The Dancing Waters of Tbilisi

On some evenings, after the seminars and lectures were finished, Meg Freer and I would explore the sights and sounds of Tbilisi. Just at dusk one evening, we had walked across the ultra modern Peace Bridge to lovely Rike Park on the banks of the Mtkvari River. Above the park loom the two massive tubular metallic structures of a concert hall and exhibition centre that had been commissioned years before but, due to insufficient funding, remain unfinished.

As we approached the large fountain near the centre of the park, we saw an amazing sight. The waters of the fountain were transformed into a rainbow of ever-changing colours dancing to the strains of classical music. We stopped and watched as the fountain danced in turn to popular music, Georgian Folk music, and more classical music.

An array of coloured lights beneath the water at the base of the fountain constantly changes to the rhythm of recorded music as a dozen streams of water, coloured by the lights, dance overhead. All of this is controlled by a complex computer program. The result is a beautiful performance of water and light dancing in the dusk.

Meg and I had come upon this display quite by accident and watched enthralled as the waters danced through several songs. This was a perfect ending to another summer's day in Tbilisi.

The video of the dancing waters shown here was shot by Meg Freer.