GEORGIAN STATE ENSEMBLE RUSTAVI, AND WOMEN'S ENSEMBLE NANINA
Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear two of Georgia's most renowned ensembles in joint concert, showcasing the full range of Georgian polyphonic singing. Featuring women's ensemble, Nanina, at the start of their first ever UK tour and twelve men from the world famous Georgian state ensemble, Rustavi, this will be a truly special night.
Rustavi
Founded in 1968 by legendary folklorist, Anzor Erkomaishvili, Rustavi are one of the most prestigious Georgian state ensembles, known for their spectacular stage presence and skilled use of both authentic Georgian voicing and Western tuning and timbre.
Their vast repertoire includes songs from all genres of Georgian polyphonic singing, including sacred songs, works songs, folk songs and dance, in some cases accompanied by traditional Georgian instruments.
Nanina
Nanina are one of the foremost women's ensembles from the country of Georgia, with a wealth of experience as singers and teachers. Nanina have toured internationally on a number of occasions, but this will be their first visit to the UK. The ensemble are touring the UK during September 2025, teaching and performing polyphonic songs, and appearing as guests of honour at a weekend festival of Georgian polyphony.
Their performances feature unique songs, performed by no other ensembles, and include traditional Georgian instruments such as the stringed chonguri, chuniri and panduri, and the Georgian accordion, the garmoni. All of this is accompanied with traditional folk dress and dance, with concerts ranging across cradle songs, healing songs, work songs, wedding songs, mourning songs, ritual songs, and playful songs.
WORKSHOP WITH NANINA, LONDON 11 SEPTEMBER
On the night previous to this concert, Thursday 11 September, Nanina will teach a workshop of Georgian polyphonic songs in Streatham. If booking both the workshop and concert you are entitled to claim a 20% discount on the your concert ticket. Book your workshop ticket first. The discount code will be given in the confirmation email after you have booked your workshop ticket.
JOINT CONCERT, 12 SEPTEMBER
TIMINGS
Concert 19.00 - 21.30, including interval with refreshments. Doors open at 18.30.
TICKETS
We work hard to keep all of our events accessible to as many people as possible, while still adequately compensating our expert music leaders. To that end we are offering a choice of three price bands to suit your means, plus a Youth rate.
Concert £27/22/17, Youth £12
As always, if you are keen to attend but cost is a barrier for you, please contact us directly. We aim never to turn anyone away on grounds of cost.
LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
The church is immediately adjacent to Sydenham Hill railway station, and on the 450, 202 and 363 bus routes. There is a car park and on street parking.
TS'UTISOPELI FESTIVAL + OTHER TOUR DATES
The centrepiece of the tour with Nanina will be a weekend event on Morecambe bay on 17-19 July, called ts'utisopeli, at which singers from across the UK will gather to learn and sing together, and to share a supra, or Georgian feast.
For details and tickets for the ts'utisopeli weekend, and links to other tour dates, visit the main tour page.
You may also like the following events from Pitchblend:
- Next month, 11th September, 07:00 pm, Georgian ensemble, Nanina. Workshop, London in London
- Next month, 15th September, 06:00 pm, Georgian ensemble, Nanina. Concert+workshop, Stroud in Stroud
- Next month, 18th September, 06:00 pm, Georgian ensemble, Nanina. Concert+workshop, Manchester in Manchester
Also check out other
Entertainment events in London,
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