Georgian People's Artist Jemal Chkuaseli passed away at the age of 86. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs of Georgia spreads information about it.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia extends its condolences to the family, colleagues and the whole of Georgia.

"Jemal Chkuaseli was born on May 18, 1935 in the family of the famous singer Shermandi Chkuaseli. It was his father who introduced Jemal Chkuaseli to the unique Georgian folklore. Jemal Chkuaseli has been the soloist-singer of the Georgian State Honored Song and Dance Ensemble since 1976, and in 1979 he was appointed the artistic director of the Kutaisi State Song and Dance Ensemble. In 1986, by the order of the then Minister of Culture - Valeri Asatiani, Jemal Chkuaseli was appointed artistic director of the Georgian State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, and from 2015 he was the chief conductor of "Erisioni". During 130 years, the ensemble has achieved a lot of success and at different times it has featured prominent and well-deserved professionals of Georgian folklore. Nevertheless, it can be boldly said that the golden age of "Erisioni" has begun with the tandem of Jemal Chkuaseli and Revaz Chokhonelidze," the Ministry of Culture said in a statement.