Tuesday 17 March, 19:00
(Doors open at 18:30)
Oslo Cathedral
Adult: 400 NOK
Senior/student: 300 NOK
Child: 100 NOK
Duration: approx. 1 hour
GEORGIAN POLYPHONY
East of Western Church Music: A vocal tradition from Georgia
We are delighted to welcome Didgori Ensemble back to the festival! Didgori presents an engaging concert programme based on sacred and folk music from Georgia. Georgia was Christianised in the 4th century and has a long history of Georgian Orthodox Christianity, along with a distinctive tradition of polyphonic singing.
This polyphonic tradition—often performed in three voices—has its roots in pre-Christian folk melodies and encompasses a wide range of genres and regional variations. The tradition is listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
As part of the Georgian Orthodox liturgy, sacred polyphony has endured several periods of suppression, first under the Russian Empire and later during the Soviet era. Despite this, the tradition was preserved orally in monastic schools throughout the country. Since Georgia’s independence in 1991, it has experienced a renewed flourishing.
Today, Georgian polyphony has become a powerful expression of the country’s religious identity and cultural heritage. The concert features sacred music from one of the world’s oldest Christian nations.
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Didgori is one of Georgia’s most highly regarded vocal ensembles. Its members come from different parts of the country and are based in the capital, Tbilisi. Didgori is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Georgia’s musical heritage, and the singers draw on a rich and eclectic repertoire that includes traditional secular songs for celebration, work, and mourning, as well as music from the Georgian Orthodox tradition.
The award-winning ensemble has toured internationally since 2004, performing in France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Poland, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Canada. Didgori Ensemble masters a wide range of Georgian musical styles, reflecting the country’s diverse and complex cultural landscape.
The name “Didgori” refers to a historic battle in 1121 that reunified Georgia and marked the beginning of a flourishing period in art and culture.
Photo: Didgori Ensemble: Anders Lillebo
