ABOUT ERISIONI

ERISIONI

Georgian State National Singing and Dancing Academic Ensemble

Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For centuries, it was invaded and devastated by foreign conquerors, but the Georgian people preserved their language, writing, religion, independent musical folklore, in which the spiritual life of the nation was most powerfully reflected. One of the clear examples of this is the Georgian State National Singing and Dancing Academic Ensemble Erisioni which was created in 1885. The ensemble has stepped into the third centennial which is an unprecedented case in Georgia, as well as worldwide. It is even referred to as an ensemble -museum. The ensemble has become the home to the culture which is nourished from folk roots and generously gives away its art for people.

Ever since the day of its creation through dedication to national folklore, own traditions and original artwork Erisioni has been the only one capable of bringing to life, maintaining and preserving for future generations the masterpieces of professional folk creations of all regions of our country that have survived through hundreds of centuries, such as: two-choir performance round dance, ceremonial, ritual dance and other pieces. Throughout 140 years of its existence outstanding Georgian conductors, choirmasters and choreographers have worked in the ensemble: Sandro Kavsadze, Mikheil Kavsadze, Kirile Pachkoria, Datashka Kavsadze, Grigol Kokeladze, Shalva Mshvelidze, Valerian Tsagareishvili, Anzor Kavsadze, Grigol Chkhikvadze, Guram Bakradze, Kirile Vashakidze, Jemal Chkuaseli, Shota Bregadze, Iuri Gogolauri, Davit Javrishvili, Jano Bagrationi, Iliko Sukhishvili, Avtandil Tataradze, Konstantine Manjgaladze, Rezo Khonelidze, Bukhuti Darakhvelidze, Givi Kojorashvili, Rezo Chokhonelidze.

Throughout its existence the ensemble has astounded numerous countries and cities. During the two-hour shows the ensemble demonstrates Georgian folk songs and dances that have no analogue on the planet in costumes representing each part of Georgia with Georgian character and ethnographic nature. We are proud that Erisioni shows inspired by Georgian songs and dances not only endure the requirements of modern time but even outpace them with their authenticity and incomparable polyphonic thought. From 1986 to 2015, Mr. Jemal Chkuaseli was the artistic director of the ensemble and Mr. Revaz Chokhonelidze was the main choreographer. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the golden age of Erisioni began with the tandem of Jemal Chkuaseli and Revaz Chokhonelidze. It was during these years that the ensemble was named Erisioni (which, according to Sulkhan-Saba's definition, means sky high, above the peaks of the mountains). In 1999–2007 the world-famous shows “Georgian Legend”, “Legend of Tamar” and “Legends of the Storm” were produced, Erisioni toured a great number of countries with the projects and was immensely successful.

In 2002 Golden Disk was awarded to Erisioni in Paris

In the same year, the Universal company selected and published recordings by the best performers and ensembles in the world: Montserrat Caballe, Freddie Mercury, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, José Carreras, Placido Domingo, Maria Callas and others. Among them is "Samaia" (Shatilis Asulo) - from the show program Erisioni Georgian Treasure. This is an unprecedented case in the history of Georgian culture.

Eka&Shermandi
The names of Rostom Saginashvili and Ilia Zakaidze became known to the folklore world when their Chakrulo, performed by Alan Lomax, was sent into space along with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the chirping of birds as a brilliant example of civilization. Rostom Saginashvili was an incomparable performer of Kartli-Kakhetian songs and an inimitable ensemble. His duet with Ilia Zakaidze for a long time adorned the Georgian State Song and Dance Ensemble, which was headed by the great Anzor Kavsadze. It was this great artist who discovered Rostom in the Gurjaani choir and brought him to the state ensemble. It was he and Ilia Zakaidze who performed Anzor Kavsadze's version of "Chakrulo" sent into space. From now on, Ilia Zakaidze and Rostom Saginashvili, with their magnificent voices and chakrulo, joined heavenly Georgia.

☄ On September 5, 1977 with intraplanar stations Voyager 1 and Voyager Nasa sent to space Sounds of Earth recorded on two identical gramophone records, intended for representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations to give them an idea of the Earth and humanity, along with other information, (the sound of water, the cry of a child, greetings in 60 languages and others.) One of the twenty-seven musical pieces was the Georgian folk heroic song Chakrulo,(♫), performed by the soloists of the Georgian Folk Dance and Song Ensemble (now Erisioni): People's Artist of Georgia Ilia Zakaidze and Honored Artist of Georgia Rostom Saginashvili.

✓ Georgian people opened a STAR for the ensemble in 2010, honoring the work Erisioni has accomplished. The ensemble has had Mr. Shermandi Chkuaseli as an artistic director and Mrs. Eka Chkuaseli as chief choreographer of the ensemble since 2015. Tornike kandelaki has been the choirmaster of the ensemble since 2023. The ensemble has successfully been touring around the world with the new show-programs created by them. According to international audience the new program is very successful and one of the best among the Erisioni show-programs. Due to Mr. Shermandi Chkuaseli, the artistic director and Mrs. Eka Chkuaseli, chief choreographer the new show is a huge step forward being a more dynamic and varied show, artistically depicting the ancient history of Georgia with astonishing ethnographic precision. It should be noted that during the last years Erisioni show, called Georgian Treasure has successfully travelled to many countries of the world and introduced them to Georgian culture and traditions. By singing and dancing on stage 75 actors vividly convey the Georgian traditions and values of which we are so proud.