David Andguladze Georgian opera singer (dramatic tenor), teacher Date of Birth: 15.10.1895

1. Early Life and Career
2. Soloist and Artistic Director
3. Concert and Chamber Performance
4. Teaching and Legacy
5. Honors and Recognition
6. Family and Legacy
7. Death and Burial

Early Life and Career

David Yasanovich Andguladze, a renowned Georgian opera singer and pedagogue, was born on 3 October 1895 (15 October according to the New Style calendar) in the village of Bakhvi in the Guria region of Georgia. From 1925 onwards, he performed with the Tbilisi Opera Studio under the direction of Konstantin Marjanishvili. His stage debut came in 1926 as Riccardo in Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera" at the Georgian Theatre of Opera and Ballet (Tbilisi). Andguladze graduated from the Tbilisi Conservatory in 1927, where he studied under Professor E. A. Wronski.

Soloist and Artistic Director

Andguladze's career blossomed in 1927 with a solo engagement at the Stanislavsky Opera Theatre in Moscow. Following this, he became a soloist with the Georgian Theatre of Opera and Ballet from 1929 to 1933 and again from 1935 to 1955. From 1945 to 1949, he served as the artistic director of the theatre. In the intervening years, from 1933 to 1935, he performed as a soloist with the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

Concert and Chamber Performance

Andguladze's talent extended beyond the opera stage. He was a talented concert performer and chamber singer, gracing stages throughout the Soviet Union. His repertoire included both opera arias and lieder.

Teaching and Legacy

In 1946, Andguladze began teaching at the Tbilisi Conservatory (later renamed the V. Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatory). As a professor from 1958 onwards, he nurtured the talents of many students, including the renowned opera singers Zurab Andjaparidze, Nodar Andguladze, and Zurab Sotkilava.

Honors and Recognition

Andguladze's exceptional contributions to the arts were widely recognized. He was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Georgian SSR in 1941 and the prestigious title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1950. In 1947, he received the Stalin Prize for his performance in the title role of Mshvelidze's opera "The Tale of Tariel." He was also the recipient of the State Prize of the Georgian SSR named after Z.P. Paliashvili (1973) and numerous state orders, including two Orders of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

Family and Legacy

Andguladze's son, Nodar Andguladze (1927-2013), followed in his father's footsteps as an opera singer and became a People's Artist of the Georgian SSR in 1965. David Andguladze's legacy continues to inspire and nurture generations of opera singers in Georgia and beyond.

Death and Burial

Andguladze passed away on 29 November 1973 in Tbilisi. He was laid to rest in the prestigious Didube Pantheon, an honor reserved for Georgia's most distinguished citizens.