Vazha Azarashvili

Composer

He was born on July 13, 1936, in Tbilisi. He graduated from Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1961. From 1961 forward he became involved in pedagogical activities in parallel with his creative work. He was appointed pedagogue at Vano Sarajishvili Tbilisi State Conservatory in 1971; professor (1988). He became Artistic Director of the Georgian State Philharmonic Orchestra in 1994.

His work is distinguished by the diversity of its genres, which include: symphony, chamber-instrumental, stage musical and pop. He worked primarily in instrumental and pop music. He also created music for stage works, including Sokhumi State Drama Theatre productions.

Awards:

2004 – Georgian State Prize;

2003 – Zakaria Paliashvili Prize;

1999 – Honourable citizen of Tbilisi;

1998 – Order of Honour;

1998 – Iakob Gogebashvili Prize;

1988 – People’s Artist of Georgia;

1982 – Award of the Council of Ministers of Georgia;

1979 – Honoured Art Worker of Georgia;

1974 – Soviet Young Communist League Award