Tamara Gverdtsiteli has always been seen as a symbol of Russian-Georgian friendship. She was born in Tbilisi, graduated from the musical school of the Tbilisi Conservatoire, and then graduated from the conservatoire itself. In the early 1970s she visited almost all the republics of the Soviet Union as a soloist of the children's musical ensemble Mziuri. She won various competitions, sang in Sopot and San-Remo. In 2010 Gverdtsiteli was honored by the President of Russia for development of multinational culture, art, education and improving friendship. On December 18th, this People's Artist of Russia and Georgia marked two anniversaries – her 50th birthday and 25 years of her artistic career.
- How did your artistic career start?
- The biggest role in my life was played by the musical school, where I studied forte-piano from the age of five, and my mother, who has always believed in me as a musician. I went the thorny path of an artist. The greatest thing in my life is the opportunity to serve music.
- Do you feel a connection with Georgia?
- A person feels his or her roots every second, as it is a great connection with one's motherland, even if you haven’t been there for months or ages. It is a special feeling, and a rebellious soul cannot calm down. You can leave Tbilisi, but Tbilisi never leaves you.
- You left serious music in favor of popular music. Do you regret it?
- Initially I studied the forte-piano seriously. Later I began to participate in competitions, where I was presented as a young popular-music singer. I sang and had no specific intentions. As for my opera career, I’m happy that I sang and that I will sing. As a popular singer I’m glad that I have 6 or 7 greatest hits. Not every singer in the world has that. It is very important to form your own repertoire.
- On July 2nd you performed in Baku. The hall was full. The audience asked you to sing a song by Rashid Bekhbudov three times. When will the next concert take place in Azerbaijan?
- I hope I will come to Baku soon, as a mutual desire of the audience and the artist.
- What language do you prefer for communication and singing?
- I think and talk in mixed Russian and Georgian. I also speak English and French. In the conservatoire I studied Italian. I also understand Hebrew, as I sing many songs in Hebrew. I would like to practice my Italian and Spanish. It is wonderful when a person sings in a language that he feels and understands.
