Nelson Goerner and Martha Argerich
Martha Argerich, Lisa Batiashvili, Nikoloz Rachveli, Nelson Goerner were among the international stars who gave glittering performances at historic Georgian estate
17-20 SEPTEMBER 2020
Far from becoming another casualty of the global pandemic, Georgia’s Tsinandali Festival welcomed audiences and international artists for four days of performances in the open-air amphitheatre at the historic Tsinandali Estate.
Major international artists including Martha Argerich, Lisa Batiashvili and Nelson Goerner gave several concerts each, alongside recitals from major stars of the future including pianist Alexandre Kantorow and violinist Daniel Lozakovich. The artists appeared in solo recitals and in combinations – with a particular highlight featuring Martha Argerich and Nelson Goerner together [pictured] – as well as with the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Nikoloz Rachveli. There was also a stunning event with Georgian National Ballet.
The Tsinandali Festival was launched last year to great success, presenting over two weeks some of the world’s greatest musicians alongside the specially formed Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra, which brought together over 80 young musicians from the surrounding region.
Monocle reported on the Festival and the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra in 2019, saying: “Whereas most music galas look to simply put on a good show, this Festival is about building regional ties through the universal language of music, sending a message of unity to the musicians’ countries.”
All artists appearing wanted to express their solidarity with the Festival and its audiences by travelling to Georgia to take part.
The health and safety of the participating artists and audience members were the Festival’s highest priority. Georgia’s government guidelines and the highest levels of hygiene and social distancing were adhered to throughout the four days, keeping all participants safe for the duration of the Festival.
A full two-week Tsinandali Festival is already programmed for next year which will also see the return of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra. Full details will be announced soon.
David Sakvarelidze, General Director of the Festival, said:
“Staging four days of concerts with international artists and audiences at this time was challenging, but we are immensely proud that we made it happen. We are grateful to all the artists and audiences who made considerable efforts to join us and we look forward to returning in 2021.”
Martin Engstroem and Avi Shoshani, Artistic Co-Directors to the Festival, commented:
“We wish to thank all the artists who have so eagerly agreed to come to Tsinandali to perform at this year’s Festival. Such commitment to this very special place is very moving and is a sentiment shared by the audiences who came from around the world last year for the inaugural Festival. These four days of exceptional music making proved yet again the power of music to unite people in trying times.”
George Ramishvili, Chairman of the Silk Road Group & Chairman and Founder of the Tsinandali Festival commented:
“Everyone at the Tsinandali Festival was delighted to welcome audiences back to live music making. We are indebted to all the artists travelled to Tsinandali and thank them for their continued commitment to the Festival. Nothing can match the emotional power of a live performance when the artistry of a musician connects with their audience.”