Khatia Buniatishvili

Early Life

Khatia Buniatishvili was born on June 21, 1987, in Batumi, Georgia. She began her musical journey at the tender age of three, studying piano under the guidance of her mother. By the age of six, she had already given her first concert with the Tbilisi Chamber Orchestra, showcasing her prodigious talent. At just ten years old, she made her international debut, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the classical music world. Buniatishvili honed her skills in Tbilisi with Tengiz Amirejibi and later moved to Vienna to study with Oleg Maisenberg at the University of Music and Performing Arts. During her formative years, she also trained intensively with the renowned French pianist Michel Sogny at the Villa Schindler in Austria.

Career

Buniatishvili's professional career took off when she signed with Sony Classical in 2010. Her debut album, released in 2011, featured works by Liszt, including the Sonata in B minor and Liebestraum No. 3, which received critical acclaim. She quickly became a regular performer at prestigious events, such as the Verbier Festival, where she captivated audiences with her interpretation of Liszt's works. In 2012, she released her second album, "Chopin," which included both solo piano pieces and Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, performed with the Orchestre de Paris under the baton of Paavo Järvi. The Guardian praised her as one of the most exciting and technically gifted young pianists of her generation. Notably, on December 7, 2024, Buniatishvili was among the featured artists at the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, marking a significant moment in her career.

Personal Life

Khatia Buniatishvili shares her passion for music with her older sister, Gvantsa Buniatishvili, who is also a talented pianist. The two have collaborated on numerous occasions, showcasing their familial bond and shared love for classical music. Buniatishvili's dedication to her craft and her innovative approach to piano performance continue to inspire audiences around the world, as she remains a prominent figure in the classical music scene.