The Chamgeliani sisters, Ana and Madona, hail from the remote, mountainous region of Svaneti in Georgia, a place known for its deep-rooted musical heritage. Raised in the village of Lakhushdi—often called “The Singing Village”—the sisters carry on a tradition of singing ancient songs believed to be thousands of years old, preserved only in their homeland. These songs are rich with local stories, legends, and the spirit of the breathtaking landscape that surrounds them.

Ana and Madona are not just extraordinary vocalists but also custodians of the cultural and historical contexts that give these songs their meaning. Ana, a member of the ensemble Sathanao, is a virtuoso on the chuniri, a three-stringed gamba native to the region. Madona, an ethnographer and authority on Svan folklore, has dedicated her research to uncovering ancient songs about Dali, the forest queen—a figure still revered by many in Svaneti. Together, they are instrumental in preserving and revitalizing Svaneti’s unique musical traditions.

Both sisters often collaborate with Levan Bitarovi, renowned musician, singer, and leader of the acclaimed Georgian polyphony choir Adilei. Their performances offer an exquisite showcase of Svan music, built on Georgia’s signature three-part polyphony, which intricately weaves bass, middle, and top voices into harmonious unity. Through their work, the Chamgeliani sisters continue to honor and share the timeless beauty of their ancestral music.