History

Of Great Traditions

Georgian State National Singing and Dancing Academic Ensemble Erisioni was founded in 1885. The ensemble has stepped into the third centennial which is an unprecedented case in Georgia, as well as all around the world. It is even referred to as an ensemble -museum. 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 (alternation of two choirs), round dance, ceremonial, ritual dance and other species. 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, Davit Javrishvili, Jano Bagrationi, Iliko Sukhishvili, Avtandil Tataradze, Konstantine Manjgaladze, Rezo Khonelidze, Bukhuti Darakhvelidze, Givi Kojorashvili.

Artistic Directors of the Ensemble

Throughout its existence the ensemble has astounded numerous countries and cities: Paris, Geneva, Brussels, New-York, Los-Angeles, Chicago, Madrid, Moscow, St Petersburg, Athens, Istanbul, China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Nanchang, Huaian) Singapore, Ukraine, India, Vietnam, Peru, Mexico, Germany, Canada, Germany, Norway, Canary Islands, Caribbean Islands, Baltic states Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and many more. During the two hours show the ensemble demonstrates Georgian folk songs and dances that have no analogue on the planet. The costumes represent 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.

Chief Choreographers

Music Video (BTS)

In 2001-2007
Shatilis Asulo

In 1999-2007
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 show “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.

Directors of the Folk Instrument Orchestra

Conductors

Jemal Chkuaseli Film

From 1986 to 2015
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IN 2002 ERISIONI WAS AWARDED THE GOLD CD IN PARIS.

The company "Universal" selected and released recordings of the best performers and ensembles (Montserrat Caballé, Freddy Mercury, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Maria Callas). Samaia from the show "Georgian Legend" is among them. This is unprecedented in the history of Georgian culture.

"Chakrulo" in space
Along with several world musical masterpieces, the program "Sounds of Earth" recorded on two identical gramophone records on the interplanetary stations "Voyager 1" and "Voyager 2" sent by NASA from the USA on September 5, 1977, which is intended for representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations and aims 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, etc.) One of the 27 musical works was the Georgian folk heroic song Chakrulo (♫), performed by the soloists of the State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble (today's "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. The ensemble has successfully been touring around the world with the new show-programs created by them and according to foreign 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" successfully travels to many countries of the world and introduces them to Georgian culture and traditions. China, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Finland, France, Uzbekistan, Baku, this is an incomplete list of the countries where the ensemble's concerts were held to full capacity and the audience there was excited once again. It is worth noting that in recent years, the "Erisioni" show, entitled "Georgian Treasure", has been successfully traveling to many countries around the world. 60 actors on stage, through singing and dancing, clearly and distinctly convey the Georgian traditions and values that we are so proud of.

In 2001 UNESCO recognized Georgian folk song as the masterpiece of musical thought of the peoples of the world. According to Igor Stravinsky’s assessment Georgian folk song (namely the ones from Guria) polyphony is the most modern song of all times.
UNESCO recognition
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