“For me, it’s being the complete musician.”
– Georgy Tchaizde, on what makes a good pianist.
On Saturday, Sept. 25, we celebrated the Epcor Centre 25th anniversary. The Epcor Centre is often called the “cultural beacon” and “heartbeat” of Calgary. What aspect of Calgary appealed most to the Tchaidze? According to the pianist, “It’s very quiet here. I can work here quietly.” The tranquility and the generous space provided to the growth and appreciation of the arts in Calgary shone. 
Right after the remarkable concert, WeiJia (a delightful fellow blogger) and I had the incredible chance to catch up and conduct an interview with the incredible pianist. Naturally excited and nervous at the privilege of interviewing such an awe-inspiring artist, Georgy’s calm demeanor and quiet but assured voice put me at ease. Donning a sombre brown sweater and pale blue collar shirt, the modest and down-to-earth pianist’s answers expressed his passion for music, quickly constructed with effortlessness, considering the rush he was in to catch a flight.
Originally hailing from St. Petersburg, Russia, Georgy Tchazide began studies of piano at the tender age of seven, picking it up largely because his brother had been learning to play piano two years before him.
“So I tried [piano], and I liked it very much.” Piano brought him travel all around the world, from Japan, Canada and China. “It seems like [I’ve been] everywhere. Well, maybe not the Arctic yet.” With his fantastic Honen’s International Piano Competition win, Georgy has been able to happily perform at more concerts – such as the Epcor Centre’s 25th Anniversary Celebration for the Arts. Without a favourite composer, Georgy enjoys playing various genres of pieces, from Russian to German compositions. He is dedicated to continuing what’s he has started, Georgy envisions playing more piano and meeting interesting people in music.
“To play well?… That’s my reason to play piano,” he said. Play well he does, astounding and moving audiences with his wonderful interpretation of music and technical skill, guaranteeing a spectacular performance not to be missed. The quiet calm Georgy demonstrated during a personal interview was delightfully startling to me, as he transformed from an overwhelming and powerful presence on stage, commanding tides of sound that overwhelmed my awe-struck senses, to a more reserved, personal appearance. Reserving his emotions for the piano, Georgy is able to enrapture the listener using incredible body movements that relates of the intensity or serenity of a piece, revealing the essential beauty of the piece played.
Appreciation goes to Kids Up Front, an organization dedicated to providing youth tickets to astounding events, and all above pictures are courtesy of the Honens International Piano Competition.
WeiJia, Georgy Tchaidze, and I
(Interestingly enough, our colour choice for neck apparel humorously match.)
awesome article mangomaru!! =) so well-written and eloquent, as is to be expected from you.