Voices of the Ancestors

In this episode, our friend Jen Morris takes over the role of interviewer. She speaks with Briget Boyle, vocal coach and singer with Balkan Women's ensemble @kitka, bringing the west coast USA perspective to ‘Voices of the Ancestors'. They chat about:- working with powerful female teachers like Tamar Buadze, in Georgia and Svetlana Spajić in Serbia. How to sing ‘folk music' from a grounded, rooted place in your own landscape. Briget's insight into what ‘Voices of the Ancestors' means for her, describing three types of ancestors - genetic, spiritual and ‘humanity'. Briget shares experiences with Georgian songs in Temple of Light Choir directed by Kristine Barrett (a sort of Kitka community choir) and in True Life Trio. Jen shares experiences of her Georgian choir ‘onefourfive' and Seattle's balkan women's ensemble @Dunava Donate to help tell more women's stories:- https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Join our community facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/516207299354485 Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Searchable transcript, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts. Music: Mother, Moon,/ It Will Never Again Be What it Was, / and Love from True Life Trio's album “Like Never, Like Always”. Shen Khar Venakhi, from Kitka's album “The Vine”, Mokle Mravalzhamier from Ensemble Zedashe's album “Our Earth and Water” Tamar Buadze and Teona Kutsia sing a mashup of a Spanish song and Laz song, simply titled Espanur-Laz, which is available on YouTube. Ukrainian folk song Vdova, sung by Ukrainian ensemble Drevo. Serbian Medley, from Dunava's album Behind the Veil. Bedinera from the CD: Teach Yourself Megrelian Songs, by Polikarpe in a trio. Žegar Polye, or Žegar Field Feeds My Lamb, from Svetlana Spajić.

In the final episode of series 1, Susan and Holly take you on a whistle-stop tour of their recent encounters. First we meet Tamar Buadze in Rustavi where she's started an open-air community singing initiative. After Rustavi, join your hosts in Shilda where they unearth the start of a fascinating story linking the women's ensemble Nelkarisi with Magda Kevlishvili from Mtiebi and Sagalobeli a pleading/begging song. And finally take a mini visit to the Folk School in Telavi, sharing a spine-tingling rendition of Tsintskaro with ensemble Mze Shina. Help Susan and Holly shape the future of the podcast by completing the survey. Survey Link: https://bit.ly/VOAsurvey To commission an episode go to https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors/commissions Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. Help the podcast become sustainable and launch Series 2 in autumn 2021 by becoming a monthly Ko-Fi subscriber at ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode (and receive news about Voices of the Ancestors, Clapham Omnibus theatre residency in July 2021): eepurl.com/hhgoOf Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts. Music (pre-recorded): Tsinskaro, Mze Shina; Live recordings:Tamar Buadze and the Rustavi community workshop; Naniko (retired member of Nelkarisi Ensemble); Kasletila (from concert with Sakhioba in Udabno)

Meet 17 year old Khatia, who lives 700 metres above sea level in the singing village of Merisi in Ajara, West Georgia. Despite being 2 hours from the nearest city, Khatia is not cut off - She has friends all over the world who have come to learn songs from her family - from Melbourne Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Ireland, UK and beyond. Hear how she was finally convinced to join in her family's songs around the supra table. Enjoy the sounds of Merisi, like the babbling waterfalling and the singing birds recorded live on our trip there in April. To watch Ialoni's concert for Oxford Contemporary Music go to https://www.ocmevents.org/whats-on/ialoni To watch the video of the 'supra in the road' go to: https://vimeo.com/26926089?fbclid=IwAR1jZXHirEAwroF6L3TQHsle0P0DFLmCpKAveXLDXMnmTMQCyrrfrbz5GXQ Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors or Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Help the podcast become sustainable by becoming a monthly Ko-Fi subscriber with access to extras (for this episode monthly subscribers can see videos of Nana singing during the interview). Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts. Music in this episode: Ialoni, Sakhioba, Eteri Darchidze, the Turmanidze family and the Eclesiastical Chant University of Tbilisi.

Georgian musician and ethnomusicologist Nana Mzhavanadze was born into a musical family. She says her future was predicted by her grandmother:- “when I was bought from the maternity house, my grandmother met me at the door, that was the first thing that she did, she put me on the piano and she said she is going to be a musician.” This episode is a significant event for their family, as it brought Nana, her uncle Rebuli and his daughter Marekhi together to sing for the first time in over 10 years. Whether you've heard Nana before, with Sathanao or Sisa Tura, or this is your first time, you're sure to enjoy this playful hour where Nana experiments musically with her family. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors or support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Help the podcast become sustainable by becoming a monthly Ko-Fi subscriber with access to extras (for this episode monthly subscribers can see videos of Nana singing during the interview). Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts. Live Music: Nana, Rebuli and Marekhi Mzhavandanze - Recorded on location, at General TSO fusion cafe, Kobuleti, Georgia. *Didi khnidan Gagitsani in 3 voices, with Marekhi singing bani *Patara Sakhvarelo (in 2 voices - Nana and Rebuli) Note from Nana - Patara Sakhvarelo This is a Gurian (polyphonic) male trio repertoire. The lyrics are related to the theme of love. This variant is close to Vladimer Verdzenishvili's variant… *Alilo by Jansung Kakhidze *Mival Guriashi Prerecorded Music: Natvra by Sathanao; Kakhetian Mravaljhamier by Basiani; Sulo Chemo by Anchiskati; Sulo Chemo by Sathanao.

An audio journey through the mountains of high Adjara, following ensemble Ialoni as they film for the American Library of Congress. The Ialoni Homegrown Concert is available for free on The American Folklife Center youtube channel. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/CU7KO28QDDk Holly and Susan chat about the trip from Tbilisi to Shuakhevi and beyond. After walking through snow, Susan meets with elders from a creative family - P'at'i Tapaladze (featured in Ialoni's concert) her daughter Eteri. With the aid of an interpreter, we hear the voices of P'at'i and Eteri as they speak about the ancestors. There are ‘in the moment' delights while Ialoni and P'at'i sing ‘behind the scenes'. As a final surprise the location shifts to Ozurgeti in Guria and a meeting with singing elder - Rebuli Mzhavanadze (Dr Nana Mzhavanadze's uncle). With excerpts from the book ‘Performance of Georgian Folk Song' by Edisher Garakanidze, Tbilisi 2007, ISBN 99940-933-2-0. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Become a monthly supporter on ko-fi with access to extras, like the video scrapbook of the trip with Ialoni into the mountains of Adjara. Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, complete with time stamps, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts To be invited to the Voices of the Ancestors Community - on Facebook click this link www.facebook.com/groups/516207299354485/ Music used: Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com/); Nai-nai - Ialoni and P'at'i Tapaladze recording by Leo Decristoforo; P'at'i Tapaladze field recording by Susan Thompson; Batonebo - Ialoni and Rebuli Mzhavanadze field recording by Susan Thompson.

How did the Summer Song Festival with Katie Melua come about? How are Georgian 'Shairebi' like Rap? How do the very young learn to sing 'in voices'? We talk about passing on the flame with Tamara Vepkhvadze, founder of Gonieri Georgian Art Studio in North London. She has taught at the First Georgian Supplementary School in the UK and trained as a puppeteer at the Little Angel Theatre. She now lives in Georgia and passes songs from Amer-Imeri back to her kids in the UK through online lessons. Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, complete with time stamps, available here voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Become a monthly supporter on ko-fi with access to extras, like the full uninterrupted edition of our conversation with Joan Mills. Or support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf To be invited to the Voices of the Ancestors Community - on Facebook click this link www.facebook.com/groups/516207299354485/ You might need to like our page first www.facebook.com/georgianpolyphony Music used: Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com): Katie Melua The Chamgeliani Sisters Tabuni Sakhioba (@sakhioba) Maspindzeli and Anano Dadalauri

What was the first Georgian song taught in the UK, and how did it come about? How can Georgian songs be used in theatre and ensemble training? And just how many songs are in the book 99 Georgian songs? Joan Mills, Voice Director at the Centre for Performance Research (https://thecpr.org.uk/), talks about tending the flame of living traditions - influenced by her recent interview of Sam Lee (https://soundcloud.com/samleesongs) and reflections on Sheila Chandra's music ‘Weaving My Ancestors' Voices' (https://www.sheilachandra.com/). She speaks of ‘Points of Contact' a concept that inspired many ‘Giving Voice' Festivals. Our wide ranging conversation covers: experimental voice practitioners; approaches to educating both actors and singers; her ‘legacy' bringing the book 99 Georgian Songs to life with the help of Joseph Jordania (https://twitter.com/drjordania) after the untimely death of its originator - Edisher Garakandize. She sees the Continuum as being “like a bridge, but also like a wheel”. Navigate this episode with the searchable transcript, complete with time stamps, available here https://voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/transcripts Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Become a monthly supporter on ko-fi with access to extras, like the full uninterrupted edition of our conversation with Joan Mills. Sign up for our email updates and never miss an episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf To be invited to the Voices of the Ancestors Community - on Facebook click this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/516207299354485/ You might need to like our page first https://www.facebook.com/georgianpolyphony Music used: Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com): Sabodisho (Batonebo); Mtiebi (https://www.discogs.com/artist/1729546-Mtiebi): Shen Khar Venakhi; Sakhioba (https://soundcloud.com/sakhioba): Khorumi; Mzetamze (https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Black-Sea-Ensemble-Mzetamze/dp/B000005D2H): Zruni; and Joan's recordings of the CPR group rehearsing with Edisher and Joseph. Books mentioned: 99 Georgian Songs (https://thecpr.org.uk/product/99-georgian-songs/) The Georgian Feast by Dara Goldstein (https://www.amazon.com/Georgian-Feast-Vibrant-Culture-Republic/dp/0520275918)

Magda, leader of Amer-Imeri children's ensemble and co-leader of ensemble Mtiebi, tells us about the ancient tradition of Alilo, which was revived by her father-in-law, Edisher Garakanidze. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit www.voicesoftheancestors.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors or support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for email updates to receive a link to the full episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Music used: Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com), Mtiebi and Kimilia (kimilia.bandcamp.com)

We take New Years as an opportunity to reflect on the highlights and lowlights of 2020, what and who we are grateful for, and what we are looking forward to in 2021. We were joined on zoom by two of our past guests, Jen Morris and Nino Naneishvili, as well as some of our community of listeners. Everyone came up with suggestions for attracting sponsors to create a sustainable podcast. So many ideas bubbling up from our pool of creative and clever listeners. We all had fun fantasising about dream guests for the podcast. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit www.voicesoftheancestors.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors or support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for email updates to receive a link to the full episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Music used: Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com), Sakhioba (https://soundcloud.com/sakhioba) and Tutarchela

How did french singer, instrumentalist and teacher Zoé become so entwined with Georgian songs? "So for the first couple of years, I think, I was listening only exclusively to old Georgian folk songs. And you know, even though you are not born in the country, I think, if you listen to it constantly, then you, in the end, kind of get the feeling that there is something that sounds natural or not natural" As leader and founder of ensemble Kimilia, ( https://kimilia.bandcamp.com/ )Zoé Perret talks about finding a 'common soul' between Georgian polyphony and medieval French music. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit www.voicesoftheancestors.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode, why not buy the creators a coffee? On https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors or support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Sign up for email updates to receive a link to the full episode: eepurl.com/hhgoOf Music used: Kimilia, Zoé Perret and Polikarpe Khubulava field recording, Ialoni (www.ialoni.bandcamp.com/)

"It's one of the most valuable feelings, when your ancestor, your old generation hears his own songs. And when you perform it in your variation, improvisation and when they are happy. It's I think the biggest gift a performer can feel." Nino Naneishvili, ethnomusicologist and musical director of women's ensemble Ialoni (https://ialoni.com/en/) tells us how she collected a healing song from a tiger and adapted it into her own style. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit https://voicesoftheancestors.co.uk Sign up for email updates to receive a link to the full episode: http://eepurl.com/hhgoOf Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors or https://www. Ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Music used: Rachuli batonebi by Shalva Aslanishvili, collected in 1950 (http://www.alazani.ge/base/shalva_aslanishvili/Aslanishvilis_koleqcia_-_Batonebo_Racha.mp3 ) Rachuli batonebi by Ialoni Ia Patonepi by Vepkhia Antia (recorded by Nino Razmadze) Ia Patonepi by Ialoni (https://ialoni.bandcamp.com/)

Ever wondered what the difference between a city song and folk song is? Or how songs vary through the different regions of Georgia? Jenny, singer with choirs Maspindzeli and Chela in the UK, takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Georgian singing, while telling tales of traveling in Tusheti and Svaneti and hosting Gigi Garakanidze in the UK. Support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors or Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit https://voicesoftheancestors.co.uk/ Music: Makharia by Ialoni, Khorumi by Sakhioba, Veengara by Mtiebi, Veengara, Ilias Nana and Dzlier Stiroda by Maspindzeli, Ia Patonepi by Mzetamze, Tsmindao Ghmerto by Ana Chamgeliani, Madona Chamgeliani and Levan Bitarovi, Gazapkhuli by Kimilia.

Seattle Georgian singer Jen Morris speaks about her experience of lockdown, and how she has found community through fellow Georgian singers around the world. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit voicesoftheancestors.co.uk. Support the podcast at:- https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors Music: Makharia by Ialoni, Khorumi by Sakhioba, Bindisperia Sopeli by Zedashe, Veengara by Mtiebi, Dideba Chvens Shekrebasa by Zoe Perret and Sakhioba. With thanks to Johnny Fill, Teo Lomsadze, Phil Thompson, Hazel Thompson, Nino Razmadze and Jen Morris.

What is an ancestor? What is a podcast? Why are you listening to this? These questions may or may not be answered as Susan and Holly have a playful, spontaneous, unscripted chat about their hopes for the project. Voices of the Ancestors by Holly Taylor-Zuntz and Susan Thompson. For more information, and to see the transcript of this episode, visit voicesoftheancestors.co.uk Support the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors Music: Makharia by Ialoni, Veengara by Mtiebi. With thanks to Johnny Fill, Teo Lomsadze, Phil Thompson, Hazel Thompson, Nino Razmadze and Jen Morris.

The podcast about Georgian polyphonic songs and the women who sing them. Launching 21st October 2020 at the International Symposium on Traditional Polyphony in Tbilisi Georgia. Support the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/voicesoftheancestors https://ko-fi.com/voicesoftheancestors