Batumi Black Sea Music and Art Festival
By Mariam Chanishvili
Friday, September 13
The 7th Batumi Black Sea Art Festival was opened with the concert of famous Georgian pianist Elisso Bolkvadze. From September 1 to September 10, many famous artists from around the world participated in the festival.
The festival was distinguished by its special diversity this year. World classical music stars and young virtuosos visited Batumi to participate in the festival.
The festival also included concerts by Elisso Bolkvadze in Zugdidi, in the courtyard of the Dadiani Palace and Batumi Boulevard.
Another concert within the frames of the festival took place in Chokhatauri - Young virtuosos Barbare Tataradze and Ilia Lomtatidze performed at Chokhatauri Art Palace.
Maestro David Mukeria conducted the Batumi Festival Orchestra.
The concert featured classical masterpieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Joaquin Rodrigo, and Camille Saint Sans.
After the event, a reception was held for the guests and an exhibition of costumes by young talented designer Lasha Devdariani took place.
Various cultural events were held within the framework of the festival, including an exhibition of a famous artist, Henri Matchavariani, and poetry evening of Guram Odisharia.
The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili and the Chairman of Ajara AR Government Tornike Rijvadze attended the final event of the festival.
Another innovation of the festival is the Youth Art Camp, organized with the participation of about 200 people from different parts of Georgia.
Batumi Black Sea Music and Art Festival are held under the patronage of the President of Georgia and UNESCO.
The festival was created by Georgia’s most talented pianist, Elisso Bolkvadze, both as a showcase for young musicians and as a way of bringing classical music to an audience that may not otherwise have the opportunity to discover the fine arts.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Elisso Bolkvadze began her musical study at the age of four and performed her first concert with orchestra at the age of seven. She’s a musician with numerous talents with an outstanding sensibility and brilliant virtuosity. As described by legendary Maestro Zubin Mehta, she is a pianist with “complete control over the instrument”.
The Georgian artist has established herself as a vivid cultural heritage protector and became UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2015.
On 21st of September 2018, Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia has awarded Order of Honor to Elisso Bolkvadze, for promoting Georgian culture and creative activities.
