Jazz Orchestra
The Polytechnic Institute Pop Orchestra, founded in 1942-43 by conductor Nikoloz Tevzadze, is regarded as one of the forefathers of Georgian pop art. A jazz orchestra was founded in 1948 on the basis of the orchestra, led by Ioseb Tughushi, a student of the Faculty of Geology who later became an honoured artist; a vocal quartet led by Honoured Artist of Georgia Guram Bzvaneli; a vocal ensemble “Shvidkatsa” led by conductor Jansug Kakhidze, an honoured figure of art; and the “Orera” ensemble was founded here. Famous musicians and composers such Sandro Mirianashvili, Iakob Kargareteli, Eddy Rozner, Alexander Babov, Konstantine Penzner, and Gia Kancheli were assembled by the orchestra. Prominent jazz musicians Giuli Chokheli, Jilda Datuashvili, Jano Bagrationi, Nanuli Abesadze, and Niko Jadugishvili; the legendary Nani Bregvadze, Gia Chirakadze, Jemal Sukhishvili, Irma Sokhadze, Eter Kakulia, Sisters Chapidze duo; pianist Medea Gongliashvili; musician Givi Gachechiladze; honoured artist of Georgia and well-known humorist Kartlos Kasradze began their artistic careers with the university orchestra.
Since 1975, the jazz orchestra has been led by Gogi Kalandadze, a member of the “Dielo” ensemble. Irakli Kalmakhelidze, a musician, has led the orchestra since 1980. Our jazz orchestra served as a springboard for the careers of the following singers: Zurab Kobeshavidze, Temur Tatarashvili, Eka Kvaliashvili, Manana Chitauri, Tekla Kalmakhelidze, Temo Sajaia, Keti Orjonikidze, Nini Tsiklauri (currently in the USA), Temur Nikolaishvili, a member of the “Via-75” ensemble; composer Zurab Makhniashvili, pianist Zaza Marjanishvili, Aleko Gegeshidze (soloist of Liverpool Jazz Club, saxophonist), Mikheil Kachkachishvili (currently owner of recording studio “Esplanade” in Los Angeles, sound director of three Oscar-winning films), Kako Vashalomidze, pianists Irakli Kvanchiani (to this day he cooperates with the jazz orchestra), Temur Maisashvili (Ensemble “Magic Roads”), Amiran Tskitishvili (Ph.D. of GTU, musician of the Vato Kakhidze Orchestra, still works with the orchestra), Merab Gudavadze (saxophone).