The image that forms and sticks in your memory for a long time after seeing a concert by Tamara Gverdtsiteli still holds true even when you meet her in real life. Both in life and on the stage she’s a very open and sincere person. She sings not just with her voice (a fine and superb voice), but with all her soul, with all that enormous energy that entrances audiences in any country.

When we were filming the interview I couldn’t help remarking how many viewers were watching at Tamara Gverdtsiteli and probably thinking that her whole life was presented to her on a silver platter and a how incredibly lucky she’s been. In fact, this wonderful singer who has received standing ovations in the world’s most famous concert halls – Olympia and Carnegie Hall - has experienced not only hardship, but a civil war (!) and lived out of a suitcase in a tiny hotel room. Her life just goes to prove that genuine acclaim and fame don’t just grow on trees: it always takes a lot of hard work. Whatever obstacles may have arisen along the way, Gverdtsiteli couldn’t allow herself just to give up, because she has a son, a family and music – her main source of energy and inspiration.

As previously announced, the programme starring Tamara Gverdtsiteli was broadcast on 21st March.