A thrilling first

Published on: 02.05.2024

Übersicht

There were goosebumps and standing ovations at this year’s Europakonzert in Tsinandali. From the very first notes of Brahms’ violin concerto, everyone understood that this day held tremendous musical and political significance for Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili. Look back with us at our first concert in the land of the Caucasus.

Preparations are underway behind the scenes

The picturesque Tsinandali winery is situated amidst lush vineyards at the foot of the Caucasus. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

You cannot miss fact that the Europakonzert is taking place here. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

Flautist Jelka Weber takes a leisurely stroll through the park before the concert. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

In enchanted corners, you can see that the renovation of a historic winery is a task which can never be completely finished. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

The palace of the Chavchavadze family stands at the centre of the park, with a view of the mountains. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

A moment to enjoy the Georgian sun: violinist Cornelia Gartemann. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

Principal clarinettist Wenzel Fuchs and violinist Hande Küden catch a few rays of sunshine during the warm-up. In the background: horn-player Andrej Žust and clarinettist Matic Kuder. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

This is principal violist Diyang Mei's first tour since passing his probationary period. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

Modern technology within historic walls: behind the scenes, Katharina Berstone (Head of video) and Marc Rump (Streaming) are ready for a concert that will be broadcast around the world. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

Violinist Luiz Felipe Coelho has found a quiet corner. | Picture: Stephan Rabold

Daniel Harding, standing in for an indisposed Daniel Barenboim, lead the Berliner Philharmoniker through a rich musical programme: Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Franz Schubert’s Overture from The Magic Harp and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, performed in the atmospheric amphitheatre of Tsinandali. Lisa Batiashvili and strings from the orchestra provided an intimate encore: Sulchan Tsintsadze’s Georgian Miniatures.

For Lisa Batiashvili, the Europakonzert in Georgia as a miracle of sorts. Straight after the final applause, she talked to us about what the day meant to her. | Video: Adam Janisch

Our first concert in Georgia will live long in our memories! Thanks to everyone, both onstage and behind the scenes, and of course to our wonderful audience around the world!