Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra: Vakhtang Kakhidze’s Requiem

A monumental requiem in which the classical European tradition and the musical soul of Georgia come together. The Georgian composer and conductor Vakhtang Kakhidze wrote this moving work in 2020 in memory of his parents, Djansug and Vanda Kakhidze. It became a deeply personal tribute to love, loss and the enduring bond with loved ones. Kakhidze follows the Latin text and structure of the traditional Requiem but imbues it with a sound world entirely of his own. The symphony orchestra and mixed choir blend with the expressive power of Georgian mourning traditions, brought to life by a female quartet and a male ensemble. A special role is reserved for the boy soloist, who sings in both Latin and Georgian and, for Kakhidze, embodies the spiritual bond with his parents.

Since its premiere in Tbilisi, Kakhidze’s Requiem has also found its way onto the international stage, with performances in Antwerp, Ankara, Athens and Budapest. Conducted by Kakhidze himself, the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, the Georgian State Choir and the vocal ensembles present a work in which personal memory evolves into a compelling, universal musical experience.

Programme

• Requiem