Issue no: 1191 • OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50

In this week’s issue... How to Put the Fire Out? The EU’s Changing Approach to Eastern European Societies NEWS PAGE 2 Georgia's Military "Ready for NATO" - Former US General Praises Army’s Capacity & “Absolutely Superior” Soldiers

FOCUS ON GIYA KANCHELI The passing of a maestro leaves Georgia in mourning PAGE 3 POLITICS PAGE 4 Image source: OK! Magazine Georgia Batumi Hosts 5th North Atlantic Council Meeting Tbilisi Taxi Reform: Will It Work? POLITICS PAGE 6

BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Kerten Hospitality’s CEO Marloes Knippenberg n the summer of 2019, Tbilisi City Hall came up with a new initiative that was Shares Plans for Footprint soon made into a reform, with deadlines in August and then October concerning Expansion in Georgia taxi drivers and passengers. BUSINESS PAGE 6 I The new reform that was ruled in summer and put into full operation on October 1 aimed to raise the quality of taxi service to make it safer Varia(n)(t)ions on a Theme and more aesthetically pleasing. All 31,784 driv- ers who are licensed to drive taxis in Tbilisi had SOCIETY PAGE 7 to have their cars pass technical checks. If they Image source: southamptontaxis.org did, they were given free vouchers to paint their taxis can take passengers from the street or work growing suspicion and anxiety in Georgian soci- cabs white. to order. Category A cabs are allowed to park ety and more so among the members of different Discover Gastronomic Back in August, Giorgi Trapaidze, the director free in different parts of the capital. Taxi drivers political parties, the opposition agreeing that LTD “Almas,” the winner of the bidding for the who fall under this category can put up promo- the reform was “unnecessary.” Treasures at Gorgasali respraying service, said that of the 31,784 (as tional banners on their cars. Giorgi Gabashvili (European Georgia) suggested by the latest data) taxi license owners Category B taxi cabs only work to order. Many demanded the annulment of the taxi reform, Restaurant 7,994 had taken the vouchers and 2,610 had cashed details regarding this category are still unclear. calling it “snobbish.” “People have the right to them. Vice Mayor Irakli Khmaladze reported to the choose the color, shape, and condition of the car CULTURE PAGE 9 The citizens of Tbilisi were told in August that press on October 1 that only 24% of the cabs are that they ride in,” said Gabashvili, speaking for October 1 would mark a new epoch seeing all in the A category. The categorization of the both the drivers and passengers. He claims the taxi drivers with a taxi license driving left-hand, remaining cabs is ongoing, he told the media. new reform will complicate the process of mak- Tbilisi National Ballet white, fi ve-door cars that had successfully passed “30% of the 26,000 licensed taxi cabs could ing the ends meet for Tbilisi habitants as many technical checks. not pass the minimal standard test. 30% is a big of them are no longer able to work as taxi driv- to Revive the Danish The second phase of the taxi reform broke number,” said Khmaladze. “But over the next ers and if they risk it still, they may end up with down the taxi cabs into two categories: A and few days it will still be possible to get permits.” a 200 GEL fi ne in their hands. Ballet “Natalie” B. Category A taxi cabs must be white. These Meanwhile, the new taxi reform raised ever- Continued on page 2 CULTURE PAGE 11 GEORGIA TODAY 2 NEWS OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 Russian Artillery Holds Exercises in Breakaway Abkhazian Mountains

conducted at night. Khajimba on the anniversary of “the Cooperation and Mutual Assistance” signed of Russia, which takes into account funds BY TEA MARIAMIDZE The statement underlined that all the Independence Day of Abkhazia,” the on September 17, 2008 and the “Treaty of for the provision of socio-economic exercises were held in tactical fi elds Russian President noted that “relations Alliance and Strategic Partnership” on assistance to occupied Abkhazia and equipped with modern technical means between the two countries on the basis November 24, 2014, that envisages creation South Ossetia. ussian artillery from the that allow the simulation of a war envi- of the principles of alliance and strategic of a joint force of troops from both sides. “For cooperation with Abkhazia, Rus- military base located in ronment. partnership are developing dynamically.” In addition to this, Russia has tradition- sia will allocate 1.7 billion Russian Rubles Georgia’s breakaway Abk- Military cooperation between Russia “I would like to assure you that Russia ally been a key trading partner of break- ($26.001 mln) in 2020, 1.9 billion ($29.501 hazia held a live-fi re exercise and occupied Abkhazia was fully launched will continue to assist in ensuring Abk- away Abkhazia and amounts to 74.5% of mln) in 2021, and 249 million Rubles on mountainous and coastal after Russia recognized Abkhazia and hazia's national security as well as in the total foreign trade turnover of the ($3.808 mln) in 2022. It has also been terrainR in the region on Wednesday. the other breakaway region of Georgia, resolving socio-economic issues,” Putin republic. proposed to allocate 1.5 billion Rubles The information was released by both South Ossetia, as independent states in said in a statement. In 2018, Russia's trade with occupied ($22.935 mln) to assist South Ossetia in Russian and Abkhazian media outlets. the wake of the August War 2008. A week before that, Putin ordered the Abkhazia amounted to $258.6 million, 2020, 1.7 billion ($26.001 mln) in 2021, "The artillery units performed a live- After the war, which left 20% of the signing of an agreement to allocate funds including Russian exports, $192.4 mil- and 163 million ($2.492 mln) in 2020,” fi re exercise using self-propelled Akatsiya Georgian territory occupied by Russia, to modernize breakaway Abkhazia’s lion, and imports, $66.2 million. Accord- Abkhazian media reports. artillery guns, Sani mortars and D-30 Russia set up military bases in these armed forces. ing to the results of January-March 2019, Occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia howitzers against targets at distances of regions and deployed its troops there. An executive order was published on the volume of mutual trade turnover are only recognized by Russia, Venezuela, up to 15km that simulated an adversary’s In addition to this, Russian President the legal information website last Monday. amounted to $49.9 million, including Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria. The rest of armor, command posts and infantry Vladimir Putin promised de facto Abkha- To note, the so called legal framework of Russian exports at $38.9 million and international society says Abkhazia and amassments,” the statement of the South- zian President Raul Khajimba he would bilateral cooperation between Russia and imports at $10.9 million. South Ossetia are parts of Georgia and ern Military District reads. protect the “republic’s” safety and security. occupied Abkhazia includes more than 100 The de facto Abkhazian regime claims call on Russia to fulfi ll the terms of the It added that the troops held more than In a letter sent to the self-declared bilateral documents at various levels, includ- that a draft federal budget for 2020–2022 2008 ceasefi re agreement and withdraw ten live-fi re exercises, of which half were president, where Putin congratulated ing the fundamental “Treaty of Friendship, has been submitted to the State Duma its forces from the breakaway territories. How to Put the Fire Out? The EU’s Changing Approach to Eastern European Societies prosperous friends around the EU. East- risks in both the EU and in its neighbor- BY LORRAINE VANEY ern European countries remain tangled hood have to do with limited statehood up in violent confl icts, political failure, and contested orders, or in other words, and are still vulnerable to external threats. confl icts over how to organize domestic, n October 1, the Tbilisi It is even more worrisome that these regional and international politics. At State University hosted shortcomings in relations between the the core of this issue is a defi ance towards the fi rst EU-LISTCO event, EU and its Eastern partners are happen- political liberalism and multilateralism organized by the Georgian ing in a global context of contestation of by China, Russia, some countries in the Institute of Politics. the international liberal order, weakening EU and Trump’s USA, which all are Image source: GIP ThroughO exchanges with leading uni- the landmarks and orientation originally important partners for Georgia’s politi- a fact being widely discussed among ment, and security,” she added. versities and think tanks, EU-LISTCO set by the EU and US themselves. cal and economic development. In front scholars and local stakeholders. The panel argued that EaP countries aims to develop policy recommendations The October 1 public lecture opened of this concerning picture, the German “The risk is creating defi ance and fatigue need to think about Europeanization for the EU’s external action toolbox, with this concerning state of affairs and Ambassador H.E Huber Knirsch reas- if the EU is not seen to be making grad- beyond the EU itself, in terms of values focusing on investigating the shortcom- questioned how the EU can best support sured that US and EU diplomats are ual commitments to maintaining trust and political orientation, since the EaP ings of European foreign policy in the the three frontline EaP states in foster- working closely to be coherent in their in Georgia,” said Prof. Dr. Tanja A. Bör- does not offer many options in this regard. EU neighborhood, years after the devel- ing societies resilient to domestic and approach to Georgia, regardless of their zel, Chairwomen for European Integra- In Georgia, it boils down to the growing opment of the Eastern Partnership. external threats. The panel was composed political difference at the national level. tion at the Freie Universität Berlin. “It political polarization which certainly plays The starting point of this new EU of prominent European scholars, diplo- Nevertheless, the issue of the European requires thinking about a different insti- against the social cohesion and capacity approach is the acknowledgment that the mats and local stakeholders from Geor- integration of Georgia is specifi c to the tutional framework to foster resilience to resist Russian threats, which go beyond European Neighborhood Policy has failed gia, Ukraine, and Poland. EU, especially now that the limit of the about principles and human rights, not security and territorial integrity. in its mission to build a ring of stable and EU-LISTCO diagnoses that the key Eastern Partnership has been reached, solely about trade, economic develop- Continued on page 3 GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 NEWS 3 End of an Era: Giya Kancheli, Legendary Composer, Passes Away

talent and mesmerizing compositions, he obtained BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA recognition on the international stage worldwide. His naming as among the three greatest fi lm com- posers, along with prominent Ennio Morricone ged 84, the world-renowned legend- and Nino Rota, is certainly the best proof of the ary Georgian composer Giya Kancheli fact. passed away on October 2, following Alongside his talent, Kancheli was also outstand- an illness he had been suffering for ing for his interesting personality. In one interview, the past few years. the maestro recalled memories of the past, noting AThe Georgian maestro was distinguished for his that, taking into account his successful career and deep and breathtaking musical compositions which the opportunity to work with the most brilliant were able to transport listeners to a completely professionals in the fi eld, his having witnessed his different universe, as well as change their mood music played in the most famous venues world- and enable them ‘travel’ to various dimensions. wide, he had lived a happy life. But when asked Giya Kancheli launched a totally new epoch in about the sad fl ow of his music, Kancheli stated. the fi eld of music and presented Georgia to the rest “I write tragic music, regardless of my happy life, of the world from a new perspective. A number of as everything that is happening in my homeland, Kancheli’s creations have accompanied some of as well as in the entire world, has never given me the most iconic Georgian fi lms, leaving an unfor- the right to write music of another kind.” gettable footprint in the native cinematography Yet another distinctive feature of Kancheli’s music that maintains its popularity even decades later. is that it is loved by all, regardless of age, national- His works also beautifi ed various theater plays of ity or profession. Through the death of the great equally great Georgian directors. Yet Georgia was Georgian maestro, Georgia is experiencing a huge not the limit of Kancheli’s success, as, through his loss and the true end of an era. Tbilisi Taxi Reform: Will It Work? Continued from page 1 tion would raise the price of taxi services, which, according to him, are the cheapest not only in the Zurab Japaridze, the leader of the Girchi party, region but in the world. well-known for his creative, often even rebellious The Vice Mayor answered this social protest, on ideas, on October 1, took to the streets to test the October 2, telling press that the government did new taxi reform, driving around the city in a grey not plan on canceling the fi nes of citizens who got car with a taxi sign- his aim being to show that the tickets for taxi driving in uncategorized cars. He reforms are not being reinforced and are as such, said that as the taxi drivers had been warned numer- unnecessary. ous times that the new reform would be put into “I am interested in just how this reform works,” operation from October 1, the ruling party did not he said in a Facebook live video. “…just who admin- see reason for any exceptions. istrates this new regulation? Is it the police? Is it As time goes by, we will see how society takes to Tbilisi City Hall’s special cars?” He went on to say the reform, what it will improve and what, or who, that "these sorts of regulations violate the right to it will harm. But the question remains: will it really personal choice" and added that the new regula- work? And if so, will it be worth it? How to Put the Fire Out? The EU’s Changing Approach to Eastern European Societies

Continued from page 2 experts to build resilience. Although the diagnosis of the global and regional Indeed, Dr. Agnieszka Legucka from the Polish situation was very well drawn, the panel did not Institute of International Affairs notes that the propose concrete solutions on how to build social securitization of the problems of the European cohesion in a country that is entering a crucial eastern neighborhood makes Russia a geopolitical election year. Moreover, they noted that issues of opponent to the US and the EU, limiting both the social resilience, limited statehood, and contested analysis and the solutions. The threats posed to orders are a global problem that eventually weak- Georgia by the Kremlin are also a matter of disin- ens the international order, rather than a Georgian formation, propaganda and social division over problem solely, which makes it even more compli- values and principles. Ultimately, assessing the cated to solve. If the EU-LISTCO aims at providing European identity of Georgia and drawing on what policy recommendations that will answer to the unites society and the political parties, rather than shortcomings of the EU foreign policy, it may have what separates them, is the formula proposed by to be more specifi c. GEORGIA TODAY 4 POLITICS OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 Georgia's Military "Ready for NATO" - Former US General Praises Army’s Capacity & “Absolutely Superior” Soldiers their minds is tied to what I said to you INTERVIEW BY VAZHA TAVBERIDZE a few minutes ago; I think that what we see in Russia now is not permanent and change will come and hopefully it will s Georgia debates expand- all change in a way that allows us to get ing its military capacity, along better. progress towards NATO membership appears as BUT WHAT IF WE DON'T slow as ever. Former United LAST UNTIL THEN? WHAT IF AStates Air Force four-star general Philip SOMETHING HAPPENS? Breedlove, who served as a commander Well, let's all agree that we don't want of NATO Allied Command Operations, to provoke that something. Let's all agree remains a staunch proponent of eastward that that something already happened, enlargement. Currently a board member they invaded, 20% of your land is occu- at the Atlantic Council, Breedlove spoke pied by Russia. So, what we don't want to GEORGIA TODAY and IWPR at the is that next bad step and I think that that 5th Annual Tbilisi International Confer- is the art, not the science, of how we ence, organized The McCain Institute move forward. How do we allow your and the Economic Policy Research Center nation its right to make its only sover- (EPRC), and explained why he believes eign decision about whom to be affi liated Georgia is militarily ready to join the with? How we move forward without Alliance. provoking Russia?

OUR NEW DEFENSE MINISTER WHO IN A SANE MIND WOULD SAID WE SHOULD PRODUCE TRY TO PROVOKE RUSSIA? EVERY KIND OF WEAPONRY, Fair enough, this is a question I've always EXCEPT NUCLEAR. WHAT'S asked others too. We in the West tend GEORGIA’S CAPACITY TO to say we don’t want to provoke Russia ACHIEVE SOMETHING - then I bring up Georgia, Crimea, Don- IN THIS FIELD? bass, Syria; my question is when we are Many times when I was still in the ser- going to get provoked? vice, I spoke with smaller nations and most small nations do not have the AND WHAT IS THE economy, the money, the budget to have Philip Breedlove, former commander of NATO Allied Command Operations ANSWER YOU GET? all the weaponry that some larger nations Very seldom have I been given any sort have. That said, I would never tell a sov- but what I have always said about my have some pretty small countries com- Georgia's military readiness for the alli- of credible answer to that question, ereign nation what to do and what not United States Air Force: it's the airmen ing but they enjoy the benefi t of being ance. regrettably. to do, but what I would suggest is that that make us better than anybody else. in a larger military force with a focus on So, it's all about the politics, those who Georgia has already demonstrated that It's not our equipment but the training collective defense and so for a small are worried that Russian soldiers occu- ONE CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF there are some things it does extremely and the skill, independent decision- nation that has great pride and great pied this territory. KREMLIN PROVOCATION IS well. It’s infantry soldiers in Afghanistan making that we build into our soldiers, capability but small capacity, that alli- THE ONGOING OCCUPATION were absolutely superior, they came and sailors, airmen, marines, that's what ance framework is really important. IS IT SUCH A HUGE DETERRENT IN GEORGIA. IF YOU WERE worked alongside our US forces with no makes the United States military dif- THAT UNLESS THE CONFLICTS IN CHARGE OF DEFENSE, caveats; they would go anywhere and ferent from others. You can have two WE'VE BEEN SHUFFLING OUR ARE SOLVED, THERE’S NO WOULD YOU SAY THERE do anything that the Americans did and airplanes of similar capability fi ghting FEET IN FRONT OF THAT OPEN TANGIBLE HOPE FOR GEORGIA WAS ANY ROOM TO they were brave and capable soldiers. each other, it will be the better pilot DOOR OF THE ALLIANCE FOR TO ENTER THE ALLIANCE? MANEUVER FOR GEORGIA? And so what I would choose is some of that wins the fi ght. In my mind it's truly QUITE A LONG TIME. WHAT I think the situation in Russia is going to Georgia's territory is incredibly impor- those niche capabilities that are things the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the DOES IT TAKE TO STEP IN? change. We should remain optimistic. tant to Georgia, it's incredibly important near to what you are already doing, marine. You won’t like my answer. From a mil- Georgia needs to remain ready in both a to some of its allies like the United increase capability in your infantry, itary perspective, Georgia has met every military and political sense. Militarily, States and others. If Georgia chooses maybe mechanized… as opposed to more BUT WHEN IT’S RUSSIA VERSUS criteria and has demonstrated its will- Georgia has already met all my expecta- to militarily oppose borderization and grandiose. GEORGIA, IT’S NOT EVEN A 300 ingness and capability and it has sup- tions; politically, there are some obstacles Georgia is all in, and Russia has already SPARTANS SCENARIO [AGAINST ported NATO operations: there is noth- to overcome because of the occupied lands. demonstrated that it is all in, I think THERE IS A WIDESPREAD OVERWHELMING ODDS], IS IT? ing militarily holding Georgia short. What I would say to Georgians is keep that while it sounds terribly defeatist, OPINION TODAY THAT That’s correct. This is a big difference More than that – if you do the math, on working on your democracy: don’t give I don't think the answer right now is WARS ARE NO LONGER in capacity and that is worrisome. What a per capita basis, based on your size any nation in NATO concern about that. military confrontation. The answer is, WON BY FOOT SOLDIERS I saw from the Georgian soldiers in Georgia gave more soldiers to the Afghan I think, for all the countries of West to BUT BY MECHANICS. IF, LIKE Afghanistan they can hold their ground. operation than anyone and Georgia lost IS THERE ANYTHING GEORGIA stand up and say this is unacceptable… GEORGIA, YOU DO NOT HAVE But it is not only capability in Georgia more soldiers on a per capita basis. I OR ITS ALLIES CAN DO TO I think that there's a big difference TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES, versus Russia, it’s capacity… I believe think that your country has shown that CHANGE THE MIND OF THOSE between a proclamation and really WHAT DO YOU DO? the Alliance is the answer to that ques- it is a good and reliable partner to again SKEPTICAL COUNTRIES? enforcing condemnation. We really need Technical capabilities are important tion. We have 29 nations in NATO. We take all concerns off the table about A large part of those countries changing to put a shift in. Yay or Nay to Russian-Georgian Dialogue?

mum, or in the best case, will warn us price is going to be a fi nal farewell to It is we who has a territorial problem, OP-ED BY NUGZAR B. RUHADZE against resorting to force, diligently rec- the lost lands that seemed to have been not Russia. Russia can sit back quiet and ommending to use only a diplomatic only temporarily lost up to now, but happy, and watch us with imperial calm tongue for saving our souls. And if Georgia fi nds itself under the and conceit, and nothing will happen to ey folks, is there anyone if this precious piece of the bulletproof NATO umbrella, her. Conversely, Georgia may get totally out there who can confi - standard western advice is the idea of territorial integ- depleted of the remaining national energy dently agree that the not followed by the Geor- rity, equal to the most and economic power because living with Russian-Georgian dia- gian side, war may fol- powerful national idea that big pain in heart and sense of infe- logue, even though not a low. And the war of freedom and inde- riority in mind, only the country’s impo- Hterribly constructive one, might do some theater is defi nitely pendence, might tence for survival will grow, not its good to the concerned parties, especially going to be our ter- evaporate forthwith strength for reaching the other side of to Georgia? Is anybody smart and qual- ritory. and forever. the ominously muddy river. ifi ed enough to prove to the world that So who should be So what to do? Where is the mischief in talks? In what dialogue is better than obstinately sitting more interested in Talk, talk and talk way can it harm Georgia? Is it a case of in the painfully uncomfortable saddle of dialogue – Geor- again! Talk with national humiliation? Are we losing our nonspeaking terms? gia or Russia? Russia! Talk does ties with NATO and EU? Would that OK, granted, Russia is an insatiable Personally, I not mean capitu- mean going back to the USSR? Could it occupant who either openly or stealthily strongly suspect lation. Talks might see Russia imposing all over again its encroaches on our Georgian lands, but that Georgia not contain the poten- habitual imperial power on our moth- she also is a neighbor, and a very strong only needs a dia- tial of a solution. erland? Will it threaten our statehood one at that, and mean and spiteful too! logue with Russia It may not contain and independence? This could all be true Russia is arrogantly belligerent, but her but simply can’t anything vital right to a certain extent but trying to talk does territory is intact as it has always been continue living with- now, but talking not mean succumbing. Talking would historically: Georgia is beaten up and out it. I have also means movement, only mean making an attempt to change torn apart as our past has always had it. heard that membership and movement is bet- something. I am not a naïve believer in Russia has taken and keeps grabbing our in NATO might be the ter than stagnation. Even Russian love and benevolence for Geor- lands and we can’t stop it. We are not way out for Georgia in the the West and the entire gia, but I believe in movement, not in strong enough to defy Russia’s imperial dismal cul-de-sac which has international community are languish. This way or that way, saying endeavor. Russia may someday roll its slowed the country’s normal telling us to talk to Russia even Nay to Russian-Georgian dialogue will tanks and machine-guns into our terri- development for quite a while. though she is an invader of our never be productive, although just as tory and we will most probably sit and Yes, I might nod willingly to that lands, because not talking means unproductive might be saying Yay, but watch it happen. And if this happens, version of solving Georgia’s endless keeping the murky status quo untouched this will at least give us a chance to the western powers will probably keep problems, but at what expense? The for another hundred years, if not longer. declare loudly that we have tried!

GEORGIA TODAY 6 POLITICS OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 From Rasmussen to London ing us a chance to discuss this scenario, Georgia is ready to enter NATO. Hodges, BY DAVID BRAGVADZE FOR that Georgia would follow the example being the more outspoken of the two, “TALKING NATO FOR GEORGIA,” of the so-called German model. It doesn’t stressed that neither Alliance nor Offi cial GEORGIAN INSTITUTE necessarily dictate that the Georgian and Tbilisi should allow Russia to defi ne FOR SECURITY POLICY German cases are identical and would Georgia’s future. He went further, saying produce similar outcomes. What’s lam- the government should be more active entable is that we did anything except in it’s quest for NATO membership, not month will soon pass since discuss, instead partaking in that cher- giving anyone the impression this is not the former Secretary Gen- ished Georgian pastime of throwing mud their chief priority. eral of NATO, Anders Fogh- at whoever said things we might fi nd Now the sceptics might say that, not Rasmussen made THAT disagreeable. Time is in short supply: unlike Rasmussen, both of these gener- statement about a path The NATO Summit in London is fast als have retired from service. What they AGeorgia might have to use to sneak into approaching, while we are busy ignoring need to be told is that the authority and the doors of NATO, that is, agreeing to perhaps the most realistic formula for contacts of former high-level offi cials a condition that the Article 5, on collec- our eventual membership. After the ini- do not evaporate overnight. Their infl u- tive security and defense, will not cover tial outcry, the government decided that ence very much remains, their word the occupied territories until they are mum was the word too, promptly fol- carries weight and it would be foolish back under the control of the Georgian lowed by the opposition and so-called not to use the help provided from any government. The statement proved to experts. Peculiar, really, given that as late such friends, whether acting or former, be rather divisive: some claimed Ras- as on 10th September all three were eager neither Cyprus nor Georgia’s cases are we have not the faintest idea what our to further Georgia’s NATO cause. mussen, alongside fellow conspirator to start discussions on the matter. identical, although one could fi nd a mission is there and what we’d like to Luke Coffey and the proverbial West in The German model isn’t the only one plethora of aspects and lessons that bring back. general, wanted Georgia to forsake Abk- Rasmussen put on table: Earlier, in April, would prove benefi cial for our cause. A In recent days, the Georgian press has hazia and South Ossetia, while others he opined that Georgia might have opted hybrid between a German-Cyprus model published interviews with high-ranked claimed that this proposal would be the for a Cyprus model as its strategy to might have cut it, if only we dealt with American militaries, Generals Philip cure to the many ills the country is suf- achieve NATO membership, although the stumbling block: started a dialogue Breedlove and Ben Hodges, both having fering and we should pursue it posthaste. the island state in question dealt with a about this issue with the Alliance. The served a distinguished career in NATO What Rasmussen in fact did was offer- EU membership dilemma. Obviously, London Summit is at the doorstep and forces. Both underlined that, militarily, Batumi Hosts 5th North Atlantic Council Meeting making body of NATO, is paying a visit Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, for of students, the young generation. The the Council’s partner countries and is BY ANA DUMBADZE to Georgia at the invitation of the local her part, will hold bilateral meetings Chairman of the Ajara Government will clear evidence of the successively increas- government. with the President of Georgia, Prime also speak before the attending audience. ing level of relations and intense coop- Deputy Secretary-General of NATO Minister, Chairman and offi cials of the Within the frames of the visit, discus- eration between Georgia and the Alli- n October 3-4, Georgia’s Rose Gottemoeller is heading the del- Georgian Government. Meetings will be sions will focus on all issues relating to ance. coastal city of Batumi is egation comprised of Permanent Rep- conducted with representatives of the Georgia’s membership of the Alliance “Georgia, as one of the most devoted hosting the 5th North resentatives of the 29 Member States of non-governmental sector. The North with a special accent on the political and interoperable partners of NATO, Atlantic Council Meeting, the Alliance. Atlantic Council will visit two Georgian dialogue between NATO and Georgia attaches paramount importance to this which is unprecedented Within the framework of the visit, the coast guard vessels in the Batumi Port. and on the need to further deepen the visit of the North Atlantic Council and asO the Council has never held meetings NATO-Georgia Commission will hold a On the sidelines of the visit, the Deputy practical cooperation, including in terms its unconditional political support for in a partner nation, the Georgian Foreign meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Secretary-General of NATO will deliver of strengthening Black Sea security. Georgia’s membership of the Alliance Ministry said. of Georgia and the Deputy Secretary- a lecture at the Batumi State University “The NAC is paying its fi fth visit to that provides yet further proof of the The North Atlantic Council (NAC), General of NATO. that is highly important in terms of Georgia, which is unprecedented in the irreversibility of Georgia’s NATO inte- which is the principal political decision- The North Atlantic Committee and the increasing awareness and involvement history of Georgia’s cooperation with gration process,” the MFA Georgia said.

BUSINESS Kerten Hospitality’s CEO Marloes Knippenberg Shares Plans for Footprint Expansion in Georgia

there was some interesting movement market does not have yet and something BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA going on. Since then, Georgia’s hospital- that compliments what’s already going ity industry has undergone major shifts, on here,” she says, adding that Kerten with a number of remarkable hotel brands Hospitality does not aim to compete but erten Hospitality, one of the launched in the market making the coun- to launch a different market segment. most successful companies try even more attractive. Even before the launch of the hotel and operating in the hospitality Knippenberg also highlighted the recent food outlets, Chef Jaume started mentor- industry who have entered changes in visa and tax regulations, as ing a young talented student from a Geor- the Georgian market with contributors to promoting Georgia’s gian cooking school who, at the age of 18, K3 hospitality projects till date, hosted a popularity in terms of it becoming a is already gearing up to run the restaurant gourmet lunch in Tbilisi on September go-to destination. on site after the opening next year – an 25th. Hosted by Marloes Knippenberg, initiative Kerten Hospitality has embraced CEO of Kerten Hospitality, the culinary WHAT ARE KERTEN to give back to the community. feast was prepared by Michelin Star Chef HOSPITALITY’S THREE Jaume Puigdengolas who is the Execu- PROJECTS IN GEORGIA? THE BOUTIQUE APPROACH tive Chef of Kerten Hospitality. Antony Knippenberg has introduced the three The third major project is situated in the Doucet, Brand, Marketing and Commu- development projects, outlining their picturesque region Kakheti. Introducing nity Director of Kerten Hospitality was main distinctive features. One of the this project, Ms. Knippenberg sounds also on hand for the occasion. Guests group’s projects is a luxury boutique enthusiastic since it supports the cultural were taken on a culinary journey with hotel located in a historical building of environment with its art gallery and a an incredible set of specialties cooked Old Tbilisi, is to boast 17 rooms painted collection of modern art. Alongside its munity to be able to launch something destination management. Infrastructure to perfection, completed by the mouth- by a Georgian artist in a bid to preserve 76 rooms, The House Hotel Kakheti will different and yet familiar to them. The is of crucial importance and there are watering San Sebastian Cheesecake. the historical style of the building and appeal to art afi cionados for its Contem- next challenge is that even while being still some challenges in this regards Prior to the start of the gastronomic is to open its doors to visitors in March porary Art Museum Status, offering a unique, you still need to stay a part of countrywide. But, if these are overcome, adventure, GEORGIA TODAY sat down next year. The group’s second project, retreat space for entertainment in the something bigger,” says Knippenberg. I think in terms of international interest, with Ms. Knippenberg and found out The House Hotel and The House Resi- adjacent Vineyard. Georgia’s potential to become a regional more about the company’s history and dence project in the Vake district of the “If you look at such projects, it is the WHAT MAKES KERTEN leader is huge.” expansion plans for Georgia. Georgian capital is a mixed-use project. right time in Georgia. It’s part luck, part HOSPITALITY’S PORTFOLIO Georgia Today were interested to dis- “Kerten Hospitality started with just It will feature an innovative concept opportunity, as well as a vision.” OF BRANDS STANDOUT? cover whether the Georgian branch of one brand in one country, The House integrating 53 room keys and Ouspace, The boutique hotel is set to be very “What makes us really different is that The House Hotel will have any country- Hotel. And then we had to decide what an upscale food hall, serviced offi ces and different from the big international chain we have mixed-use projects, which bring specifi c features, or if it will follow the to do next,” she says. Knippenberg’s co-working areas, as well as food and hotels in both concept and style of man- together diverse opportunities and meet strict frames of the brand. “There will many years of experience living in dif- beverage facilities, thus turning the area agement. We asked the CEO about the owners and guests’ needs and no other be no strict frames. The project will ferent countries pointed out at the poten- into a lifestyle destination. major challenges of establishing a bou- operator has addressed this at the defi nitely have local ‘injections’. We really tial opportunities Eastwards – a perfect “By introducing a mixed-used project, tique hotel and chartering a new path in moment,” she says. want to collaborate with the local artists destination for expanding the global we are creating a destination for a work- this direction. Georgia is sparing no effort to become and suppliers to bring an authentic Geor- footprint of the company. ing as well as leisure-seeking audience. “The challenges of doing something a regional hub in various fi elds, includ- gian air.” “That is how we started exploring When you travel, you want to meet peo- boutique is that you cannot take a brand ing economy and education. We asked Finally, we ased Knippenberg if she opportunities in this part of the world. ple from the local community, but not and work on it. You need to work incred- Ms. Knippenberg to share her views expects Kerten Hospitality’s brands to In Georgia, at the starting point of nego- necessarily just to hang out: you may ibly hard to bring something new to life. regarding the country’s prospects in establish themselves on the Georgian tiations nearly three years ago, the coun- also establish business communication It is equally diffi cult to create a team of terms of becoming a regional leader in market as a new and innovative state- try’s market was mostly dominated by with them. Through this project, we professionals, and you always need to the hospitality industry. ment. the big international hotel chains, but wanted to create something that the create a connection with the local com- “Georgia has done a fantastic job in “Absolutely,” she tells us with a smile. GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 SOCIETY 7 Varia(n)(t)ions on a Theme

BLOG BY TONY HANMER

erhaps not many countries in the world can name a specifi c fi gure, complete with all necessary biographic details from birth to death, as the founder of their entire educational system. Georgia, whileP certainly having had others in a chain of centuries leading up to this person, can supply all the information you need about him and thus give him his properly deserved place in its history. An old friend of mine lives in the village of Variani, near Gori, and is himself an English teacher. Meet- ing me for the fi rst time in some years for a delight- ful reunion, he also took me to the house where Iakob Gogebashvili was born in 1840, now enlarged and turned into a busy museum dedicated to him. Outside, willows hang their branches over a natural trout pond, and the brick and stone Orthodox church where his father was a deacon is next door. Although I have lived in Georgia for 20 years now and have known who the man was for most of that time, I had never known where he actually came from. Gogebashvili was a giant in the educational devel- opment of his country and its language, in a time when it was still part of the Russian Empire which had absorbed it in the beginning of the 19th century, including making its schooling take place in Rus- sian. He wrote the original version of “deda ena” (Mother Tongue), the fi rst primer on the Georgian language for children, still used to this day all coun- trywide, and displayed there in its original edition along with many other treasures. The book opens with the nicely palindromic “ai ia” (Here is a violet) and goes on from there to include the whole unique precious Georgian alphabet as a starting point. Tsereteli, Chavchavadze, Paliashivili and others; them educated in all ways to help them enter adult- encouraged to persevere with their own studies, Deda Ena Day is still celebrated annually in Geor- and rooms with many of his own belongings in hood and their world ready to face its challenges. in whatever subjects are necessary, to become all gia, especially in its schools, which owe their entire copies of their native settings. We also heard that as many as 100 groups a day that their gifts have for them. existence to this one man and his passion to see Gogebashvili died unmarried and childless, and from across the country visit the museum during them begun. not rich either. The land that he owned in Tbilisi its high season, to learn who gave them the three Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti There are many beautiful paintings on the muse- is where Ilia State University, Georgia’s main post- Rs (reading, writing and ‘rithmetic); and even in since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early um’s walls illustrating scenes from the stories he secondary institute for many decades, had its start- its low season, at least a group a day comes in. My 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook told and wrote as part of teaching, and also of him ing point. I was inspired to remark to our guide hope is that this will continue, and that all school- group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.face- opening schools; a full-scale mockup of his fi rst that he was in any case a father to all the children children in the country will have the opportunity book.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ classroom; letters of correspondence between him of Georgia from his time forward and including all not only to hear or read of him but also to come He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: and other famous personages of his day such as future generations, through his tireless work to see here in person, soak up the atmosphere, and be www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti Life Fest 2019 Closes Its 5th Edition

Tasting 6 different types of Georgian wine

tion through paid membership. All the collected BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA money is being used for the completion of ongoing construction of a rehabilitation center. At the event, Tinatin Chkhvimiani, the founder n September 30, Monk Andrew’s of the Monk Andrew’s Charity Foundation, sum- Charity Foundation, which has been marized the Life Fest and expressed her gratitude running a great number of initiatives to all involved in the process of improving the life to support children suffering from conditions of the children suffering from cancer cancer, hosted yet another event on and for their fi nancial, as well as moral support. theO closing of the 5th edition of the Life Fest at the In addition, she introduced a new initiative, which Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel, bringing together the rep- envisages the refurbishment of the above said resentatives of government and business sectors, rehabilitation center. At the offi cial closing of the as well as media. The initiative is the analogue of Life Fest accompanied by the performances of the American CureFest, also fi ghting childhood young artists, the attendees were given an oppor- cancer and sparing no effort to increase public tunity to discover plans for the interior of the awareness of the case. center and to choose one room to renovate as they Within the scope of the Life Fest, the foundation wish. Worth spotlighting is the impressive engage- organizes a number of entertaining and interesting ment of the private companies as well as a number Divino – Wine bar & Shop events, seeing the members of different companies of government departments, their representatives and organizations engaging in various activities clearly very enthusiastic about supporting the and offering their fi nancial support to the founda- initiative. Samghebro Street 9/11 GEORGIA TODAY 8 CULTURE OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 Georgian Museum of Fine Arts Celebrates the 1st Anniversary

Bolkvadze. The contribution of the said Akhvlediani, Communications Executive BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA artists to the development and diversi- of the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts to fi cation of Georgian art, through launch- gauge the success of the event. ing such unorthodox, conceptual exhibi- “The 1st anniversary of the Museum n October 2, the Georgian tions, is certainly worth spotlighting. was nothing short of spectacular,” Ninia Museum of Fine Arts, The name of the exposition is also very told us, adding, “We hosted nearly 300 located in the very heart symbolic as the word ‘Counterpoint’ guests, including artists, musicians, of the Georgian capital and means the harmonic conjunction of dif- actors, the representatives of media, as bringing together nearly ferent melodies. Thus, the aim of the well as our ordinary visitors. I believe 3,500O outstanding works of Georgian organizers of the event, aspiring to launch that the evening proved to be very inter- painters, hosted a number of guests on a ‘dialogue’ between the generations, esting, integrating the exhibits of con- the occasion of the 1st anniversary since was stressed in the very title of the show. temporary arts with the exposition of the launch of the venue. At the celebra- The outstanding exhibition will be open the photo collection of Yermakov, which tion, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts until October 10. revived Old Tbilisi, all of that completed launched a genuinely unique and eclec- The attendees were also welcomed with the mesmerizing performance of tic artistic universe and, most impor- with a concert from the chamber orches- the chamber orchestra.” tantly, established a sort of a ‘bridge’ tra, boasting a Georgian repertoire and Ninia says the event was something of between the epochs, ensuring commu- seeing the most distinguished young a new statement at 7 Rustaveli Avenue, nication between the previous century performers, including David Aladashvili, representing a continuation of ancient and the contemporary world and pro- Natalia Kutateladze, the Kancheli String tradition at the same time. viding a source for various movements Quartet, as well as Irakli Evstapishvili “At the beginning of the 20th century, of native art. taking to the stage. In addition, the guests the building of the current museum The thoughts and visions of the mod- had an opportunity to travel to Old Tbi- housed the picturesque ‘Oriant’ hotel, ern generation were presented in an lisi and the picturesque 19th century famous for salon evenings and interest- exhibition named ‘Counterpoint’, which hotel ‘Oriant’, whose building the cur- ing guests. This wonderful tradition has displayed the paintings of Nina Akho- rent museum now occupies, through the been maintained and since October 2, badze, Ninuka Sakandelidze, Nino photo collection of prominent photog- 2018, the venue has been allocated to the Zirakashvili, Maia Baratashvili and Merab rapher Yermakov. contemporary arts. Giya Kancheli, a leg- Gugunashvili, curated by Konstantin GEORGIA TODAY sat down with Ninia endary Georgian composer, passed away exactly today, October 2. At the concert, the Kancheli String Quartet and David Aladashvili commemorated him by per- forming his most prominent composi- tions,” Akhvlediani told us.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, at 7 Rustaveli Avenue, opened its doors to visitors for the fi rst time on October 2, 2018. The exhibition hall is private, yet, due to its scale it is of national impor- tance. Housed there is the private col- lection of the founders of the venue, Gia Jokhtaberidze and Manana Shevardnadze, who aimed to bring together Georgian Soviet and post-Soviet art in the same space and introduce them to wider audi- ences. The museum features more than 3,500 wonderful works of nearly 100 artists, created over the past 70 years. Even though the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts is relatively new, it has already strongly established itself by launching a number of interesting projects along with its permanent exhibition, including important expositions, classical music concerts, as well as public lectures and masterclasses by famous artists within the framework of the initiative Public(A) Talks. #foryourfi rsttimeingeorgia Address: L. Gudiashvili St. 18 Sh. Rustaveli St. 7 Tel: 544 44 45 44 Art House - The Place to Meet @arthouse_georgia GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 CULTURE 9

Discover Gastronomic Treasures at Gorgasali Restaurant

ceiling decorated with Georgian orna- try’s ancient history. BY KETEVAN KVARATSKHELIYA ments and colorful tableware to the The spacious main hall of the restau- fl oor-to-ceiling shelves displaying a rant is the next stop on our tour, where selection of fi ne Georgian wines, dried the columns and domes of the former ven though Georgia is rich in fruit and spices, as well as signature clay bath visually separate the tables and eateries of different styles, crafts: everything is genuinely Georgian provide for a super comfy space for din- from traditional dishes to in this hall. Wine House provides an ing, accompanied by live music perfor- foreign mouthwatering spe- impressive menu of delicious traditional mances. Even though the restaurant looks cialties, it is undoubtedly courses, exceptional wines, including Georgian, it also caters to international challengingE to fi nd a place able to offer Qvevri, bio, as well as exclusives and tastes with dishes like cream of pumpkin both a diverse menu and an exceptional even fruit vodka. Wine House goes soup and sushi. ambience. Well, the GEORGIA TODAY beyond the limits of excellent food and The grand dining hall leads to the Mas- team has found one for you! offers special evenings for guests, invit- terclass Room, which is certainly an Located in one of the former Sulphur ing Georgian writers, singers, ensembles innovative statement on the Georgian baths, a symbol of the ancient capital of and actors. restaurant market. Guests, even children, Georgia, Gorgasali integrates fi ve differ- We moved on to a two-room hall called are welcome to give the cooking process ent halls and guarantees a unique expe- ‘Tavaduri’ and found ourselves in a totally a go, prepare Georgian dishes with their rience in each. different ambience- a hall of oriental own hands and taste them later. Along The GEORGIA TODAY team met with colors; smaller and more private, with with an antique fi replace and pieces of Shalva Kajaia, the founder of the restau- soft furnishings. Here, you can smoke traditional Georgian furniture, here you rant, to fi nd out more about this excep- shisha and watch belly-dancing shows will fi nd a special ‘cooking stone’, where tional venue. against a background of walls painted the chefs spare no effort to cook fi sh or Wine House was our fi rst stop on the with the images of historic Georgian any other course to perfection. short tour he offered us. From the blue fi gures and scenes refl ecting the coun- Our fi nal stop in Gorgasali is the spa- cious terrace, probably the most out- standing feature of the restaurant, its fl oor-to-ceiling windows, open during the summer, framing the marvelous views of the Old Town and eclectic old houses and historical sights, the modern cable car in the background. Here, guests can have the best dining experience and complete their meal with a divine des- sert and exceptional cup of fruit tea, while watching mesmerizing dance shows, presented directly on the rooftop of the adjacent Sulphur bath. Restaurant Gorgasali is an outstanding venue, offering a marvelous tour of local and international gourmet pleasures, accompanied by an extraordinary ambi- ence and immaculate service. GEORGIA TODAY 10 CULTURE OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019

WHAT’S ON IN TBILISI THEATER SILK FACTORY STUDIO MUSEUM with monitors, where visitors SPORTS PALACE 59 Kostava Ave. can see documentaries of various 1 26 May Sq. TBILISI INTERNATIONAL GEORGIAN NATIONAL historical events. FESTIVAL OF THEATER 2019 October 4 MUSEUM SIMON JANASHIA October 4 METAMORPHOSES MUSEUM MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS Lela Tsurtsumia’s Concert Contemporary ballet based on 3 Rustaveli Ave. Strat time: 20:00 October 4, 5 10 Betlemi Str. Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’ TEL (+995 32) 299 80 22, 293 48 21 Ticket: 20-50 GEL DONKA: A LETTER TO CHEKHOV Music by Johann Sebastian Bach www.museum.ge Switzerland Discover the Museum of Illusions Original music by Nika Machaidze TBILISI STATE Start time: 20:00 Be brave enough to jump into an Original idea and choreography by Exhibitions: CONSERVATOIRE Language: English illusion created by the Vortex, Mariam Aleksidze GEORGIAN COSTUME AND 8 Griboedovi Str. Georgian Subtitles Stage design by Ana Ninua WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH deform the image of yourself in a Ticket: From 15 GEL Project idea, concept and CENTURIES Mirror Room, be free in the Infi nity October 6 Venue: Griboedovi Theater supervision by David Maziashvili NUMISMATIC TREASURY room, resist the laws of gravity and CONCERT OF THE GERMAN- Cast: Giorgi Aleksidze Tbilisi EXHIBITION STONE AGE size ratio, and take selfi es in every GEORGIAN October 5 Contemporary Ballet GEORGIA possible pose. Enjoy the collection YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND O2 (3 performances) Company Artistic Director- ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE of holograms, and discover optical CHOIR Studio Wayne McGregor Mariam Aleksidze NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL illusions. Grand Hall Language: English Start time: 20:00 COLLECTIONS Start time: 18:00 Georgian Subtitles Ticket: 10-20 GEL GALLERY Ticket: 8 GEL Start time: 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 Until December 15 Venue: Orbeliani Sq. ART HALL GABRIADZE THEATER The fi rst-ever exhibition of A THE NATIONAL GALLERY 14 Shavteli Str. 26/2 A. Surguladze Str. REMARKABLE COIN FROM 11 Rustaveli Ave. October 6 THE TIME OF KING DAVID THE TEL (+995 32) 215 73 00 October 5 MAURE EXPERIENCE October 8 BUILDER Teimuraz Tsiklauri and Friends Aerial Theater Animated documentary fi lm The inscription on the coin GRAND MASTERS FROM THE Start time: 18:00 Directed by Gaston Lungman, REZO refl ects the major line of Georgia's GEORGIAN Ticket: 10-15 GEL Roberto Strada Directed by Leo Gabriadze foreign policy at the time - obverse NATIONAL MUSEUM Composer: Gaston Lungman Start time: 20:00 shows Kind David IV dressed Choreographer: Roberto Strada Ticket: 15 GEL COLLECTION XIX – XX CENTURY ELEKTROWERK in Byzantine imperial attire, 4 K. Cholokashvili III turn. Language: English wearing stemma, and holding a Discover the cultural heritage of Georgian Subtitles SHALIKASHVILI THEATER artists who founded 20th century Globus cruciger. On reverse is an October 5 Start time: 22:00 37 Rustaveli Ave. fi ne art in Georgia: Gigo Gabashvili, invocation in Georgian surrounding VADER- LIVE IN TBILISI Venue: Europe Sq. Mose Toidze, Valerian Sidamon- a cross lists the extent of David's Start time: 19:00 Ocotber 4, 5 Eristavi, Alexander Tsimakuridze, kingdom: 'Lord, aid David, king Ticket: 40 GEL October 7, 8 OLD MAN AND THE SEA of Abkhazians, Kartvelians, Rans, Aleksandre Bazbeuk-Melikov, BIRDIE After Ernest Hemingway Kakhs, Armenians.' Dimitri Shevardnadze, Sergo Non Verbal WAREHOUSE 7 / VII Directed by Alex Serrano, Pau Kobuladze, Irina Shtenberg, PAVILION Start time: 20:00 Palacios and Ferran Dordal Until November 30 Mikheil Bilanishvili, Felix 30/32 Akhalkalaki Str. Ticket: 15 GEL Composer: Roger Costa Vendrell Exhibition ‘WISDOM Varlamishvili and Tamar Abakelia. Language: English TRANSFORMED INTO GOLD' October 5 MOVEMENT THEATER Georgian Subtitles Supported by the EU Fall Set 182 Agmashenebli Ave. Until November 20 Start time: 20:00 With ancient archaeological fi nds, Georgian National Museum and the WORAKLS ORCHESTRA TOUR Ticket: From 15 GEL the exhibition presents for the Start time: 20:00 October 4 Embassy of Italy in Georgia present Venue: K. Marjanishvili State Drama fi rst time gold jewelry of Late Ticket: 60-90 GEL DIVINE COMEDY the exhibition Theater, Big Stage Antiquity (2nd-4th century AD), Dante Aligieri "THE FORM OF COLOR FROM goldsmiths' tools from the Museum's MOVEMENT THEATER Three 20-minute choreographic TINTORETTO TO CANALETTO" TBILISI ZAKARIA ethnographic collection, and items 182 Agmashenebli Ave. statements, (Two 10-minute made from gold and precious metals. from Trieste's National Gallery of PALIASHVILI OPERA AND intervals) Ancient Art. October 8 BALLET THEATER Language: Non verbal IOSEB GRISHASHVILI The Gallery displays three JAM SESSION- 25 Rustaveli Ave. Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze TBILISI HISTORY MUSEUM centuries of Italian painting– Improv played by different TEL (+995 32) 2 99 04 56 Composer/Arranger: Sandro Nikoladze - KARVASLA from the late Renaissance to the Georgian and Designer: Ana Gorbas, Bidzina Sidiani 8 Sioni St. Rococo. foreign musicians and October 5, 6 Start time: 20:00 TEL (+995 32) 2 98 22 81 The National Gallery brings instrumentalists. LAURENCIA Ticket: 15 GEL Alexander Krein together 55 artworks of Tintoretto, Musical art director- Sandro Until October 11 Nikoladze Ballet in two acts October 6 Guerchino, Bernando Strozzi, Georgian National Museum in Start time: 21:00 Based on Lope de Vega's novel PARADISO Antonio Canaletto, Giovanni the framework of the project Ticket: 5 GEL ‘Fuente Ovejuna’ Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria "Contemporary Art Gallery" presents Lorenzo Bernini and other painters. Choreography by Vakhtang Visitors will get acquainted with Author: Ketevan Chachanidze the exhibition „BEING ON THE MIND TBILISI CITY FEST- Chabukiani Choreographer: Lasha Robaqidze OF CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS" By the major painting schools of TBILISOBA Libretto, new choreographic Start time: 20:00 Sophia Cherkezishvili Northern Italy from the 16th- Time: 12:00-20:00 version, and staging by Nina Ticket: 10 GEL 18th centuries - from Bologna Ananiashvili MUSEUM OF SOVIET (Giuseppe Maria Crespi) to Genoa Program Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and October 10 OCCUPATION (Givanni Batista Paggi, Gioacchino October 5 Ballet State Theater Orchestra IGGI 4 Rustaveli Ave. Assereto, Giovanni Francesco Gourmet festival Conductor- David Mukeria Directed by Kakha Bakuradze TEL (+995 32) 2 99 80 22, 2 93 48 21 Castiglione) and from Lombardy Confectionery festival www.museum.ge Start time: October 5-19:00, Language: Non-verbal (Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli, Pier Concert for Childrem October 6 – 14:00 Start time: 20:00 Francesco Cittadini) to Veneto Instalation ‘Pirosmani’s characters’ Ticket: 10-120 GEL Ticket: 10, 15 GEL The exhibition hall is equipped (Bonifacio de' Pitati, Carlo Caliari, Sports activities Francesco Maffei, Nicola Grassi). 13:00 - ‘Tbilisi Big Band’ Concert 14:00 - Wayne McGregor and MUSIC Georgian choreographer’s co- production (In the frames of Tbilisi DJANSUG KAKHIDZE international Theater festival) TBILISI CENTER FOR MUSIC 20:00 - Gala Concert & Awards AND CULTURE ceremony of honorable citizen 123a D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Venue: Rike Park

October 6 October 6 In the frames of 27th International Time: 12:00-20:00 Music Festival “Autumn Tbilisi” Flower festival PIANO RECITAL Pavilions of Georgian fi lm and music HAIOU ZHANG ORBELIANI OPEN MARKET Start time: 19:30 Carnival of pantomimes Ticket: 10 GEL 22:00 - MUARE EXPERIENCE (In the frames of Tbilisi international Theater festival) October 9 Venue: Orbeliani Sq. In the frames of 27th International Music Festival October 5-6 “Autumn Tbilisi”- Concert Open Air Museum Soloist: Venue: Legvtakhevi HAIOU ZHANG Conductor: VAKHTANG October 5-6 KAKHIDZE Exhibition of rarest cars Start time: 19:30 Time: 12:00-22:00 Ticket: 10 GEL Venue: Metekhi Bridge GEORGIA TODAY OCTOBER 4 - 7, 2019 CULTURE 11 Oscar & the Wolf to Perform in Georgia

ity, previously Heineken Music Hall, BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Amsterdam, Netherlands). This after an impressive run of festivals including Rock Werchter, Pukkelpop (which they t is a great year for popular music also headlined in 2016), Lowlands, Pink- lovers; fi rst Georgia had Jessie J pop, Arras Main Square, Montreux Jazz, and Thirty Seconds to Mars enjoy- Eurockéenes, Southside, Zürich Open ing summer here when they per- Air, Sziget, Babylon Soundgarden, and formed at the Black Sea Arena in Hurricane festival. In 2016, much expect- IAugust; now in the great season of edly, Oscar & the Wolf took home the autumn, we will have Oscar & the Wolf European Border Breaker Award. on the Georgian stage. The Belgian art- A new track came out shortly after in ist will perform on October 12 in Tbilisi. 2016, ‘The Game,’ bringing a shift towards Here’s everything you need to know a grittier take on his signature sound, aptly about Max Colombie or, as he is better described by Max as “tears on the dance known, Oscar and the Wolf. fl oor in the dirty twerk remix.” His ability Not a great many acts can boast the to be fl exible, switch genres every-so-often kind of success Oscar & the Wolf has with such ease and talent, along with the seen in its three years since its musical techno collaboration with Charlotte de debut. Oscar and the Wolf fi rst gained Witte, brought a 2017 summer full of fes- international attention with the single tivals. That year, the Belgian artist released "Orange Sky" in 2013, which got them a sophomore album on Play It Again Sam support slots for the likes of Lou Reed. (UK/EU) and Neon Gold (US) in the fall, A year later, after releasing his fi rst album followed by an extensive tour in support Entity, Max Colombie achieved critical of the new material. acclaim and success. Colombie attracts Meanwhile, Oscar & the Wolf was getting listeners with his special, unique, uncom- ever-growing popularity in Georgia. Much promising sound. In the music industry, of the youth discussed the music of Max, he is to be situated somewhere in the giving critical acclamations of their own. realm where Luscious R&B, Erik Sarie- That is most likely why MONUMENTS Image source: MONUMENTS Events style synths, and indie electronics meet. Events decided to bring the contemporary While Entity was easily going multi- music star to the Georgian stage. by their scale, high quality, and genre Georgia and hence, MONUMENTS music festival and concert culture. platinum, the band’s live resume grew MONUMENTS Events is a Tbilisi- difference. MONUMENT Events is ori- Events is ‘blessing’ the musical society Oscar & the Wolf will perform on ever quicker into sold-out arena shows based electronic music events series. ented on delivering live electronic music with more and more high-quality events. October 12 in Tbilisi. The tickets are at Sportpaleis (20,000 capacity, Antwerp, The signature of the Festival is the to wide Georgian audiences. The trend Through their events, the MONUMENTS’ available online on tkt.ge and at the gate. Belgium) and AFAS Live (8,000 capac- uniqueness of the events, determined is getting more and more popular in team strives to develop the Georgian Prices range from 60 to 70 GEL. Tbilisi National Ballet to Revive the Danish Ballet “Natalie” nately, Bournonville had his own notation tradition survives here in Georgia. The country owes Nino Ananiashvili system and kept detailed notes. Based on a lot, because she is bringing the com- these written archives and our knowledge HOW DOES IT FEEL TO pany back to its former pride. She has of the Bournonville style, we brought this SEE TBILISI BURGEONING, done so much to attract foreign directors ballet back to life, together with Nino Ana- AND TO BE PART OF ITS and composers, and to show them what niashvili. To date, Georgia is the only place CULTURAL BLOSSOMING? they can do here in Georgia between the in the world staging this ballet. [Frank] I fi rst came 15 years ago and there Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and I am were no street lights in Rustaveli. The sure there is more to come. THE BALLET WAS A TRIUMPH city is exploding, which is wonderful. HERE IN GEORGIA IN 2009. The development is happening really The ballet will be presented at the Tbilisi State WHAT CAN SPECTATORS EXPECT fast and I’m so happy that I have been Opera on October 16, 17 and 18. FROM THIS REEDITION? able to see all these fantastic changes. The story is the same but the dancers are new: they were kids at the time and now they are part of the company and have principal roles and are giving their own personalities to the ballet. It is exciting both for those who did it before and for the new ones. We’re not chang- Image Source: Orsolya Sarossy ing the steps, we are keeping the tradi- dance. The two choreographers gave an tion and giving them the opportunity to EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY exclusive interview to GEORGIA TODAY, be part of it. LORRAINE VANEY ahead of the premiere on October 16. THE BOURNONVILLE STYLE OF TELL US MORE ABOUT DANCING IS CHARACTERIZED he much-awaited Danish THE BALLET. BY LIGHTNESS, AS IF THE ballet “From Siberia to Mos- [Dinna] Bournonville is the base of the DANCERS WERE FLOATING. cow,” or “Natalie,” is com- Danish ballet’s style and repertoire and THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ing back to Georgia after Natalie is the last he created. August ORGANIC RELATIONSHIP 10 years thanks to the artis- Bournonville directed the Royal Danish BETWEEN HIS STYLE AND THE Ttic synergy and lasting friendship between Ballet for almost 50 years and choreographed GEORGIAN TRADITIONAL Nino Ananiashvili, Artistic Director of 60 ballets; about 10 are still alive and have DANCE. HOW COME? the State Ballet of Georgia, and the Dan- never been out of our repertoire since 1800. Bournonville has always been inspired ish choreographers Frank Andersen and It is the specifi cities of this style, conserved by national dance, and he travelled a Dinna Bjorn. Andersen was twice Artis- and represented by the Royal Danish Ballet lot. Every place he went, he took some tic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, without interruption till today. details of the folklore dance and put it and Bjorn is a dancer specialized in But of course, presenting Bournonville into his works. The production itself directing Bournonville’s ballet. It is a ballets exactly how they were back in incorporates part of the Georgian tra- world-premiere, since the ballet has been the 19th century would surely look strange ditional dance. Also, Bournonville bal- out of the Royal Danish Ballet’s reper- to a modern public. The girls did not go let is about people, real people and their toire since 1904. “Natalie” is the last bal- on point, for instance. The art of ballet problems. This ballet is a true story, let of the Danish choreographer August is not a museum piece. We are reviving with problems that echo the audience’s Bournonville, written in 1876, three years a living tradition, but we are not trans- own worries and dilemmas. In the same before he passed away. First staged in forming its spirit and aims. tradition, we, as choreographers, are 2009 at the Tbilisi State Opera, the bal- The same is true for “Natalie”. This bal- also inspired by the countries we visit, let was a triumph, acclaimed by critics let has been out of the Danish Royal Ballet by the dancers we meet, by the chore- for the careful reconstruction and the repertoire for over 100 years. It was last ographers we exchange with, and it is subtle inclusion of Georgian traditional staged in 1904 in Copenhagen, but fortu- amazing to see how the Bournonville

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