Khatia Buniatishvili

1.1. Early Training and Influences

Buniatishvili's early musical education was comprehensive and diverse. In Tbilisi, she studied with renowned pianist Tengiz Amirejibi. From ages eleven to fifteen, she underwent intensive training with the French pianist and pedagogue Michel Sogny at the Villa Schindler in Austria, where she focused on Sogny's innovative piano methodology. In 1999, at the age of twelve, she also studied under Sogny through his SOS Talents Foundation.

Following her graduation from the Tbilisi Central Music School, Buniatishvili enrolled in the Tbilisi State Conservatoire in 2004. Her exceptional talent was further recognized by Oleg Maisenberg, who subsequently invited her to study at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.

A significant influence in her early life was her older sister, Gvantsa Buniatishvili, also a pianist. The sisters frequently played together, often engaging in piano duets. Although Khatia possessed perfect pitch and could even play the violin proficiently, she ultimately chose the piano. During her childhood, she was particularly fascinated by Mozart's Requiem.

2.1. Early Career and Milestones

In 2008, Buniatishvili made her debut at Carnegie Hall, a notable achievement early in her career. Her talent was further recognized in 2010 when she received the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award and was selected as a BBC New Generation Artist for the 2009-2011 season. That same year, she signed an exclusive recording contract with Sony Classical.

Her debut album, released in 2011 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Franz Liszt's birth, featured significant works such as Liszt's Sonata in B minor, Liebestraum No. 3, Mephisto Waltz No. 1, La Campanella, and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. The album garnered varied reception; while Classic FM praised her, comparing her to a young Martha Argerich for her "fierce temperament and technique," Gramophone offered a more critical assessment, noting "unsettled rhythmic sense, unpredictable dynamism, and general lack of planning" in her interpretation of Liebestraum No. 3.

Buniatishvili's second album, dedicated to Chopin, was released in 2012. It included solo piano works and Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, performed with the Orchestre de Paris under the baton of Paavo Järvi. The Guardian lauded her performance, stating, "This is playing straight from the heart from one of today's most exciting and technically gifted young pianists." However, Gramophone criticized the concerto recording for its "lack of rests and overly fast playing." She is also a regular participant in the Verbier Festival, where she performed Liszt's Sonata in B minor in 2011. Buniatishvili was nominated as a "Rising Star" for the 2011-12 season by the Vienna Konzerthaus and the Wiener Musikverein.

2.2. Major Performances and Collaborations

Buniatishvili has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. Her collaborations include performances with the Orchestre de Paris, Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, French National Orchestra, and London Philharmonic Orchestra. She has worked with distinguished conductors such as Paavo Järvi, Zubin Mehta, and Daniele Gatti. She has also performed with renowned violinists like Gidon Kremer and Renaud Capuçon.

Her appearances at significant events include the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris concert on December 7, 2024. She has also participated in major European skating sports events, performing piano alongside skaters at the Art on Ice Tour in 2014 and Ice Legends in 2016.

Buniatishvili first toured Japan in 2010, where she gained attention for her performance of Chopin at La Folle Journée. She returned in October-November 2012, performing with Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica. In February 2016, she collaborated with the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Her November 2017 Japan tour included recitals in Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo, as well as collaborations with the New Japan Philharmonic and the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra.

2.3. Artistic Philosophy and Public Image

Khatia Buniatishvili is known for her distinctive musical interpretations and highly expressive performance style, which often involves a deep pursuit of the emotional and technical aspects of each piece. She has described the piano as a "symbol of musical loneliness." While her interpretations and technical prowess are highly acclaimed, they have sometimes led to divided critical opinions. However, her ability to achieve unity with the orchestra during concerto performances has been widely noted.

Beyond her musical performances, Buniatishvili actively engages in modeling, talk shows, and documentary programs, which has contributed to her public persona. She has been referred to as the "Beyoncé of the piano" due to her commanding stage presence and media visibility.

Buniatishvili is also vocal about her social and political stances. A 2017 France 2 documentary, "Stupéfiant!", noted her refusal to perform in Russia. She notably declined an invitation to perform at the Bastille Day concert in Paris in July 2017 because Valery Gergiev was slated to conduct. Buniatishvili publicly stated that she would never perform with Gergiev, citing his strong support for Putin's political policies. This stance highlights her commitment to human rights and her refusal to align with figures perceived as promoting anti-democratic agendas.