Music Notes in Interview with Georgian Pianist Elisso Bolkvadze

An Interview with pianist Elisso Bolkvadze about her background, favorite composer, passion for classical music and her artistic intellectual world.

ML&L - You have been playing piano from the age of about four years old. Were you trained classically when you first took lessons?

Elisso - I’ve been playing piano since I was 4 years old. I applied and pursued my musical path at Central Music School. In the beginning I was more focusing on singing. As a child I had a very pure voice. When I took my very first piano lesson, tutors noticed my hand posture and placement, they highly recommended to my parents to advance with piano rather than singing. My voice has transformed over the time as well.


ML&L - Who or what inspired you to take up the piano and pursue a career in music?

Elisso - Love and admiration towards music itself was my biggest inspiration to pursue musical path. No one in my family has practiced music before. I was brought up in the family of writers and editors.


ML&L - How often and for how long do you practice daily?

Elisso - It really depends on my work schedule. I’ve been busy lately, I’m Artistic Director of Batumi Music Festival, as well as UNESCO Artist for Peace and I work with SOS Talents Foundation. At present, there are some days when I do not have time to practice music at all. However, before the concerts I make sure to go through my repertoire regularly.


ML&L - What styles of music had the greatest impact on you creatively?

Elisso - Classical music!

Elisso Bolkvadze is Artistic Director of Batumi Music Festival, as well as UNESCO Artist for Peace and I work with SOS Talents Foundation. She is holding regular concerts throughout Europe, Japan, United States, Ukraine, Georgia and many other places.

ML&L - What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

Elisso - I do not consider music as my career, it’s more my appeal in life. I’m perfectionist so the greatest challenge is to always stay impeccable in all performances and situations. I believe that one should always aim to overcome expectations and demonstrate the maximum capabilities he or she has.


ML&L - Which particular works do you think you play best?

Elisso - I would say Beethoven, Prokofiev and Ravel.


ML&L - How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

Elisso - It depends on the schedule of the concerts. Most of the time I choose my own repertoire however there are times when they ask me to perform certain music pieces. While choosing my repertoire I always have in mind country where I’m going to perform as well as audience who will attend the concert.


ML&L - Which performance/recordings are you most proud of?

Elisso - My last live concert which took place on 21st of October in Vienna was memorable. Indeed, it was exceptional experience. As well, my last recording of Prokofiev and Schubert for German label Audite.

ML&L - What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?

Elisso - Striving towards perfectionism, aspiring musicians always must work obsessively to nurture and develop themselves. Set targets high and challenge themselves. They must establish their signature while performing by respecting the original compositors. However, audience should recognize and distinguish their performance style. They must be outstanding.


ML&L - What composer do you have “in your sights” in the near future?

Elisso - Chopin Piano Sonata No.2 & No.3


ML&L - Tell us more about planned concerts.

Elisso - I have lots of concerts coming up I’m traveling to Japan where I have tour, after I’m going to Kuwait, United States, Ukraine, China, European with recital concerts and I’m preparing to Batumi Music Festival at the same time which will take place in the beginning of September.


ML&L - Any last words?

Elisso - I believe music will change the world and make it a better place!