Photo by Giorgi khutsishvili

The International research Centre for Traditional Polyphony of Tbilisi State Conservatoire is saddened by the passing of Islam Pilpani – legendary in his lifetime folk musician. Long and fruitful activity made him a musical symbol of his native region. It was incredible, for Georgian and foreign musicians or simply music lovers to bypass Islam and his family. A brilliant choir master, singer and inimitable connoisseur of Svan musical instruments, a number of folk musicians were raised under his direction in ensemble Riho, which is known not only in Georgia, but in most remote foreign countries as well.

Islam hosted everyone who visited Svaneti, tirelessly shared his rich experience to all- both Georgians and foreigners, willing to learn Sval songs, including the participants of the International Symposia on Traditional Polyphony.

Islam was a distinguished and unique, his personality as thou united millennia-old history and contemporaneity of Svan culture, for this his every appearance on the stage made mesmerizing effect on the audience. This is an immense lost for Georgian culture. May he rest in peace!