Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Zurab Sotkilava was a renowned Georgian tenor who was born on September 13, 1937, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father, Vano Sotkilava, was a famous Georgian opera singer. Zurab grew up in a musical environment and started singing at a young age. He received his early music education at the Tbilisi State Conservatory, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Ivane Paliashvili. In 1960, Zurab made his debut at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, where he performed the role of Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata. His performance was well-received, and he quickly gained recognition as a talented young tenor. In 1962, he won the first prize at the All-Union Competition of Vocalists in Moscow, which marked the beginning of his international career. Zurab's international debut took place in 1963, when he performed at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. He was invited to perform the role of Lensky in Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, and his performance was a huge success. He was praised for his beautiful voice, impeccable technique, and emotional depth. This performance opened the doors to many other international opportunities for Zurab. Throughout his career, Zurab performed in many of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera. He was known for his powerful and expressive voice, which he used to bring to life some of the most iconic roles in the operatic repertoire. One of Zurab's most memorable performances was his portrayal of Don Jose in Bizet's Carmen. He performed this role in many different productions, and his interpretation of the character was widely praised. He was also known for his performances in Verdi's operas, particularly his portrayal of Radames in Aida and the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto. Zurab was not only a successful opera singer but also a respected concert performer. He performed in many concerts and recitals, where he showcased his versatility as a singer. He was particularly known for his performances of Georgian folk songs, which he sang with great passion and authenticity. Throughout his career, Zurab received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1971, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR, which was the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an artist in the Soviet Union. He was also awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, and the Order of Honor. Zurab's career spanned over four decades, and he continued to perform well into his seventies. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to preserving the traditions of Georgian music. He passed away on May 22, 2017, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest tenors of his generation.

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