July 25, 2008
Maia Zavrashvili, Georgia Today

On 21 July, Nani Bregvadze, a distinguished Georgian singer and actress, celebrated her 70th birthday at an event in Tbilisi. Her birthday celebration was attended by Russian and Georgian politicians and well-known faces, as well as many friends, fans and admirers.

Russian President Dimitry Medvedev congratulated Nani Bregvadze on her 70th birthday by telegram and awarded her with the Order of Friendship, according to the news agency of Kremlin.

The telegram reads: “A bright talent and sincere emotional performance have brought you the tremendous love of your audience. You have always been distinguished by the variety and richness of your repertoire, in which the spiritual threads of various cultures and musical traditions have been harmoniously intertwined.”

Nani Bregvadze was born in 1938, in Tbilisi. Her father was an engineer who later took up acting and her mother was an amateur pianist. Nani was one of five sisters brought up in a highly intellectual family, from whom she inherited a kind nature and positive outlook.

Bregvadze first studied singing with her aunt and mother, and then attended music school in Tbilisi. Her first stage debut was in 1957 at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow. From 1958 to 1963 she studied singing and piano at the Tbilisi State Conservatory and graduated in 1963 as a concert pianist and singer.

Her artistic career was decided by impresario Bruno Coquatrix, who invited Bregvadze to sing in Paris. From 1965 to 1980 she toured all over the world as a member of the “Orera” vocal ensemble based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Since 1980 she has been touring as a solo artist.

Bregvadze sings in several languages, and her Georgian traditional folk songs and Russian romance classics have made her famous all over the world.

Nani Bregvadze was designated People’s Actor of USSR, People’s Actor of Georgia; she was awarded with the state prize of Georgia for her contribution to culture. She is an honorable citizen of Tbilisi. The famous Georgian singer shares her time between two homes in Tbilisi and Moscow.

Tbilisi Life wishes this remarkable lady sincere congratulations on her 70th birthday and wishes her health, happiness and many happy returns of this day.