International Activity
Japan 2024
In July-August the Mikeladze Choir visited Tokyo, Japan, to compete in the "Tokyo International Choir Competition in Harumi." The festival featured choirs from around the world, offering a great opportunity to connect with diverse cultures. The Mikeladze Choir won a silver medal with 82.6 points. The choir previously earned gold prizes at the festival organized remotely during Covid 19 Pandemic, building a strong reputation and positive feedback for Georgian folk and polyphonic music. Now this 8-day tour was also a chance to explore Tokyo’s landmarks, such as Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower, and the Imperial Palace. Overall, the tour was a success, allowing to share Georgian culture with the world.
France 2024
In July 2024 the Mikeladze choir toured France for the second time. This year the choir took part in the Gannat Festival of World Cultures. The festival presented choirs, dance groups and bands from every continent. Mikeladze choir received the invitation to the festival last year in Belfort by the festival director. All in all, the choir held seven concerts, two parades, which took part in the streets of Gannat, the conference regarding Georgian polyphonic singing and the workshops about Georgian language and culture. Before arriving at Gannat, the Mikeladze choir stayed in the capital of France – Paris and for three days singers had the opportunity to visit the important touristic monuments and to explore the new Country. To conclude, the trip turned out to be a success and we once again introduced Georgian polyphonic singing to the world.
USA 2023
In July the Mikeladze Choir had a long tour in the United States.
In July 9-15 the choir participated in the Golden Gate International Choral Festival (GGF). It was the choir's third time in GGF. The choir was awarded with a silver certificate in the children folk category and the certificate of appreciation for cultural heritage and global friendship. The opening ceremony of the festival was given in the Golden Gate Park (Bandshell) followed by the competition performance in Berkeley, concert in Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, cruise in the bay and gala concert in Alameda. While being in California, the choir also met local Georgians in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In July 17-22 the choir participated in the Montana International Choral Festival (2nd time). Within the festival the choir gave several concerts and performances including the performance of Badri JImsheleishvili’s song Deda (Mother) twice with a local Missoula string quartet.
The choir spent few days in New York and New Jersey too until July 28th. They met local Georgians and gave a solo concert in Morristown, NJ.
France 2023
In May 25-28 the Mikeladze Choir participated in FIMU BELFORT festival. FIMU is the University International Music Festival open to any French or foreign musical group: instrumental ensemble associated with an education institute (university, music school, conservatory), or any independent band. In 2023 FIMU hosted 101 music group from 30 countries with 212 different concerts. The Mikeladze choir have 3 solo concerts in the festival. The choir also participated in the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival at the Belford Cathedral.
It is remarkable that the Mikeladze Choir was selected as one of the 101 participants of the festival from 1200 applicants from 77 countries.
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United Kingdom 2022
In July 2022 the Choir of E. Mikeladze Central Music School organized a tour in the United Kingdom which started in Scotland. The concerts were given in the Stockbridge Church in Edinburgh on July 3rd and Holy Trinity Cathedral in St. Andrews on July 5th. The choir also had a meeting with the Georgian singing community based in Edinburgh - local people practicing Georgian folk songs.
After Scotland concerts, the choir participated in „Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod” in Wales, where it was awarded with the 3rd place in open choir categories. The next performances were held in England in cities of Morecambe, Lancaster and Norwich. In Morecambe the choir director Badri Jimsheleishvili provided masterclasses for interested musicians too.
The choir ended its tour in London where it was hosted by the Ambassador of Georgia Sophio Katsarava in the Embassy of Georgia in London. Also, the choir had a warm meeting with the Maspindzeli Choir members - local singers practicing Georgian folk songs. The choir left the United Kingdom on July 18.
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Austria 2019
In July 25-30 the Choir of E. Mikeladze Central Music School participated in the 10th World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna. The festival events took place at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, Wiener Konzerthaus (opening ceremony), Musikverein Golden Hall (gala concert), peace concerts at the MuTh Concert Hall, St. Rupert’s Church (the oldest church in Vienna), local senior house. After the festival, the choir held a concert for local Georgians in Vienna which was organized by the Georgian Diaspore and the Embassy of Georgia in Austria.
We would like to specially thank to the Embassy of Georgia in Austria for all their support! Special thanks to Mr. Konstantine Tsereteli for supporting the choir!
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Belarus & Poland 2019
In May 16-21 the Choir of E. Mikeladze Central Music School participated in the “Paparac Kvetka International Youth and Student Choir Forum” where the choir was awarded with the nomination of “Pearl” and the choir director with nomination of the “Best Conductor of the Festival”.
In May 22-26 the choir participated in Sopot International Choral Festival - “Mundus Cantat”. The choir was awarded with silver certificates in folk and church music categories and the special financial prize for presenting the national culture.
On May 27 the choir traveled back to Minsk from Poland and took part in the official reception of the Georgian Embassy in Minsk dedicated to the Independence Day of Georgia. The choir performed the national anthems of Georgia and Belarus and joined the reception concert with Georgian folk songs.
USA 2018
The Choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School organized a tour of the United States, spanning from June 26 to July 19. The tour encompassed multiple cities, including New York, Denver, Littleton, Phoenix, Florence, San Francisco Bay area, Gualala, and Los Angeles:
In June 27 to July 2 the choir participated in the Sing a Mile High Choral Festival in Denver and held a solo concert in the city of Littleton.
In July 2-7 the choir visited the Monastery of St. Anthony in Arizona, held solo concerts in the cities of Florence and Phoenix. After the concert in Phoenix at Arizona State University Critical Languages Institute the choir members also presented the Georgian alphabet.
In July 8-14 the choir participated in the Golden Gate International Choral Festival in San Francisco Bay area where it was awarded with the second gold in folk competition. There also the meeting with local Georgians was organized. In July 15 the choir held solo concert in Gualala. In July 16-19 the choir visited Los Angeles and held a concert. The concert in LA was hosted by the local Georgians.
Russia 2017
The Choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School participated in the Yekaterinburg International Choral Festival - "the Earth is our common home". The choir was awarded with the second place in the competition. Although none of the choirs got the first place, the Mikeladze Choir was honored to be recognized as the audience's favorite performer.
USA 2016
The choir from E.Mikeladze Central Music School organized a month-long tour in the central states of the USA. They took part in the Sing A Mile Choral Festival and the International Choral Festival in Montana, as well as giving solo concerts in Bozeman and Helena. The choir had the opportunity to participate in the conference at the University of Montana and present Georgian traditional music to audiences from all over the world. They also visited many attractions during the tour, including Yellowstone National Park and Virginia City.
Norway & Latvia 2016
To celebrate Georgia's Independence Day, the Embassy of Georgia in the Kingdom of Norway organized an Official Reception that was attended by diplomats, officials, and Georgian emigrants. The Choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School performed at the event, introducing Georgian traditional folk songs and chants to the Norwegians. Subsequently, the choir held a concert in Anglocan Church in Riga, with the assistance of Mr. Ints Peterovski and the Embassy of Georgia in Latvia.
Czech Republic 2015
The choir of E.Mikeladze Central Music School had the honor of participating in the Canti Veris Choral Festival in Prague from 19-21 February, 2015. In addition to the festival, the choir also held solo concerts in Bustehrad on 22.02 and at Senior House of Prague on 24.02. We would like to express our gratitude to the festival organizers, Mrs. Vlasta Stadlerova, the ambassador Mr. Tomas Perinsky, and consul Mrs. Sabina Singrosova for their assistance in organizing additional performances in Prague. We also extend our thanks to Mrs. Ivona Kasalichka and Mrs. Hana Virglerova for organizing our solo concerts in Bustehrad and at Senior House.
Austria 2014
In July 2014, the choir was privileged to take part in the World Peace Choral Festival held in Vienna, Austria. The festival was a remarkable event that aimed to promote peace and a better future. The choir had the chance to perform at several renowned venues, including St. Stephens Cathedral, Muth Concert Hall, and Musikverein Golden Hall. Additionally, they were able to explore the beauty of Vienna during their stay, and express their gratitude to the festival organizers, A&T Holiday Hostel, and the Georgian Embassy in Austria for their support and hospitality.
Italy 2013
In November 2013 the choir of E.Mikeladze central music school participated in the Citta Eterna folklore festival in Rome. During their four-day stay, the choir members were able to explore the beauty of Rome and even had the opportunity to tour the Vatican with the help of the Georgian Embassy. The choir, consisting of 16 singers, performed traditional Georgian folk songs that were highly appreciated by the audience. The choir expresses their gratitude to the Georgian Embassy in Vatican, and the Italian Embassy in Georgia for their support in making this experience possible.
USA 2013
In July 2013, the choir had the opportunity to participate in the Idaho International Choral Festival held in Pocatello, ID. During the festival, they performed in five concerts, including the opening and closing concerts, two concerts in churches of Pocatello, and one concert on the Quad. After the festival, they traveled to Missoula, MT, where they had another concert in a Greek church and visited Yellowstone Park. The choir also had the privilege of performing at Hill Center in Washington DC with Niavi together, an American choir that sings Georgian folk songs. The choir expressed their gratitude to the festival organizers, host families, and everyone who made their trip unforgettable.
USA 2012 - First International Success
In July 8-15, 2012, the choir of E.Mikeladze central music school participated in the Golden Gate International Children's and Youths' Choral Festival in San Francisco Bay Area. The choir had 4 concerts during the festival and an additional concert after the festival on July 15 at Leandro Library. The choir was awarded a special prize for global heritage and the certification for international friendship and cultural exchange. The Georgian traditional folk songs and chants performed by the choir were so unique and different that the operator of the festival made a documentary about them called "Georgian Perspective."