RUSTAVI ENSEMBLE
The singers of Rustavi have mastered and developed to the utmost extent the unique art of synchronous improvisation which is diversely displayed in the polyphonic songs of different regions of Georgia.
The ensemble's goal is to popularize Georgian folk songs and dances among a broad public using all available means: concerts, festivals, radio and TV programmes, films, and recordings.
Daily work and intense creative activity of the guidance of the ensemble have united the group to the extent that they seem to share common feelings. This extraordinary harmony speaks not only for their professional, but also moral stature.
The greatest merit of the ensemble is that its members have inherited shared responsibility and knowledge from their ancestors. Craftsmanship and creativity of Anzor Erkomaishvili, the art director and founder of the ensemble, Badri Toidze choirmaster and choreographer Pridon Sulaberidze have played a decisive role in formulation of the Rustavi spirit.
Songs and dances for work and war, spectacular costumes, the unique Georgian style of polyphonic singing and rich voices characterize the Rustavi choir. Georgian people have a number of folk dances with various purposes. Rustavi ensemble is presenting almost all the dances Georgian people danced in antique period, such as exceedingly famous from Georgian dances is Kartuli, Samaia, Khorumi, Adjaruli etc.
Rustavi's dances are accompanied by the folk songs and instruments from Georgia's many provinces. The dances, songs, and folk instruments become a harmonious spectacle, thus further enhancing their regional peculiarities and distinguishing Rustavi from other ensembles.
The creative activities of Rustavi clearly demonstrate that Georgians have a good command of various aspects of the art of singing. The ensemble has developed its own style of performance, an amazing phenomenon with respect to intonation, vocalization, and singing technique. Of key importance is the selection of singers whose voices have the proper quality, character and timbre.
Currently Rustavi ensemble counts 10 singers and more than 50 dancers.
