Middle Eastern Music Festival to Celebrate the Music of Georgia

Middle Eastern Music Festival to Celebrate the Music of Georgia The annual event returns with performances from flagship ensembles and special guests artists honoring Georgian musical traditions and more.

By

Daniel Pesquera

October 16, 2024

Giorgi Mikadze BM 14

Image courtesy of the artist

Berklee College of Music's fall Signature Series continues with the 16th annual Middle Eastern Music Festival: The Music of Georgia, taking place on Tuesday, November 5, at 8:00 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. Directed by pianist, composer, arranger, professor, and Georgia native Giorgi Mikadze BM '14 and event founder Christiane Karam BM '03, the program showcases the longevity and diversity of the country of Georgia's artistic traditions-from sacred polyphonic chants dating back to the 11th century (recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) to the vibrant urban music from Tbilisi, Georgia's capital and largest city.

The event features contributions from several internationally acclaimed Georgian artists, including choreographer, actor-dancer, and award-winning stunt performer Lasha Mdzinarashvili; multi-instrumentalist Giorgi Subeliani, a member of the Georgian National Folk Ensemble; and renowned Georgian singer-songwriter Tamada, who will perform alongside an all-star band of faculty, students, and special guests. Tamada, who is making his debut in Boston as part of his first-ever US tour, is a Tbilisian artist who merges the traditional folk music of the region with modern electronica.

My goal is to highlight the rich musical and cultural history of Georgia, which is considered the birthplace of one of the most advanced polyphonic forms of music, said Mikadze, whose performance alongside Karam at last year's festival led to the concept of a Georgian music celebration. Performing Georgian music at Berklee has been a dream of mine ever since I arrived at the college, so this is a very special opportunity. I hope our students and the audience gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Georgian culture as we come together to celebrate the music of my home country and the larger Middle Eastern region.

The Pletenitsa Balkan Choir, seen here with Christiane Karam BM 03 conducting, will be perform Georgian chants at this years Middle Eastern Music Festival.

Flagship performing groups return for the annual festival, including the Middle Eastern Fusion ensemble, who will perform the opening piece, and the Pletenitsa Balkan Choir, who will perform Georgian chants as well as Mikadze's original composition Odoia. A cross-cultural group of students, faculty, and alumni representing countries from across the Middle East will feature in solo performances, choir harmonies, and instrumental pieces as part of a contrasting and immersive musical program.

The mission of the festival has always been to bring people together and to create a platform of intercultural understanding, said Karam. This festival features the contributions of students from all over the world, as well as incredible international and community artists. It is a privilege to be able to come together and offer beauty, poetry, and music as a counter to the horror many people are experiencing right now. Music is a lifeline that has helped keep people alive throughout history, and I am more grateful than ever to have one more year of upholding that space for our community here and our global audience.

Admission is $20 in advance and $25 day of show. This show will be seated. Tickets are available online.

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