Ensemble “Rustavi” Administration Press Release, September 23rd, 2020

 

 

Don’t miss!..

Connecting with the 50th anniversary of the Ensemble “Rustavi”, there has been published a very important anthology – “400 Georgian Folk Songs”.

 

 

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ROBERT STURUA

Theatre producer

 

Georgian song is a strange and unique phenomenon in the world’s music treasury. Song always accompanies the Georgian’s life, in joy and in sorrow. However, many of us cannot completely understand its greatness – even the wonder of Gurian song. In today’s world, where everything is put assessed according to guidelines and standards, we must cherish and preserve this invaluable jewel for future generations.

I was a student when the Rustaveli Theatre invited my group to take part in large mass scenes. Misha Tumanishvili was staging Tariel Golua. The most important thing was that we had to sing Megrelian songs. Our teacher was renowned song master Nikoloz Khvitia. Then I came to understand one thing – I became intimate with heart-rending Megrelian song.

At this same time, Djansug Kakhidze had created ensemble Shvidkatsa, which aroused more interest among our people in Georgian song, and presented it to the world.

Anzor Erkomaishvili suitably continued this magnificent work; he nurtured the art of his ancestors and elevated it to a scholarly level. Anzor has devoted his life to this beloved pursuit, and as a result, the International Festival of Georgian Song is now held in Georgia, where foreigners also sing Georgian songs on stage. Anzor is a kind and distinguished person, yet uncompromising. This is why all of Georgia loves him. Under his leadership, ensemble Rustavi has become very successful. It is an ensemble of the highest caliber that has revived ancient folk songs and performed them on world’s most prestigious stages, thus bringing worldwide recognition to Georgian folk song.

I heartily congratulate Rustavi on their 40th anniversary, and I believe that they will do much more for Georgian culture.

 

Tbilisi. 2008