opens the concert with Georgian folk songs. Alioni was founded in Chicago in 2008 and is dedicated to the exploration, teaching and performing of traditional choral music from the Republic of Georgia.

The Anchiskhati Choir and Ensemble Alioni perform Saturday, February 27, at 7:30 pm, at St. Josaphat Parish Church, 2301 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL.

Ticket Information - $15 for general admission, and $10 for students with ID. Tickets available at the door.

About The Anchiskhati Choir

The Anchiskhati Choir is the world’s leading exponent of Georgian polyphonic choral music. The choir members specialize in singing ancient Georgian sacred and secular songs, with authentic instrumental accompaniment, described by the U.S. magazine, The World & I, as “diamonds polished by time.” Members of the Anchiskhati Choir come from different regions of Georgia where they have absorbed the unique singing traditions of their parents and grandparents. Singing weekly in the famous 6th century Anchiskhati church in Tbilisi, Georgia, the group collaborates as a group of expert and passionate ethno-musicologists, who teach, hold workshops and regularly perform in Georgia and abroad. The singers of the Anchiskhati Church Choir, of Tbilisi Georgia, are the undisputed leaders of the widespread contemporary revival of a lost three-voice traditional form of Georgian Orthodox chant, as well as some of the leading scholars of the history and theory of this globally significant medieval repertory.

About Ensemble Alioni

Ensemble Alioni is a 10-member vocal ensemble founded in 2008 with the purpose of researching and sharing the ancient choral folk music traditions of the Republic of Georgia through performing and teaching. Ensemble Alioni has performed at the Chicago World Music Festival, the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, the Museum of Science and Industry’s “Christmas Around the World” series, and for academic gatherings at DePaul University and the University of Chicago. Alioni periodically hosts Georgian music parties and teaches songs, spreading awareness of these unique musical treasures. Georgian polyphonic singing has been included by the United Nations on their World List of Intangible Masterpieces of Humanity. Visit Ensemble Alioni, learn more about us and hear song samples at alioni.org.

Anchiskhati’s Tour Schedule - http://www.georgianchant.org/tours/anchiskhati2016/index.html

Alioni’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Alioni-74748371726/

Anchiskhati & Alioni Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/555518567962694/