About

Evgeny Mikeladze Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra

The Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) was founded in 1925, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Georgian musical culture. The first artistic director, Ivane Paliashvili, laid the foundation, and in 1933, the renowned Evgeny Mikeladze took over as principal conductor. His leadership brought the orchestra to new heights before he tragically became a victim of the Soviet repressions in 1937. In honor of his legacy, the orchestra was officially named after Mikeladze in 1994.

Over the decades, GPO has been under the direction of many esteemed conductors, including Aleksandr Gauk, Odissey Dimitriadi, and the celebrated Jansugh Kakhidze. The orchestra also flourished under the musical guidance of composers Andria Balanchivadze and Alexi Matchavariani. In 2005, the GPO joined the newly established Georgian National Music Center, and a new chapter began with 25-year-old Nikoloz Rachveli stepping in as artistic director and, later, principal conductor in 2007.

GPO has performed extensively in prestigious venues around the world, from the Berlin Philharmonic and Amsterdam Concertgebouw to Moscow’s Grand Hall of the Conservatory, the Paris Salle Pleyel, and the Hamburg ElbPhilharmonie. Their international tours have showcased the best of Georgian symphonic music and introduced audiences to new works by both Georgian and foreign composers.

The orchestra's repertoire spans the great symphonies, operas, and concertos of the classical canon, with a special focus on Georgian symphonic masterpieces. GPO has premiered numerous important national works and brought them to global stages, often collaborating with legendary artists like Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, Sviatoslav Richter, Emil Gilels, David Oistrach, Kurt Mazur, Kent Nagano, Yuri Temirkanov, and many more.

Modern audiences have also enjoyed GPO’s innovative performances with contemporary icons like Sting, Björk, Nino Katamadze, and Lisa Batiashvili. In 2020, their collaboration with Deutsche Grammophon resulted in the acclaimed album City Lights, featuring original orchestral arrangements by Nikoloz Rachveli. The album was recorded in Tbilisi and Berlin, including special guest performances by Katie Melua, Till Brönner, and Milos.

In 2013, the orchestra embraced a new generation of talented Georgian musicians, leading to a historic reform where, for the first time, musicians had the right to elect their creative director. Nikoloz Rachveli was chosen as the first elected music director, further establishing GPO's commitment to artistic innovation and excellence.

Today, the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra continues to push boundaries, celebrating nearly a century of musical excellence. From classical masterpieces to contemporary collaborations, GPO remains a beacon of cultural pride for Georgia.