Vano Sarajishvili (Georgian: ვანო სარაჯიშვილი) (1878–1924) was a Georgian singer of the Opera Theatre, Georgian People's Artist of the USSR (for contribution to native culture), and one of the founders of Georgian professional vocal music. His lyrical and dramatic songs were beloved by Georgian people and one such, "Georgian Nightingale," became a legend in his lifetime.[1][2]

Vano Sarajishvili
ვანო სარაჯიშვილი
Portrait of Vano Sarajishvili
Born(1879-01-05)January 5, 1879
Sighnaghi, Kakheti, Georgia
DiedNovember 11, 1924(1924-11-11) (aged 45)
Tbilisi, Georgia
Resting placeGeorgian National Opera Theater, Tbilisi
OccupationTenor
Years active1887-1924
AwardsPeople's artist of the Georgian SSR
Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire

Biography

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The most beloved singer of the Georgian people, "Georgian Nightingale" has become a legend in his lifetime. Such popularity has given him a rare beauty voice, exquisite vocal mastery and vivid stage talent. Lyrical dramatic tenor, People's Artist of Georgia . From 1887 he studied at the Tbilisi Noble Gymnasium , where he sang in the student choir (1888-1895 ). In 1898 he entered the Tbilisi Music School (cello class). In 1898-1900 he was a singer of the Georgian folk choir - soloist (leader S. Kavsadze). In St. Petersburg since 1903 he Studied singing at first to I. Priashnikov, then with A. Panaeva-Kartseva. Sarajishvili made his debut in 1907 in Giuseppe Verdi's opera "La Traviata" . Along with Italy kasteanos led studied bel canto art (1906 - 1908 years). He has given concerts in various Italian opera houses.

After returning to St. Petersburg, the singer continued to work in the Italian troupe. He lived in Tbilisi since 1908. Performed on the stage of Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater.

On May 28, 1913, he performed fragments from Zakaria Paliashvili's newly created opera "Abesalom and Eteri" (Absalom's party). 1916-1917 he lived in Baku , where he had concerts regularly. After returning to Tbilisi, Sarajishvili participated in the staging of Zakaria Paliashvili's operas, performing the plays Abesalom ("Abesalom and Eteri") and Malkhaz ("Daisi"). It is known that Malkhaz's aria "Tavo Chemo" was added in the opera by Zakaria Paliashvili because of request of Vano Sarajishvili.

References

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  1. ^ "Vano Sarajishvili". Georgian National Filmography. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  2. ^ "Vano Sarajishvili Memory Museum". Tushetiland Travel. Retrieved 1 June 2014.