Anzor Erkomashvili Dedicates Special Book to 50th Anniversary of Ensemble Rustavi

Rustavi 50 is a unique book dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Ensemble Rustavi and written by the Founder and Artistic Director of the Ensemble, Anzor Erkomaishvili. The audio recordings of 400 Georgian songs and chants performed by Ensemble Rustavi and 16 compact discs are attached to the book.

In the book, Erkomaishvili presents the words dedicated to the Ensemble, written by excited local and foreign renowned public figures, including the musicians, politicians and the representatives of various fields of art, as well as the reviews of world press and valuable photo materials.

The book perfectly and retrospectively reflects the successful and creative path of the Ensemble in its last 50 years.

"You have defeated time because you are serving a true art,” said Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, of the 50 years of the ensemble's existence.

“The content of this book is extremely important and interesting,” Giorgi Gabunia, the Executive Director of Ensemble Rustavi, said. “The author has collected the results of hard work done over half a century, dedicated to the country and its culture. ‘Rustavi 50’ is the thank-you speech of Anzor Erkomaishvili to those who contributed to the promotion and popularization of the Ensemble in Georgia and throughout the world, as real friends and supporters.”

The Georgian State Folk Song and Dance Academic Ensemble was founded in 1968 by Anzor Erkomaishvili and his friends. At first, the ensemble consisted only of singers. That same year, they were joined by a group of dancers and have been working together ever since. Since its establishment, the ensemble has held more than 7000 concerts in over 80 countries around the world. The repertoire of the ensemble includes dances and songs originating from almost every corner of Georgia. The style of the singers as well as the dancers is traditional and preserves a historical color.

Ensemble Rustavi was awarded the Zakaria Paliashvili (1980), Albert Schweitzer (1986) and Georgian State (1999) prizes for special contribution to the popularization of Georgian folk songs.

By Ana Dumbadze