More about Borjghali choir (Bristol)

Borjghali is a mixed group of singers that share a love for the ancient harmony songs of the Republic of Georgia. It was founded by musical director Anthony Johnston in 2004. They have performed all over the UK and also have travelled to Georgia several times, performing at festivals and learning from the locals. The choir has a close relationship with the Bristol Tbilisi Twinning Association and we were invited to sing at the 25th and 30th anniversaries of twinning between the two countries in Tbilisi. The choir has appeared on Georgian national television and has sung at the Houses of Parliament in the UK. Each year the choir hosts a ‘Supra’, a Georgian ritual feast in Brockweir in the Wye Valley and hosts other feasts in the Georgian spirit of celebration, friendship and joy for life.

Borjghali is loosely translated this word means ‘the universe’, ‘the sun’ and ‘Divine mystery’. It is often represented by in an age old symbol that represents all these things – similar in shape to a spiral galaxy it can be seen throughout Georgia carved in wood and stone on countless buildings ancient and modern.

The songs Borjghali sing have been passed down from person to person through generations of village singers. For these songs have stood the test of time; they have been polished over many years, by village folk long since gone. The songs were born of the everyday loves and losses and tragedies of ordinary people. That world has now passed, but the echo of those village folk, their joys and yearnings, still live on through the melodies and harmonies of the music they created.