Georgian Pianist Manana Doijashvili Has Died, Aged 75

Doijashvili was the founder of the Tbilisi International Piano Competition

Georgian pianist Manana Doijashvili has passed away at the age of 75. Doijashvili was a key figure in Georgia's music scene and established the Georgian Music Competitions Fund — which among other initiatives funds the Tbilisi International Piano Competition.

A prizewinner at Ensecu, Smetana, and Sydney piano competitions, Doijashvili studied at the Tbilisi State Conservatory with Georgian pianist Tengiz Amirejibi.

She would go on to a professorship at the same institution, where she taught and influenced a great many students. Doijashvili was honored for her work when she was awarded the title of People's Artist of Georgia.

"The piano world is in deep mourning for the very recent death of Manana Doijashvili, a great figure in the Georgian musical world, an excellent pianist, director of the Tbilisi Conservatory, creator of the famous International Competition and tireless advocate of the great values of musical art," wrote pianist and conductor Andrea Bonatta on social media.

"Our recent meeting in Georgia had strengthened our already long friendship. She leaves a great void, which no one can entirely fill. Her life spent for music represents for all of us a very high example."

Our condolences to Ms. Doijashvili's family, friends, and colleagues.