Hard to believe that it’s over 12 years ago now that my darling Nana Mzhavanadze and I first set foot in Lakhushdi, now ‘The Singing Village’, in High Caucasus Svaneti region of Georgia.

It felt like an answer to a call and invitation from the Chamgeliani family. “Our village is dying, we have 15 families of which 9 still sing and observe our ancient ritual practices. Please help us to sustain. Please bring us guests - not tourists!”

So we did our best.

That early story is described in *Echoes of the Ancestors* : [ Ссылка ] (opens PDF)

This film, made by participant Mike Spring, captures these first early steps.

Now with its own internationally known ‘Folk House’ Lakhushdi takes its music worldwide. Choirs and singers galore!

Well done Madona... and Anna, Ekha and Kakha Chamgeliani for real cultural conservation and retrieval that touches so many lives! 💖

Wowsers !!! I can’t wait to pop back next month (September 2024).

Madge Bray

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