BBC Radio 3 has heralded Georgian pianist Giorgi Gigashvili as this year's recipient of the prestigious Terence Judd-Hallé Award, marking a significant milestone in the young artist's burgeoning career. This accolade is reserved for standout pianists within the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme, spotlighting Gigashvili's exceptional talent and promising future.

The award offers an enriching array of opportunities for the winner, including a concerto performance with the Hallé at Manchester's The Bridgewater Hall, a chamber recital alongside Hallé musicians at Hallé St Peter’s, and a solo recital as part of the Manchester Mid-Day Concert Series. Additionally, Gigashvili will receive a cash prize of £7,000, further supporting his musical endeavors.

Born in Tbilisi in 2000, Gigashvili's musical journey began at the Tbilisi State Conservatory, underlining a foundation that has propelled him to international recognition. With a collection of awards from Spain, Italy, Zurich, and Israel already adorning his resume, the Terence-Judd-Hallé Award stands as his inaugural UK-based accolade. April 2023 saw the release of his debut album, "Meeting My Shadow," which garnered widespread critical acclaim, underscoring his status as one of the most promising talents in the classical music world.

Reflecting on the significance of the award, Gigashvili expressed his gratitude and excitement: "When you are at the beginning of your musical career, you are so incredibly happy and grateful for support and awards like this. I feel very honoured; it motivates me to continue and makes me happy. I also look forward to playing with the outstanding Hallé Orchestra and getting to know its musicians better."

The young pianist also shared his emotional connection to Terence Judd, the award's namesake, whose talent and tragic life story resonate deeply with him. "I know about the history and the tragic life of Terence, and after receiving this award, I became immensely touched with the feeling that he started breathing in me and now I have a duty to fulfill his ideas and dreams."

As Giorgi Gigashvili prepares to grace the stages of Manchester's esteemed venues during the Hallé’s 2024-25 season, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring legacy of artists like Terence Judd. With a bright future ahead, Gigashvili's upcoming performances are highly anticipated by classical music enthusiasts eager to witness the evolution of this remarkable talent.