Event

Niavi

Niavi is an informal vocal group dedicated to singing the marvelous polyphonies of the republic of Georgia. Georgian polyphony has a long and extremely rich history, and a capella polyphonic singing is an important part of Georgian cultural identity. Traditional songs depict many aspects of traditional Georgian culture -- love and courting, appreciation of beauty and customs surrounding hospitality, rollicking horseback rides, toil in the fields and even the pathos of the mountain warriors fate can be felt in these songs and their exquisite harmonies.

Inspired by and hoping to honor Georgian vocal traditions, Niavi sings in Georgian and other regional languages, and provides translations for English-speaking audiences. We perform songs from many of Georgias regions,(Kartli, Kakheti, Svaneti, Imereti, Guria, Adjara, Tusheti,) and music from several other area ethnic groups, including a growing Mengrelian and Laz repertoire. We also sing selected sacred vocal pieces that are regularly performed by folklore ensembles, and make up part of the broader tapestry and of Georgian polyphonic music. For this concert at Creative Cauldrons ArtSpace, Niavi has invited the vocal ensemble Slaveya (which performs both Bulgarian and Georgian folk music) to join them in presenting songs from their Georgian repertoire.