Under  the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia and with the support of the Government, a festival dedicated to Georgian art and culture was held in Leuville , historical estate from July 29 to August 20. Participant ensembles were: “Erisioni”, “Basiani”, “Ialoni”, “Margaliti”, Kutaisi State Dance Ensemble , ethno-jazz band “Irao”,  and Georgian State Chamber Choir  led by Svimon Jangulashvili. The festival  was  successful. For the participants, every minute spent in Leuville Georgian estate turned out to be exceptionally emotional. We  share some impressions with you:

Tornike Kandelaki-Choirmaster of  ensemble “Erisioni” 

"It is the  greatest  honor for the state academic ensemble with ancient traditions - "Erisioni" to participate in the Leuville  festival, in  Georgian estate, such an  important and fascinating  place, joined by various ensembles, Georgian singers and  actors, there were many spectators from different cities and countries, both foreigners and Georgians who expressed great love, longing and happiness". 

Zurab Tskrialashvili- Director of ensemble “Basiani”

"In accordance with the context of what Leuville Estate represents for Georgia, for our country, for its history, it was a great honor for our ensemble to participate in this festival. Unfortunately, the tragic events of Racha coincided with our concert, so we performed only mourning music - some mourning songs and traditional chants. Thus, we honored the memory of those who died in Racha, and  of course, symbolically united the people who worked in this estate.

In this historic estate, which was purchased by Georgians, a festival of such a scale was held for the first time, which happened as a result of the great effort and hard work of the Ministry of Culture. Leuville  festival is very important and I think it should continue in the following  years."  

Nino Naneishvili-Director of ensemble “Ialoni” 

"In my opinion, the most important  fact is that  this historical territory was preserved and handed over to Georgia, because for decades, the hearts, souls and lives of many people were deeply connected to this place and the fact that we can be fully on their steps, and again the feeling that this place  full of thoughts and inner  struggle belongs to us again is very important for the current, past and future history of Georgia." 

Natia Bedenashvili-Director of ensemble “Margaliti” 

“Singing Georgian traditional songs and chants in Georgian Estate in Leuville was extremely important, responsible ,  thrilling and touching  for ensemble “Margaliti”, we still hope for our future visit here with our “pearl” samples of music, on the place full of Georgian soul. We want to express gratitude to all people who gave us opportunity to become the part of this important history.”

Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia