Student Orchestra

The history of the Conservatoire Student Orchestra, established in 1920, is a chronicle of musical life of this institution. The concert posters of the Orchestra include the names of such well-known musicians as V. Horowitz, M. Poliyakin, E. Petri and others, thus preserving musical life and history of Tbilisi State Conservatoire. Among the conductors of the student orchestra were such famous musicians as E. Mikeladze, O. Dimitriadi, D. Mirtskhulava, J. Gokieli, Z. Khurodze, V. Paliashvili, O. Saparishvili, R. Takidze, G. Azmaiparashvili, A.Mamatsashvili and G.Tchitchinadze. The great role in formation and raising of the professional level of the Tbilisi Conservatoire Student Orchestra belongs to the outstanding musician and conductor Lev Markiz.

The 1970s-1980s were years of significant professional achievement for the orchestra. In 1978, under the direction of late Otar Saparishvili, Honored Artist of Georgia, the orchestra participated in the 5th International Contest of Youth Orchestras organized by the Herbert von Karajan Fund. At this festival, the international jury awarded the orchestra a gold medal. In 1979 the orchestra was invited to the 4th International Festival of Youth Orchestras in Evian (France), followed by a series of concerts in France and Germany. In 1980 the Orchestra toured Czechoslovakia and participated in the “Autumn Festival” in Bratislava.

The well-known political and economic events of the 1990s in Georgia affected the life of the Conservatoire as well as that of the Orchestra. Only since 2001 has the Orchestra been able to renew its professional life, repertoire and concert activities.  Currently, the student orchestra consists of about 80 students. The repertoire includes symphonic and opera music of different epochs and styles.

Starting in 2001, the Tbilisi State Conservatoire Student Orchestra has been directed by the Honoured Artist of Georgia-Avtandil Mamatsashvili.  Since 2003 Lev Markiz has been the artistic director and conductor of the orchestra.   In 2003 Maestro Markiz was awarded Honorary Professorship of the V. Saradjishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire and since 2004 he has been Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi. In a very short period under his direction, the orchestra has achieved great success. In 2003 the orchestra took part in the Beethoven Festival in Bonn (Germany) under guest conductor Gogi Tchitchinadze, and in 2003-2004 the orchestra participated in the annual New Year Festival held at the Conservatoire Grand Hall.   In May 2004, the Orchestra made a concert tour of Georgia, with concerts in Batumi, Gori and other cities.

Between 16- 21 May, 2005, a series of concerts, dedicated to the 70th anniversary from eminent Georgian

composer Giya Kancheli’s birth,  were held at the Conservatoire Grand Hall. Eight of Kancheli’s chamber works had their Georgian premieres at this festival successfully performed by the Student Orchestra under the baton of Lev Markiz.

Many guest musicians also take part in the Conservatoire Student Orchestra’s concerts. Among them are musicians from the Netherlands, such as Dmitry Ferschtman, Marcus Weiss, Martha Bosch, Bart Soeters and others.

Principal Conductor and Artistic Director   – Lev Markiz (Netherlands)
Manager  – Lika Natsvlishvili.
Contacts:
Tel: (+995 32) 299 91 44
E-mail: orchestra@tsc.edu.ge