Georgian music encompasses a rich and diverse

cultural heritage, including classical, popular, folk, church, and dance music. It is marked by its ancient origins, unique polyphonic traditions, and influential composers, performers, singers, and ensembles. The following is a detailed account based on the latest curated information.

Folk Music

Georgian folk music is known for its polyphonic tradition, considered among the earliest in the Christian world. The country has at least fifteen distinct regional folk music styles or "musical dialects," traditionally grouped into eastern and western Georgian categories. The eastern group includes regions like Kartli, Kakheti, Khevsureti, and Meskheti, while the western group includes Imereti, Svaneti, Guria, and Achara among others.

Eastern Georgian folk music often features table songs with a long drone bass and two soloists on top. A famous example from this group is "Chakrulo," which was notably chosen to accompany the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Prominent performers from regions like Khevsureti include Dato Kenchiashvili and Teona Qumsiashvili (active until 2012). Western Georgian folk music, meanwhile, displays distinct mountainous and coastal influences with complex harmonies and vocal styles. wikipedia+2
Trio Mandili: An acoustic folk trio of three women who gained international fame through viral videos of them singing traditional Georgian songs in a natural, spontaneous setting.

Church Music

Georgian church music is an ancient tradition dating back to at least 326 AD with the adoption of Christianity in the region. It is characterized by three-voiced polyphony sung a cappella without instrumental accompaniment. The Georgian Orthodox Church repertoire is vast, with multiple musical styles and a long history of transmission and development. The revival of Georgian chant was institutionalized from the mid-19th century by committees aiming to transcribe, publish, and popularize church hymns with choir performances. Important figures in this revival included Vasili and Polievktos Karbelashvili and other church musicians. polyphony+1

Classical Music

• Georgian classical music developed mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries through the influence of European classical traditions fused with Georgian folk themes. A key figure was Zacharia Paliashvili (1871–1933), regarded as the founder of Georgian classical music. His works reflect a blend of Georgian folk songs and 19th-century Romanticism, most famously in operas like "Abesalom da Eteri," "Daisi," and "Latavra." Paliashvili also founded the Georgian Philharmonic Society and led the Tbilisi State Conservatoire. The national anthem of Georgia is based on his music. Other notable classical composers include  Giya Kancheli, Otar Taktakishvili, Sulkhan Tsintsadze, Vajha Azarashvili and others.

Popular Music

Georgian popular music ranges widely in style and includes traditional folk-rock blends and modern genres. One influential contemporary band is 33a, founded by Niaz Diasamidze in 1994, combining Georgian and French folk with pop and reggae elements. Diasamidze is also known as a composer, singer, calligrapher, and actor. Other popular musicians include Katie Melua, internationally known for her vocal performances, as well as groups like MGZAVREBI who present Georgian music to global audiences. Urban music in historical Tbilisi was influenced by Middle Eastern melodies and later by European classical styles, creating a blend that includes a cappella choral and solo songs accompanied by guitar or piano. viberate+2

Rustavi Ensemble: A highly acclaimed state academic ensemble founded in 1968, known for its preservation and performance of Georgian folk polyphonic singing and traditional dance. They have toured extensively and are considered global ambassadors of Georgian music.

Orera: A popular musical ensemble that emerged in the Soviet era, known for its blend of Georgian folk tunes with pop and jazz elements. They were highly influential and remain a significant part of Georgian popular music history.

The Shin: A Georgian jazz-fusion band based in Germany. They are known for their unique sound that blends Georgian traditional music, particularly polyphonic singing and instrumental styles, with jazz and other modern genres.

Mgzavrebi: A contemporary band that has carved out a distinct sound by fusing Georgian folk with rock and pop. Their emotional and improvisational style has made them one of the most popular bands in modern Georgia.

33a: A folk-rock band known for incorporating elements of Georgian and French folk, pop, and reggae into their music. They were founded by Niaz Diasamidze, who is also a well-known solo artist.

Solo Artists

Katie Melua: While she moved to the United Kingdom as a child, Katie Melua is a globally recognized singer-songwriter of Georgian descent. She is known for her blend of jazz, blues, and folk, and she has achieved immense commercial success in Europe and beyond.

Tamara Gverdtsiteli: A veteran singer and composer, well-known for her powerful voice and her long-standing career in both Georgia and Russia. She is considered a legend of the Georgian and Russian pop scenes.

Irakli Charkviani: An iconic figure in the Georgian music scene, often referred to as "the Prince of Georgian rock." He was a musician, poet, and writer who pioneered alternative and electronic music in Georgia and whose work continues to be highly influential.

Nani Bregvadze: A legendary Georgian and Soviet-era singer, famous for her performances of Georgian romance songs and popular music. She has a long and celebrated career spanning decades.

Sofia Nizharadze: A pop singer, actress, and songwriter who represented Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest. She is a well-known figure in contemporary Georgian pop music.

Dance Music and Ensembles

Georgian dance music is inseparable from the highly athletic traditional Georgian dance characterized by magnificent jumps, fast-paced movements, and vibrant rhythms. Two prominent ensembles symbolize Georgian dance culture:

• The Sukhishvili Ensemble, founded in 1945 by Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili, is renowned worldwide for its spectacular performances that seamlessly blend folk music with daring choreography.
• The Erisioni State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance was established in 1885 and renamed in 1999. It promotes Georgian folk traditions through music and dance on international stages. discover-georgia

Notable Ensembles and Performers

• The Basiani Ensemble is renowned for its traditional Georgian folk performances.
• Performers like Vakhtang Kikabidze, Nino Katamadze, and Tamar Gverdtsiteli are among the acclaimed singers contributing to various Georgian music styles.
• The inclusion of mountain folk singers such as Dato Kenchiashvili highlights the regional diversity of Georgian vocal traditions. viberate

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