The Bristol Georgian Choir at Wainsgate
Saturday 23rd October, 7.30pm
The final concert of the season at Wainsgate Chapel features The Bristol Georgian Choir performing three-part harmony acapella folk songs and sacred chants from the Republic of Georgia. The choir has been in existence since 2004 and has been performing to delighted audiences in locations in and around Bristol such as Ashton Court Festival, the Watershed Theatre, the Venn Festival, Harbourside Festival and Bristol University.
Recently back from highly successful performances in Georgia they come to Wainsgate with tales to tell and new songs to sing. Their unique sound is haunting, rousing and ancient, with members of their audiences being moved to comment, "Spellbinding - I didn't want the concert to end." And "Fantastic concert and a wonderful sound - sounded like real Georgians!"
The Republic of Georgia is a small country of 4 million people, at the cross roads of East and West. It is home to a treasure trove of three-part harmony songs, many of which have their roots in ancient and even pre-Christian times. The music is varied as each region, often cut off by mountains, developed its own particular songs, variations and styles of singing. There are dance songs, lullabies, work songs, travelling songs, and lyrical love songs telling stories of people?s loves, joys and hardships. There is also a rich tradition of Georgian sacred music. Songs are often accompanied by dances and are sung at a supra - a traditional ceremonial feast that features eloquent toasts and singing.
The Bristol Georgian Choir is directed by its founder Anthony Johnson who is also co-director of Singing Mountain Choir, and is co-founder of the Bristol based youth choir WorldRoots Voice. With a passion for the vocal music of Georgia, the Balkans and Corsican Polyphony, he has worked with some of the finest teachers and ethnomusicologists in their field today, visiting the Republic of Georgia and Corsica to study and experience these living polyphonic singing traditions first hand.
Along with other guest artists, the Bristol Georgian Choir is supported by the new, local phenomenon that is Menfolk Waits. Inspired by the Australian Spookey Men's Chorale, Menfolk Waits first formed in September 2009 for the Raise Your Banners festival of political song at Bradford Cathedral. They have a diverse range of material from old English political folk songs to Georgian table songs and covers of punk classics! They have been wowing their audiences lately - at a recent concert members of the audience described us them 'stupendous' and 'deeply moving'.
The concert takes place on Saturday 23rd October and, unlike the other concerts in the Wainsgate series which have been afternoon performances, starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door and are priced ?8.00 with concessions at ?6.00. Wainsgate Chapel is on Wainsgate Lane (Wadsworth, Hebden Bridge HX7 8SU). Parking is very limited and reserved for disabled drivers. There an hourly bus service to Old Town Mill Lane (opposite Wainsgate Lane) where there is also room for parking. For more information and news of up and coming events visit the website www.wainsgate.co.uk or phone Dave Nelson on 01422 843315.