Dzhansug Kakhidze Georgian conductor and composer Date of Birth: 26.05.1936 Country: Georgia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Musical Journey
3. Collaboration and Recordings
4. International Acclaim
5. Film Scores and Legacy
6. Family

Early Life and Education

Jansug Kakhidze, a renowned Georgian conductor and composer, was born on May 26, 1936 (or January 10, according to some sources) in Tbilisi, Georgia. He hailed from a family of winemakers and enrolled at the Tbilisi Conservatory in 1958, where he studied choral conducting. He further pursued his education in operatic and symphonic conducting at the same institution, completing his doctoral studies in 1963 under the mentorship of Odissei Dimitriadis. Additionally, he trained under Igor Markevitch in France.

Musical Journey

Kakhidze's early career was marked by a passion for folklore singing. He established the vocal ensemble "Shvidkatsa" ("The Seven"), which showcased Georgian folk music and garnered recognition through gold medals at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow (1957) and the World Exhibition in Brussels (1958).

From 1958 to 1962, he led the State Choir Capella of Georgia as its artistic director and chief conductor. Subsequently, he held the position of conductor at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre (1962-1971), serving as its chief conductor from 1965 to 1968.

In the early 1970s, Kakhidze ventured into international ventures, leading the opera theatre in Lodz, Poland (1971-1973). He returned to Georgia in 1973, becoming the artistic director and chief conductor of the Georgian SSR State Symphony Orchestra.

Collaboration and Recordings

Kakhidze maintained a close and fruitful partnership with the composer Giya Kancheli, performing and recording all of his symphonies. His extensive discography encompasses works by various renowned composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Debussy, Denisov, Kancheli, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Musorgsky, and Shostakovich.

International Acclaim

Kakhidze's conducting brilliance reached far beyond Georgia's borders. He led prestigious orchestras abroad, such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Symphony Orchestra. His baton is now preserved at the Giuseppe Verdi House Museum in Busseto, Italy.

Film Scores and Legacy

Kakhidze's musical prowess extended to the realm of cinema. He composed music for several films produced by "Georgia-Film," including the acclaimed "The Legend of Suram Fortress" (1984). He also appeared as a conductor in Otar Iosseliani's "A Song for the Young Lover" (1971).

Jansug Kakhidze's remarkable career was tragically cut short by his passing on March 8, 2002 (or March 7, according to some sources). He remains a towering figure in Georgian and world music, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional artistry and an immeasurable impact on the musical landscape.

Family

Kakhidze had a son, Vakhtang, who followed in his father's footsteps. Vakhtang is a renowned composer and conductor who assumed the leadership of the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra after his father's demise.