Georgian Pianist Dedicates Concert to Georgia’s Independence in Israel
Exclusive interview
On May 26, a special concert dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of Georgia’s First Democratic Republic was held in Tel Aviv, Israel. The concert was initiated by young Georgian pianist, Alexander Julakidze, who himself performed at the concert. The pianist presented famous classics by Frederic Chopin, Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert and Franz Liszt along with his tutor Professor Vadim Monastirsky. The representatives of Georgia’s Embassy to Jerusalem as well as a Georgian and Jewish audience attended the concert.
“I am honored to represent my country and celebrate such an important day in the history of Georgia in this way,” the pianist said prior to the show.
Alexander is currently based in Israel pursuing an MA at the Jerusalem Music and Dance Academy and simultaneously working at the Embassy of Georgia to Israel, something, he says, which he enjoys immensely.
The two-part concert, titled ‘Teacher & Student’ lasted two hours was was dedicated to the Independence Day of Georgia. The Georgian pianist performed in the first part: R. Schumann - Toccata (op. 7) F. Chopin - Fantasia (op. 49), J. Brahms - Ballade N. 4 (op. 10), and F. Liszt - Spanish Rhapsody. Professor Vadim Monastyrski appeared in the second part to present: F. Schubert - Six Moments Musicaux (D780), F. Liszt - Sonet del Petrarca 104, F. Liszt - Sonet del Petrarca 123, and F. Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody N. 12.
The pianist talked with GEORGIA TODAY about the concert and his career.
“The concert was a success. The audience was really satisfied; you could tell it by the looks on their faces. This concert was extremely important to me, since I performed in front of the Jewish audience for the first time. The concert was dedicated to the establishment of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia and was the second time I performed at a concert marking the Independence Day. The first time was when I took part in the concert organized by the Georgian Embassy in Bern. I had concerts in Switzerland and Italy at that time and it happened that I was there on that day and got to play for Georgia.”
We asked him about his latest concert.
“Performing at such an important occasion is a big honor for me and I would like to establish it as a tradition and hold a concert every May 26, no matter which country I’m in. Last week’s concert took place in Hod HaSharon, in the central district of Israel. It had double importance for me because I got to play on the stage with my mentor, whom I can also refer to as my elder friend. He teaches at the academy where I study and we have really good relations. Maestro Vadim Monastirsky organized a very modern program and we were both happy when listening to each other’s performances,” Julakidze told us.
The pianist graduated from Tbilisi State Conservatoire, a place he recalls with love and warmth, saying the Tbilisi Conservatoire gave him a basis that shaped him as a professional pianist.
“I consider the Tbilisi Conservatoire my second home, since I was pretty much raised there. Since both my parents are musicians, I spent a lot of time there as a child and attended classes. I want to express my gratitude and thank my tutors at the Conservatoire who contributed to my development when I studied there as a student. The years spent at the Conservatoire were precious. I was appointed the President of Self-Governance in the last year before moving to Israel, yet the most important thing apart from the studies and other activities, was when my friends and I could spend hours and nights listening to and discussing various pieces of music. I think this was a turning point that shaped our vision and understanding of music,” he said.
He noted that music entered his life at an early age as did his comfort on the stage.
“I’ve been performing or singing on stage since my early childhood. My parents have a choir and I used to sing there as a kid. I also graduated from the 10 Classes Music School which has produced generations of renowned musicians. I had my first performance abroad in Switzerland; I took part in Master Classes Schaffhausen at the age of 15. From the very first masterclass, I was offered my own solo concert, and when I turned 16, on my birthday, I held a solo concert in two cities in Switzerland.”
Although Alexander plays classical music and currently pursues his MA in this direction, he also plans to advance himself in electronic music, something which he also cherishes.
“Over the last eight months, I’ve been steadily practicing in DJing and making electronic music. Since I arrived in Jerusalem, I’ve bought many electronic music instruments to practice on. I’m pleased that many new Georgian DJs and artists are emerging on the EM scene. I’ve already done a few closed events and after I master it, I’ll definitely play my music in front of a wider audience. I enjoy making electronic music; it’s a kind of music which gives artists unlimited opportunities to experiment and one can do anything that comes to mind. When I get back home, I’ll continue my career in this direction in parallel to playing classical music. I’m captivated by this music to such extent, I think I’ll be working on it till the end of my life. I envision myself performing electronic music the way I see myself playing piano on the stage: until my dying day!”
By Lika Chigladze