ETHNO PORT 2026 | Pankisi Ensemble
Zamek Cesarski w Poznaniu, Poznań
Pankisi Ensemble
Ethno Port Festival 2026
Culture Centre ZAMEK in Poznań, Great Hall
12.06.2026, 21:00
For generations, the Kists have lived in the Pankisi Valley – descendants of Chechens and Ingush for whom language, religion, and family bonds form a map more enduring than political divisions. In archaic, polyphonic melodies, Pankisi Ensemble weaves together stories of community with the landscape of mountains. The ensemble's repertoire includes illi ballads (tales of heroes), Sufi religious songs, love songs, and echoes of folklore from various regions of Georgia.
The ensemble was founded by Bela Mutoshvili, a folklorist and teacher from Tusheti who settled in Jokolo after marrying a Chechen man. Over time, she undertook field research, bringing archival recordings to the village and making music with local children. Today she performs as a female quartet with Lana Gunashashvili, Linda Gunashashvili, and Mariam Bagakashvili.