GUESTS FROM GEORGIA: TBILISI GIYA KANCHELI STRING QUARTET AND FOLKLORE TRIO RERO

In the heart of Vilnius Old Town, where every stone echoes centuries of cultural coexistence, St. Catherine’s Church will once again become a living sanctuary of music during this year’s Christmas Evenings festival. Here, an exceptional concert will unite two Georgian musical traditions: classical and folk. It is not only an artistic event, but also a meaningful cultural dialogue connecting nations, generations, and distinct musical worlds.

The classical part of the evening will be presented by the Giya Kancheli String Quartet, an ensemble that brings Georgia’s musical heritage to international audiences.

The quartet was founded in 2010 by students of the Tbilisi State Conservatory under the guidance of Professor Nodar Zhvania. Since its inception, the ensemble has actively participated in international competitions and festivals, earning top awards and collaborating with renowned musicians such as T. Licheli, V. Shiukashvili, G. Babuadze, and others.

In 2018, by decision of composer Giya Kancheli, the ensemble was granted his name.

The quartet is led by violinist David Akopian, a graduate of the Tbilisi State Conservatory, an active participant in international projects, and a collaborator of Lithuanian composers.

Joining him on stage:

Nika Barateli, violin – graduate of the Tbilisi State Conservatory (Prof. K. Vardeli), laureate of international and national chamber music competitions, artist of the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, member of the Georgian State Quartet.

Mamuka Babuadze, viola – graduate of the Tbilisi State Conservatory, artist of the Georgian National Symphony Orchestra, member of the Tbilisi State Chamber Orchestra Georgian Sinfonietta, actively performing in Georgia and across Europe.

Aleksej Solonovič-Gvamičava, cello – Georgian cellist performing widely as a soloist and chamber musician. He is a soloist of the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra led by Vachtang Kahidze, laureate of international competitions, and a regular participant in Georgian and international festivals.

The traditional Georgian music segment will be performed by the joint Lithuanian–Georgian ensemble Rero, bringing together distinguished performers of ethnic instrumental and vocal music. Their chants and folk songs open a doorway into the archaic, polyphonic soul of Georgian music—rich in emotional depth, national identity, and contemporary expression.