Georgian polyphonic choir Shvidkatsa open NBA match with US anthem (VIDEO)

Nearly 20,000 fans attending the National Basketball Association (NBA) match between Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday were treated to a performance of the United States anthem by Georgia’s polyphonic choir Shvidkatsa.

Appearing at the Golden State Warriors home grounds the Oracle Arena, the ensemble opened the match with their rendition of the anthem before the Warriors went on to win the match with a score 97-84.

The seven-member choir’s appearance marked celebrations of the Golden State Warriors’ Georgian centre Zaza Pachulia, who became the first player from the country to win the NBA champion’s title earlier this year.

See the Georgian polyphonic choir Shvidkatsa perform the US national anthem at the Oracle Arena on Wednesday:

The ensemble also performed the Georgian folk song mravalzhamieri and a piece from the mountainous Svaneti province of Georgia during the break in the match. Additionally, the Georgian national dish khachapuri was served for fans at the arena.

The celebrations were also marked with the Zaza Pachulia Bobblehead Night, with the first 10,000 fans attending the match receiving a miniature bobblehead figure of the former captain of Georgia’s national team.

Celebrating NBA Champion @zaza27 at tomorrow night's game! » https://t.co/mpZTZv12zPpic.twitter.com/CrgdEz8OCB

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 20, 2017

Shvidkatsa was invited to perform for the NBA game when the press team of Golden State Warriors met them in Georgia during Pachulia’s triumphant return to his homeland after claiming the prestigious championship.

Founded in 2001, the ensemble has performed at Tbilisi’s Holy Trinity Cathedral as well as at events abroad. In 2015 the choir appeared in three concert performances the Southwark Cathedral of London.

The choir’s repertoire includes traditional Georgian songs as well as church hymns.