Musical Poem “Tato” by Composer Mariko Kvaliashvili

A two-act musical poem “Tato” by composer Mariko Kvaliashvili.

This staged musical narrative, in two acts and twelve scenes, tells the story of the fate of a great poet. The action unfolds in 19th-century Tbilisi and later in Ganja. Twenty-one original songs were composed for the production, and the evening includes five dance performances. It’s a unique format blending opera, pop, and folk music. The performance is presented in costumes appropriate to the historical era.

The stage brings to life the brief yet profound journey of Nikoloz Baratashvili — from birth to death. Alongside the poet, all the key figures of his life are revived, culminating in a final scene celebrating the immortality of his name after death.

Performers:

Soloists of the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre:
Marika Machitidze, Sulkhan Gvelesiani, Badri Chikhiashvili, Natia Bejashvili, Giga Abesadze, Armaz Darashvili, Tornike Papidze, Otar Shishinashvili, Tamaz Saginadze

Stars of Georgian pop music:
Eka Kvaliashvili, Keti Kartvelishvili, Zviad Michilashvili, Gela Donadze, Giga Jalagonia, Misho Javakhishvili, Achiko Beridze, Tina Meitova, Nugzar Kvashali, Dimitri Chitanava (soloist of “Shavnabada” ensemble)

Renowned theatre actors:
Nikoloz Nanitashvili, Andria Gvelesiani

Opera studio choir; Patriarch’s godfathers’ choir; male vocal ensembles: “Herio”, “Akhali Bana”, “Shvidkatsa”, “Tbilisi Quartet”

Choreographic ensemble “Abkhazeti”; performer of Eastern dances, choreographer, and president of the International Association of Arabic Dance in Georgia — Elena Chikhladze

Director — Andro Enukidze
Stage Designer — Ivane Chelidze
Concertmaster, musician — Levan Chkhaidze
Host — Nikoloz Tsulukidze