Description
The Belgian quartet MOTYK joins forces with the Georgian women’s choir Sathanao in their project Crossroads.
Crossroads is a new project born from the collaboration between the Belgian quartet Motyk and the Georgian women’s choir Sathanao. The program weaves the mystical polyphony of Georgian singing with Motyk’s dynamic and adventurous compositions, creating a compelling dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, in which both ensembles challenge and enrich one another.
Two musical worlds – one purely vocal, the other purely instrumental – rooted in different traditions and cultures, meet at a crossroads. In ancient mythologies, the crossroads symbolize a gateway to other worlds and dimensions: a place where opposites converge.
The music of the acoustic quartet Motyk defies easy categorisation. Their style blends progressive folk, jazz fusion, and the refinement of chamber music, forming the basis for brand-new repertoire inspired by Georgian songs. Flutist Lydie Thonnard joins the project as a guest musician, adding an extra instrumental dimension.
The Georgian women’s choir Sathanao is a highly regarded ensemble dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Georgian polyphonic singing, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The choir’s talented singers bring their country’s rich musical traditions to life with passion and devotion.
The Crossroads project has been recorded and will receive an international album release in May 2026, followed by concerts in Belgium, Georgia, and beyond.
MOTYK: Pablo Ortiz guitar, Joris Vanvinckenroye double bass, Anouk Sanczuk violin, Zhazira Ukeyeva violin, special guest recording: Jeroen Goossens (flutes, tin whistle,bansuri, bassoon, panpipes), special guest live: Lydie Thonnard flutes
SATHANAO: Tata Megrelidze (artistic direction Sathanao), Eka Shoshiashvili, Lamaria Azariashvili, Nino Nakeuri, Tamta Japaridze, Nino Shoshiashvili, Salome Chanishvili, Ketevan Skhiladze, Lela Urushadze, Nino Giorgobiani
Compositions and instrumental arrangements by Pablo Ortiz and Joris Vanvinckenroye
All vocal arrangements by Tata Megrelidze
Recordings in Belgium by Stijn Bruynooghe
Recordings in Georgia by Archil Burtchuladze
Produced by Pablo Ortiz, Joris Vanvinckenroye and Stijn Bruynooghe
Mixed at Aliud Records by Jos Boerland, Pablo Ortiz, Joris Vanvinckenroye and Stijn Bruynooghe
Artwork by Anouk Sanczuk
Photography by Pablo Ortiz
MOTYK & Sathanao: Crossroads
1. Prelusion 6’24
2. Silky Way 6’30
3. Belter-Shelter (part I) 4’38
4. Belter-Shelter (part II) 4’18
5. Ritual Song (part I) 6’12
6. Ritual Song (part II) 5’09
7. Crossroad-Stitch 11’11
8. Lullaby Bye 7’27
9. Lost Love Song (part I) 3’25
10. Lost Love Song (part II) 9’38
11. So Long Song (part I) 3’49
12. So Long Song (part II) 3’55
