A milestone for Georgian music in New York City, presented by Orchestra For People and conducted by Hahnsol Kim
Acclaimed cellist Sandro Sidamonidze will perform the US premiere of Vaja Azarashvili’s Cello Concerto on Nov. 18, 2025 at Kaufman Center’s Merkin Hall. Presented by Orchestra For People and conducted by Hahnsol Kim, the program also features clarinetist Sam Boutris alongside masterworks by Mozart and Elgar.
Recognized as one of Georgia’s most significant composers, Azarashvili’s voice is marked by lyricism, clarity, and emotional depth. The New York performance brings a landmark Georgian work to a major American stage, engaging both the Georgian diaspora and the broader classical community.
“Bringing Vaja Azarashvili’s Cello Concerto to American audiences is both an artistic and cultural responsibility,” said Sandro Sidamonidze. “This music carries the soul of Georgia, its tenderness, dignity, and courage. I’m honored to share it in New York.”
“This program bridges traditions while spotlighting an essential contemporary Georgian voice,” said Hahnsol Kim, conductor. “We’re proud to present a premiere that speaks eloquently to today’s listeners.”
Program – Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 · 7:30 p.m.
● Vaja Azarashvili — Cello Concerto (US Premiere)
● W.A. Mozart — Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
● — Intermission —
● W.A. Mozart — Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550
● Edward Elgar — Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47
Venue: Merkin Hall at Kaufman Center, New York City
Presented by: Orchestra For People
Featured Artists: Sandro Sidamonidze, cello · Sam Boutris, clarinet · Hahnsol Kim, conductor
Tickets & Media
Press assets (photos, biography, program notes) and interview availability upon request. For media inquiries and reviewer tickets, contact: sidamoni@msu.edu
Sandro Sidamonidze is an internationally recognized cellist and cultural ambassador of Georgian music, noted for vivid interpretations and cross-cultural programming. A nominee for Opus Klassik and the German Recording Critics’ Award, he appears as soloist and chamber musician worldwide. He is a member of internationally hailed Trio Revolution and serves as Artistic Director of Cello Beyond Borders series (NYC) and managing director of Manufaktur der Künste Festival (Vienna).
More: www.sandrosidamonidze.com
Orchestra for People is a community of highly skilled and passionate young musicians from New York, united by one purpose: to be heard. We create opportunities for these talented artists to share their stories through music and to connect with audiences in meaningful and inspiring ways. Our mission is simple, to make classical music a space where every voice matters, and where performers and listeners connect as equals.
