Chair of the Culture Committee, Giorgi Gabunia, attended the solo concert of the Ensemble of the Anzor Erkomaishvili State Folklore Centre of Georgia, held in the Small Hall of the Shota Rustaveli National Theatre with the support of the Ministry of Culture.

The concert featured 17 unique examples of Georgian traditional folk songs and sacred chants, a significant number of which were performed before a wide audience for the first time.

Addressing the event, Giorgi Gabunia stated that the Ensemble of the State Folklore Centre holds a prominent place in Georgia's contemporary cultural life.

"This ensemble is one of the most significant achievements of our contemporary cultural life. Its establishment, both in concept and purpose, serves the national objective that we have been working toward for many years.

Drawing a historical parallel, following the establishment of the traditional singing schools, the creation of this ensemble can, in terms of its significance, be compared to the founding of the Society for the Spreading of Literacy in the nineteenth century. It represents a cultural movement of national importance that safeguards, develops, and passes on Georgian traditional music to future generations”, - Giorgi Gabunia stated.

According to the Committee Chair, the network of traditional singing schools operating in 50 cities across Georgia provides young people with the opportunity to study Georgian folk songs and sacred chanting free of charge.

"This is an investment in our cultural identity and our nation's future.

I would like to express my special gratitude to Giorgi Donadze, who leads this nationally significant initiative. He possesses the rare ability to unite people around a common purpose. It is through the efforts of such leaders that important national endeavours become a reality.

There was a time when Georgian folk music faced the threat of extinction. It was Anzor Erkomaishvili who, by establishing the 'Martveta Movement,' laid the foundation for the process that breathed new life into Georgia's traditional musical heritage.

Later, with the establishment of the traditional singing schools, this movement expanded even further and is now developing successfully throughout Georgia.

I am happy and proud to have the honour of being part of this great family, your like-minded colleague and partner in this cause. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, Georgian folk songs and sacred chanting will be preserved and passed on to future generations with even greater strength and dignity”, - Giorgi Gabunia said.