January 7 marks Old Christmas in Sakartvelo (aka Georgia) and the time for Alilo-oba. First set features the “amazing harmonies” (Eroll Nazareth, CBC Radio) of Ori Shalva, North America’s foremost Georgian polyphonic ensemble. Led by virtuoso traditional singer and multi-instrumentalist Shalva Makharashvili, Ori Shalva brings to life this UNESCO-recognized musical treasure - rarely heard outside its homeland - and transports listeners to the mountainous villages, and ancient rites of this small country at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Flipping the script even more, the second set features the genre-bending reimaginings of Georgian and Ukrainian folk polyphony through Andrea Kuzmich’s songSCAPIN’ project, which weaves tradition with jazz and raw improvisation to create an irresistible, groove-driven experience. But don’t expect to simply sit back and listen: in true folk fashion, you - the audience - will be invited to sing, clap, and become an essential celebratory force!

Source: CBC News January 04, 2026 04:59 UTC