“Vocal Polyphonies of Georgia” Conference
Dr. Simha AromDr. Simha Arom, Doctor of State by the Sorbonne University in Paris, Director Emeritus of Research at CNRS (Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique) and Head of the Department of Ethnomusicology Laboratory LMS (Langues, Musiques, Sociétés) and also CNRS. He has developed methods that allow interactive recording and transcript analysis of polyphonic music from oral tradition. This painstaking work has been awarded the Silver Medal of CNRS.
Dr. Polo VallejoDr. Polo Vallejo, Doctor of Musical Science, Composer and Professor of International Courses for Musical Specialization. His doctoral thesis developed at the CNRS in Paris and Madrid UCM "Musical Heritage of the Wagogo (Tanzania): Context and systematic" won the Outstanding Doctorate-UCM 2005 - and the Prize of the Conference of Rectors of Universities of Madrid, 2007. www.polovallejo.es
The Basiani Ensemble is one of the most outstanding vocal groups in Georgia, distinguished both for its interpretation of popular music and liturgy. Guided by their leader Giorgi Donadze and advised by the wise counsel of such figures as Anzor Erkomaishvili and Kukuri Chokhonelidze (great connoisseurs of Georgian folklore and a cultural institution in the country),
Ensemble Basiani members of Basiani continue with the line drawn by the pure oral tradition transmission mechanism which is its own: from mouth to ear. It is characterized mainly by relying on an approach that contrasts with our model of tempered tuning and vocal production that is a genuine style forged by history and generations. Since 2000, Basiani is the chorus of the Patriarchate of Georgia in the Great Orthodox Cathedral in Tbilisi. Its members are: Elizbar Khachidze, Paata Tsetskhladze Gela Donadze, Sergo Urushadze, Nikoloz Beriashvili, George Mekvabishvili, Zurab Mekvabishvili George Gabunia, Batu Lominadze, Zurab Tskrialashvili, George Donadze and Bejan Meskhi.
The National Music Auditorium (ANM) is an organisation which forms part of the National Institute of Scenic Arts and Music (Ministry of Culture). Designed by the architect José María García de Paredes, it was opened on 21 October 1988 and its construction was undertaken as part of the National Auditoriums Programme, aimed at providing the country with an adequate music infrastructure.
The ANM is responsible for important activities in the world of music, offering its facilities to both individuals and public or private organisations for the holding of musical events. Its two concert halls,Symphony and Chamber, with 2,324 and 692 seats respectively, allow up to four concerts a day to be held, with afternoon and evening performances.
The Spanish National Orchestra and Choir has its headquarters at the ANM. The Auditorium is also the headquarters of the Spanish National Youth Orchestra.
