Traditional Polyphonic Singing of Georgia

Zekari is a male vocal ensemble that performs the traditional polyphonic singing of Georgia. As the first musical tradition to be notated in Europe, in the 10th century, this music has roots in the mountains and valleys of Georgia that reach farther back still, and it greatly influenced the medieval vocal music of Europe.

Founded in 2000 by the celebrated singer Lexo Goderdzishvili, Zekari has performed this heritage for audiences in New York and across the United States ever since, with a repertoire of regional styles, church songs, city songs, romances, and contemporary estrada. As UNESCO noted when it recognized Georgian polyphony as intangible heritage in 2003, these songs traditionally pervade every part of daily life, from work in the fields to songs for curing illness and Christmas carols.

Zekari is one of the main ensembles of the Dancing Crane Georgian Cultural Center, a co-presenter of this concert. A CTMD Touring Artist, Dancing Crane is a non-profit incorporated in 1999 with a staff of Georgian artists dedicated to teaching and presenting Georgian music and dance to the next generation.

Singers: Giorgi Khizanashvili, Irakli Lomtadze, Levan Kiguradze, Nikoloz Imnadze, Omar Sulashvili, Nikoloz Muradeli, Grigol Sikharulidze, Zura Sikharulidze, Paata Tsetskhladze and Lexo Goderdzishvili.