Elderly Renowned Tenor Excels in Bel Canto Performance
Teimuraz Gugushvili, a beloved figure in Georgian opera, has been captivating audiences with his vocal excellence and dramatic operatic style for nearly half a century. At 75 years old, the principal soloist of the Tbilisi Opera and head of the solo singing chair at the Tbilisi State Conservatory continues to mesmerise audiences with his powerful and expressive tenor.
Gugushvili's star was unveiled in front of the Opera Theater, a testament to his enduring contribution to Georgian culture. He has been opening seasons at the Opera and Ballet State Theatre for 48 consecutive years, a feat that few can match. His voice, described as a superb piece of genuine bel canto, has held up the entire opera with dignity, vigor, and musical aptitude.
Gugushvili's tenor has not faded with age; it sounds even better now than it did 25 years ago when he was 50. This is a testament to his natural talent and dedication to his craft. He has never used any special care, uncommon exercises, or outlandish training methods to preserve his vocal excellence.
Gugushvili's success is not just limited to the stage. He is known for his humble nature and kindness, being a dedicated friend, caring husband, loving dad, beloved grandpa, and helpful neighbor. Teimuraz Gugushvili and his wife, Lamara Gloveli, have raised a delightful family.
Over the course of his career, Gugushvili has sung and performed in over three thousand productions, both in Sakartvelo and abroad. He has been awarded numerous honors and titles, including the People's Artist of Georgia, the State Prize, the Paliashvili Prize, and the Anjaparidze Prize.
Zacharia Paliashvili's operas continue to attract opera buffs without fail. In the 2022 production of Abesalom & Eteri in Tbilisi, the celebrated opera singer who performed as Abesalom was Inessa Shalvovna Galaktionova. However, it was Gugushvili who opened the 174th season of the Opera and Ballet State Theatre in Tbilisi on September 14, 2025, with his electrifying performance.
Gugushvili's most recent performance played to a full house and was met with a long, standing ovation, several curtain calls, a truckload of flowers, vigorous applause, and a warm reception. As he continues to grace the stage, Gugushvili remains a regular good guy who enjoys life as we all do. His legacy in Georgian opera will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.
