Giorgi Mikadze, fellow artists mark Georgia’s independence date in Washington, New York’s UN HQ

Georgian and foreign artists led by pianist Giorgi Mikadze are marking the centennial of Georgia’s First Democratic Republic in Washington and the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Mikadze, a Berklee College of Music graduate recognised for his cross-genre experimentation, was at the centre of the show Georgian Overtones, titled after the composer’s new project.

It was presented on Wednesday at the Institute of Peace in the capital city, with the involved artists set to host visitors later today at the UN Economic and Social Council Chamber in New York.

 

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A post shared by Giorgi Mikadze გიორგი მიქაძე (@gmikadze) on May 23, 2018 at 8:56pm PDT

Marking the 100th anniversary of the 1918-1921 Georgian state, the show also featured cellist Sandro Sidamonidze along with Benjamin Tiberio on double bass, Raphael Pannier on drums and Uri Gurvich on saxophone.

They provided backdrop for vocal performance by three members of Georgia’s Basiani ensemble — Sergo Urushadze, Paata Tsetskhladze and Zurab Tskrialashvili.

Mikadze’s project, first showcased at the Konzerthaus Berlin venue within last year’s Young Euro Classic festival, introduces listeners to music from various parts of Georgia.

It combines Georgian folk music elements with contemporary jazz, fusion and microtonal sounds.

The two shows of Georgian Overtones are held for a high-profile audience of government members, diplomatic corps and other dignitaries from Georgia and the United States.

They are part of the international program of cultural, educational and symbolic events hosted in Georgia and abroad to mark the centennial date of the seminal democratic state.