Georgian Polyphony & Dance At Yale

NEW HAVEN — On Friday, October 19, The Yale Glee Club in association with the Yale Slavic chorus will be hosting the Zedashe Ensemble, an authentic performance of Georgian polyphony and dance.

Admission is free, no reservations are necessary. The performance will begin at 7 pm.

Based in the medieval fortress city of Sighnaghi in eastern Georgia, Zedashe Ensemble strives to preserve authentic performances of Georgian polyphony and dance, the life blood of their country. Begun in 2000 by Ketevan Mindorashvili and her brother Shalva and their friends, the ensemble actively brings back to life the work songs, ballads, church chants, love songs, war dance and ritual circle dances common in traditional Caucasian life.

The group’s name is taken from the special earthenware jugs (zedashes) that were used to make wine for family ancestors. Zedashes were only tapped on special occasions for ritualized meals commemorating ancient traditions.

Coming to the United States the group has performed in numerous folk festivals throughout Georgia, has toured abroad in England and the United States, and has recorded four albums, including The Raising of Lazare in 2002.

The concert will take place at Dwight Chapel, High Street on Yale University’s Old Campus.

For additional information, call 203-432-4136.