Khatia Buniatishvili to play her tunes in Abu Dhabi

Khatia Buniatishvili is one of the most highly rated young pianists in the world, but she still feels herself to be a person out of time.

The 27-year-old Georgian, who makes her Abu Dhabi debut at Manarat Al Saadiyat on January 7, describes herself as a “20th-century person”, harking back to a time when she feels the world of classical music had more scope for idiosyncrasy.

“Individuality and personality was much more important for 20th-century performers than today,” she says. “Today, I think promoters don’t request very original or unique personalities, they mostly want artists who are technically very good but no more than that.

“My favourite musicians from the past had no stylistic similarity at all, even though they’re from the same period. The 20th century was a time when the technical element and the very important human details were still not divided.

“I am still there. I cannot make a sterilisation of myself as a 21st-century person just yet.”

This struggle to assert a musical personality is at the core of Buniatishvili’s career. She is already known for distinctive performances that delight audiences – and sometimes divide critics. Her youth and undeniable charisma – one German newspaper called her the “classical Katy Perry” – has also helped create a star in the making.

Original article by Feargus O’Sullivan

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Khatia Buniatishvili to play her tunes in Abu Dhabi