Going on a tour of Abkhazia, be sure to visit the local cave complexes. Natural attractions not only amaze by the beauty and splendor of grottoes, stalactites with stalagmites, underground reservoirs, but also have excellent acoustic characteristics, turning into natural concert halls. Music in New Athos Cave is one of the advantages of guided tours through the underground kingdom, which attracts crowds of tourists.
Acoustic features of the New Athos Cave in Abkhazia
The natural labyrinth has several features of acoustics. In one of the halls, the sound intensifies, bouncing off the smooth surface of the walls. In another, it lulls, getting lost in the roughness and cracks. Branches and recesses of grottoes create an echo effect.
The secret of the special effect of the sound of the music in the concert hall of the Speleologists
The Speleologists’ Hall has the largest ceiling height – 97 m. The smooth walls enhance the sound that bounces off their surface. Concerts of live performers are held here.
Rows of chairs are set up for the audience – so you can rest here from the journey through the underground labyrinths.
What music is played in the halls of the New Athos Cave
In the natural concert halls of New Athos Cave concerts of individual performers and groups are held. During the walk through the underground kingdom tourists are accompanied by the sounds of Abkhazian music.
A work performed by the National Choir of Abkhazia
The State Choral Chapel of the Republic is the only group in the world that performs in the New Athos Cave on a permanent basis.
His repertoire includes a cappella works by world classics, Abkhazian folk songs, and works by Russian composers. In honor of the choir, one of the halls of the cave was given the name of the national musical instrument, Apkhyartsa.
Live classical music concerts with famous artists and musicians
In the grottoes of New Athos musicians perform classical music, including contemporary arrangements. In particular, the winner of “The Voice” show Ilya Rimar and Olga Maximova gave concerts here. You can find out about planned performances of musicians in the cave from posters in New Athos, Gagra and other nearby settlements.
Mahajir lullaby “Shish Nani” performed by Lyudmila Gunba
In the Makhadjir Hall, a lullaby of the Abkhaz, who were forced to migrate to Turkey in the 19th century, is played as a musical accompaniment by Soviet and Abkhaz singer Lyudmila Gunba.
The work “My Abkhazia”
In the last hall of the New Athos Cave, visitors can hear the composition “My Abkhazia”. The song is performed by Hibla Gerzmava, a native of the region.
What other music you can hear during a tour of the cave in New Athos
During the trip, tourists are accompanied by a series of classical music. Combined with the acoustic characteristics of the space, this creates a unique travel atmosphere that harmonizes with the surroundings.
Tips for Tourists Before Visiting Concerts at New Athos Cave
Before visiting the underground labyrinths, you should read the advice of travelers who have already visited the attraction:
- The cost of the ticket for a visit to the attraction is 700 rubles.
- It is necessary to bring warm clothes, even if it is hot outside, the temperature under the ground is kept at +11 ° C. Warm plaids or jackets can be rented on site.
- Visiting the natural attraction is possible until 6 p.m., but with a large number of guests the staff may be delayed.
Tourists are taken from the entrance to the halls by an underground train. The departure of the carriages takes place every 20 minutes, but may happen earlier if the right number of passengers.
