Born in Tblisi, Giorgi Gigashvili did not dare dream of a career as a pianist when he was young, and yet he has been winning international competitions hand over fist in recent years, beginning with the Vigo International Piano Competition, where his idol Martha Argerich headed the panel of judges. Folk music and singing played defining roles in his childhood – and he even appeared on the television talent show entitled The Voice in his homeland. Since then, he has taken the stage at the Carnegie Hall, the Gerwandhaus in Leipzig and London’s Wigmore Hall, as well as releasing his first album. He considers himself an activist, while electronic, experimental and popular genres are equally close to his heart. It is understandable therefore that works by Chopin, Ravel and the rarely heard Lili Boulanger are joined here by a new piece by his compatriot Natalie Beridze, the outstanding creative force on Georgia’s electronic music scene.

Nominated for the Rising Stars programme by: Konzerthaus Dortmund, Kölner Philharmonie, Philharmonie du Luxembourg, NOSPR Katowice

Presented by: Müpa Budapest