John A Graham has over fifteen years experience performing and directing ensembles.
Princeton Georgian Choirs (2006-present). John is the artistic director and concert organizer for this ensemble of amateur singers comprising Princeton undergraduates, graduate students, and staff members. Just a sample from dozens of live recordings and video:
- Okro Mchedelo, Ocheshkhvei, - Goldsmith song, Meskheti region, worksong, Samegrelo region (video)
- Alilo, Imeruli - Christmas carol, Imereti region
- Tsamokruli - improvised trio song, Guria region
Princeton Maracatu Brazilian Marching Band (2012). John was a performer in this new Princeton ensemble, directed by Scott Kettner of Maracatu-NewYork. See live video of our first performance:
- First live performance, December 2012
While conducting research in Tbilisi Georgia, John was an active member of the Aghsavali Ensemble, a Georgian mens choir devoted to the promotion and performance of Georgian traditional chant. Here some recent recordings from the ensemble:
- Shen Gigalobt - We Praise Thee
- Dghes Saghmrtoman Madlman - Today the Lord
- Esaia Mkhiaruli Iqav - Rejoice, Oh Isaiah!
Princeton Bata Drumming Group (2009). John was a performer with the ensemble, directed by Elizabeth Sayre.
Musica Alta is Princeton University's early music ensemble. For a program of Ockeghem and Binchois (2006), John was a baritone performer.
Northern Harmony (2004). John was a singer with this semi-professional ensemble on a 35-concert tour of Great Britain. His trio regularly performed one of the more difficult Georgian sacred chants on that tour:
- Siqvarulman Mogiqvana - Love has Brought us
At Wesleyan (1999-2003), John performed in the University West African drum and dance ensemble under the direction of Abraham Adzenyah. He also performed mrdungam and Karnatak music under the direction of TJ Vishanathan and Mark Nelson. He sang in several ensembles including the Renaissance vocal ensemble, Collegium, under the direction of Jane Alden, the Wesleyan Gospel Choir, directed by Pastor Marichal Monts, and the New Music Ensemble Rosentest, directed by Edward Jessen.
For his senior recital at Wesleyan (2003), John transcribed and taught Georgian chants and folksongs to a small mens ensemble called Cantus Firmus. From their concert live recording, here is a sample of tracks:
- Orovela - cartsong, Kartli region
- Qanuri - Worksong, Imereti region
- Motsikulni Kristesagan - Hymn to St. Nino, Eastern Georgian chant school
- Shen Khar Venakhi - You are the Vineyard, West Georgian chant school
- Mravalzhamier - Many Years, Imereti region