Special - Sopho Khalvashi interview | Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Sopho the Georgian representative at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest opened her heart and shared her dreams with esctoday editor Sanjay Jiandani in an exclusive interview. Georgia will be debuting at the Eurovision Song Contest with their very first Eurovision entry Visionary dream.

Sopho is very proud of representing her home country Georgia at the fortchoming Eurovision Song Contest. She goes on to reveal how she was introduced to the musical scene and world. She talks about her Eurovision entry Visionary Dream describing it as a blend and combination of modern music with traditional Georgian elements. She assures us that her performance in Helsinki will be different to the one in the Georgian final.

Sopho when and how did you start your singing career?

I dreamed about becoming a singer since my childhood. I started to sing when I was about 3 years old.  And very soon my family realized how important music was to me. So they always tried to encourage and help me in everything. I began to study in the Music School (Piano and Oboe Departments) in Batumi.  In 2003, I became a prize-winner of the International Pianists Contest held in Tbilisi together with a friend of mine. Later I started singing and since that time I realized that singing is my destiny and my chance to live a real life. Later I took part in the TV Song Contest “Nutsas Skola”, where I became a winner as a Jury Favorite, next was Yurmala, Latvia in 2006. It was the first International Song Contest for me and I became a third place prize-winner. My music teacher thinks that I have a very special voice, calling it “mezzo-soprano of big range”.  The Eurovision  Song Contest is a much higher step for me. I am working very hard to get prepared for my performance in Helsinki and it’s a great pleasure to be doing something that you live for.

Tell us about yourself. Your hobbies and what you like. How is the Sopho behind the stage?
 
I think behind the stage you would see me as a girl who has the same dreams and likes as all the young girls. Of course, most of my dreams are connected with music. In my spare time and to tell the truth, I do not have it very often nowadays, I try to meet up with friends and spend time with my family. I enjoy discovering new things. One of my favourite sayings is "The one, who searches, will always find!” And I think that music is the best way for me to discover new things and new possibilities to grow.

What does it mean for you to be the first singer to represent Georgia at the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest?

I am very happy about my debut and the debut of Georgia. On one hand that is not easy because it is a big responsibility to represent my own country at this important musical contest and especially when it is going to be the first appearance of Georgia at the Eurovision Song Contest. I know that I have to do my best not to miss the chance to introduce my country through my music. I feel that Georgian people are supporting me and that helps out a lot. Music is the best way to connect different people and cultures and Eurovision proves this every year. I am really glad that my song will be part of it in 2007.

Is the Eurovision Song Contest famous in Georgia? Have you been following the contest in the previous years? What are your memories if so?
 
Yes, Eurovision became quite popular in Georgia despite the fact that we were not able to watch it on TV, and I had to ask my friends to bring me tapes of the contest from the previous years. I think that this year Eurovision is bound to conquer Georgian audiences because it will be our debut. A couple of years ago I couldn’t even imagine that I would have a chance to represent my own country at the European Song Contest so soon. 

Tell us about your song, what is it about? How will you stage and present your entry in Helsinki? Are you preparing any surprises?

“Visionary Dream” is a combination of the modern music and the traditional Georgian elements. With this song we tried to reveal Georgian culture and spirit and I think it turned out to be quite successful. As for my performance I would like to keep the details in secret for now. Otherwise it will not be so interesting for you to see it. I will tell you that my performance will be absolutely different from the Georgian final. The main idea is to present my song as a combination of modern and traditional Georgian styles.

How did you feel when you were chosen to represent your country at the Eurovision Song Contest?

I was very happy to be the one to represent Georgia, but when I realized that I would be the first Georgian singer at the European Song Contest I understood what an amazing responsibility that would be on my shoulders. The debut is always very important. This is why I am working hard now to make a good performance and introduction in Helsinki.  

Have you heard any of the other participating entries at this year's contest? Do you have any favourites? 
 
Yes. I try to listen to the songs of the other participants. All the artists are professionals and I am sure well prepared to the competition. I think that every entry has its own style and peculiarities and I think that one can learn a lot from every country’s entry. I am very happy to have the chance to meet them in Helsinki and make friends.

Have you promoted your entry outside Europe?

We made a decision not to have promo tour prior to Finland but pay more attention towards the preparation for the performance itself. We try to dedicate a lot of time to the communication with the representatives of European media and fans. 

What do you think are the right ingredients for a winning entry at the Eurovision Song Contest?
 
Good music, a good song, good luck and the desire to win. As this contest is made for the European viewers, everything depends on them and the way the singer appeals to the public.

How do you feel about the fact that your song 'Visionary Dream' has been well received among the European fans?
 
I am really glad to know that not only Georgian people like my music but that I also have support from European fans. It encourages me a lot and makes my desire to make a great performance even stronger. It is very important for me to receive this feedback. I send my best and warmest wishes to all the fans.

What are your plans after Eurovision? Tell us about your forthcoming projects.
 
Now my only plan is to make a good performance and a remarkable debut for Georgia. Recently I recorded an international album in the Livingston Studio in London. It has the same name as my ESC 2007 entry song and there are 8 songs recorded in total. The producers were Beka Japaridze and Achiko Guledani. Beka Japaridze is also the composer of the song “Visionary Dream” while the lyrics were written by Bibi Kvachadze. At the moment it is difficult to speak about forthcoming projects, because all my thoughts are about the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. I can say for sure that I will keep on singing and sharing my music with as many people as possible.

Do you have any message for your fans in Europe and for our readers at esctoday.com?

I wish everyone good luck, good songs, a good show and the realization of your visionary dreams!

Enjoy the Eurovision contest and please welcome Georgia!

esctoday would like to thank Ms Marina Skomorohova (PR coordinator Georgian Delegation) for her kind collaboration and assistance during this interview.

esctoday would like to wish Sopho the best of luck at the Eurovision in Helsinki on May the 10th.