The Giya Kancheli Tbilisi Youth Orchestra (TYO) is Georgia’s only youth orchestra, sustaining a comprehensive annual concert season in Tbilisi, playing a vital role in the country’s cultural landscape.

Founded in 2019 at the National Palace in Tbilisi through the ambitious vision and collaborative initiative of composer Mika Mdinaradze and conductor Mirian Khukhunaishvili, the TYO quickly became a prominent force in the region, providing exceptional, high-level training and performance opportunities for young Georgian musicians.

The TYO presents an ambitious season of ten to twenty full-scale concerts annually, which has garnered both national and international recognition. This has led to successful collaborations with world-class artists. These include conductors Paavo Järvi and Andrey Boreyko, and celebrated soloists such as violinist Gidon Kremer or cellist Anastasia Kobekina. Beyond the classical repertoire, the TYO also successfully performs innovative non-classical collaborations with artists like Anna Meredith, Worakls and Kordz, effectively reaching new and diverse audiences.

The orchestra is a consistent and highly valued participant in major Georgian music festivals, including the prestigious Tsinandali Festival, Telavi International Music Festival and the Toradze International Music Festival, where its dedication and artistry have earned it the position of resident orchestra since 2024.

The TYO’s commitment to excellence and its dynamic performances have led to significant international tours across Europe. The orchestra has performed across Germany, Switzerland, and San Marino at prestigious venues like the Berlin Konzerthaus or the Liederhalle Stuttgart. Notably, the TYO has been invited twice to the highly regarded Young Euro Classic Festival in Berlin, with both performances receiving critical acclaim and being broadcast and streamed by Rbb RadioKultur Berlin, further solidifying their international profile.

Future plans underscore the orchestra’s commitment to continued growth and international exposure, including anticipated participation in the esteemed Beethovenfest Bonn and exciting collaborations with internationally renowned figures such as conductor Gianandrea Noseda and legendary Georgian pianist Eliso Virsaladze.