The Batumi concerts of the Liana Issakadze International Festival “Night Serenades”, concluded on August 26 at the Ilia Chavchavadze State Professional Drama Theatre with the concert “The Soul of Tango.”
The program featured world-renowned bandoneonist Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi (Italy), pianist Tamar Licheli (Georgia), flutist Nikoloz Vadachkoria (Georgia), and the quintet “Georgian Virtuosi” led by violinist Lela Mtchedlidze. The evening included works by Angel Villoldo – El Choclo
Roberto di Marino – Suite Mediterranea
Astor Piazzolla – Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) and
Le Grand Tango
Giorgi Issakadze, Artistic Director of the Festival:
“The Batumi part of the international music festival ‘Night Serenades’, named after Liana Issakadze, has come to an end. We offered the audience three special concerts, each distinguished by musical diversity. At our festival, it is a tradition to create unforgettable evenings together with world-renowned stars and Georgian performers. Exceptionally talented young musicians also add even more variety to ‘Night Serenades’.
The opening concert in Batumi was dedicated to Ennio Morricone. This was a major event. His legendary film music was brought to life by Nello Salza, who visited Batumi for the first time and performed immortal works for the Georgian audience. Outstanding Georgian singer Sopho Khalvashi and the gifted young pianist Giorgi Shiolashvili also took part in the concert.
The second concert, ‘Vivaldi Fever’, was dedicated to Baroque music. Stars of Baroque music Andrés Gabetta – violin/conductor, and Maurice Steger – recorder, together with the Festival’s base orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’, performed Antonio Vivaldi’s Flute Concerto in G minor, RV 439 ‘La Notte’; Flute Concerto in D major, RV 428 ‘Il Gardellino’; Violin Concerto in D major, RV 208 ‘Grosso Mogul’; Violin Concerto in C major, RV 190; and Concerto in A minor, Op.3 No.8, RV 522.
The third and final concert, ‘The Soul of Tango’, featured the genius of Astor Piazzolla. Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi – bandoneon, Italy; Tamar Licheli – piano, Georgia; and the string quintet ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ (first violin – Lela Mchedlidze) performed Angel Villoldo’s – El Choclo
Roberto di Marino ‘s – Suite Mediterranea
Astor Piazzolla’s- Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) and Le Grand Tango
Nina Tsagareli, Festival Director:
“Another wonderful evening took place within our festival. I am certain that Batumi’s closing concert, ‘The Soul of Tango’, left unforgettable impressions and emotions on the audience, which was clearly expressed in their ovations. Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi is especially loved by the Georgian public, yet the performance of Tamar Licheli and the string quintet ‘Georgian Virtuosi’, combined with the dramaturgy of the concert program, elevated tonight’s event to another level. I would like to thank our amazing musicians, our supporters, and all those who stand by us and help us bring to life the creative ideas of our soloists and musicians, offering unforgettable evenings to our audience.”
Tamar Licheli, Pianist:
“I had the honor of performing several times at this festival alongside Mrs. Liana Issakadze. These are unforgettable memories for me. I am overjoyed that ‘Night Serenades’ continues, as it is always a special celebration, bringing together outstanding musicians with extraordinary programs.
Our concert was titled ‘The Soul of Tango’, where we performed the music of Astor Piazzolla. Together with the brilliant bandoneonist Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi and our wonderful quintet led by Lela Mtchedlidze, we brought to life Piazzolla’s immortal works. I thank the festival organizers for this unforgettable evening and wish ‘Night Serenades’ great success in the future.”
Lela Mtchedlidze, Violinist:
“The concert ‘The Soul of Tango’, dedicated to the music of Astor Piazzolla, was the final evening of the Batumi concerts. We presented three extraordinary concerts: the first was Ennio Morricone’s film music, performed with Nello Salza and the Festival’s base orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’. The second was ‘Vivaldi Fever’, which took us on a journey into Baroque music, featuring remarkable performances by Andrés Gabetta and Maurice Steger together with ‘Georgian Virtuosi’. The third concert featured the immortal music of Piazzolla, performed by the virtuoso of bandoneon Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi. For the first time, an innovative project took place – a quintet formed on the basis of the festival’s orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’. It was a true celebration of music, full of beautiful colors and depth. We all enjoyed it – both the audience and the performers. Thanks to the festival organizers, thanks to the participants, thanks to the audience.”
The festival will continue in Tbilisi on October 9 and 11, with two major concerts scheduled.
Festival Supporters: Ministry of Culture of Georgia, LEPL ‘Creative Georgia’, Tbilisi City Hall, Ministry of Culture of Adjara, Batumi and Borjomi City Halls, Embassy of Italy in Georgia.
Sponsors: Yves Rocher (France), Piel Naturals (Georgia), Pavilion Wines, PSP, Nita Furniture.
Partners: Borjomi Likani Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi, Courtyard Tbilisi Marriott, and Zakaria Paliashvili Central Music School for Gifted Children.
Media Partners: Adjara TV, Georgian Public Broadcasting, Rustavi 2, Imedi TV, Post TV, Euronews Georgia, Billboard Georgia, Ertsulovneba TV, Clip Art Agency, Palitra Media, Prime Time, Georgian Press, Georgia Today, The Messenger, Sarke magazine, Adjara newspaper, Adjara Times, Radio Fortuna, Fortuna.ge.
