Sofia Nizharadze, the Georgian representative in the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo has spoken to esctoday.com about her preparations for this year's contest. Sofia talks about her excitement in taking part in the contest, how representing her country on Eurovision stage is more important than being the star of the show and changes in the presentation of the song Shine in Oslo will include new choreography that will see her dancing on stage.
esctoday.com: Firstly congratulations on being selected to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest. How do you feel about representing your country in the contest
Sofia: Thank you very much. First of all it’s a big honour for me and I’m very excited about it. I’m stressed a little bit too, because I feel the expectations of the whole country standing on my shoulders, but I’m honored and glad to be given such a mission.
esctoday.com: In the Georgian national final you were given a wonderful opportunity to showcase your musical talent by presenting six songs, many of which were composed by established Eurovision song writers. How did you enjoy all of this attention and being the star of the show?
Sofia: When the national broadcaster GEGT offered me to represent Georgia at Eurovision Song Contest, I felt as if I was in a dream. Of course being a star of a show is a very honorable feeling for an artist but representing my country on Eurovision stage is more important than being a star of a show.
esctoday.com: How would you describe your Eurovision entry Shine?
Sofia: Shine is a very impressive song. The main theme is “love” to your country, family, darling… Whenever you feel yourself alone love is the only feeling which will help you to survive. I really like performing Shine as it’s reflecting my style.
esctoday.com: Apart from Shine, which song was your personal favorite among the five other songs you presented in the final?
Sofia: Actually, I like all of the other songs but my favorite is Shine.
esctoday.com: Do you have plans record a new album and if so will this include the all six songs from the national final?
Sofia: Yes, after the Eurovision Song Contest I’m going to release a new album. I want to perform these songs at my new album.
esctoday.com: How are your plans progressing for Oslo? Do you have any plans for a promotional tour?
Sofia: At Oslo we’ll have a big Georgian party. Our guests will be internationally acknowledged opinion leaders, artists and trendsetters as well as international media. Regarding our promotional activities; I have been to the national finals in Azerbaijan. We are going to Amsterdam on April 24th for the Eurovision preview party, then we have promotional trips to Slovenia and Turkey. Meanwhile I am doing Internet and phone interviews as well as video conferences with music editors from all around Europe. It is a busy period and I enjoy every minute of it. It connects me with people from all around, making everything real and I feel very fortunate to have this chance.
esctoday.com: Can you tell us a little bit about how Shine will be presented on the stage in Oslo?
Sofia: It’ll be a new style for Georgia, We have a beautiful choreography . This year we’ll make the whole show all together, I’ll be dancing too. Our song is very very impressive but hard to sing with the high notes. When I first rehearsed, both singing and dancing, it was really hard. But I keep on rehearsing and I think there is going to be a great show in Oslo.
esctoday.com: As an establish artist in Georgia can you tell me a little about your musical background?
Sofia: I started singing before I started talking. I graduated from the musical academy under the Tbilisi State Conservatory where I studied piano and vocals. After that I continued my studies at the theatre of Arts (GITIS) and graduated with honors from the academy of music (GNESINY). After a long educational period I started to take part at musicals. In The Wedding Of The Jays and Romeo and Juliet I took the leading parts. In 2008, when the war between Russia and Georgia started I returned to my motherland, Georgia. And at 2010 I got the honor of performing a duet with Jose Careras. The song was Tonight from the West Side Story musical.
esctoday.com What are your musical influences?
Sofia: Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Lara Fabian… Very classic pop singers
esctoday.com: How important is it for Georgia to do well in this year's contest.
Sofia: Every year, all contestants perform to achieve the best for their country. This year I feel the same way too.
esctoday.com: Have you had a chance to listen to the other songs participating in this year's contest and if so, which are your personal favorite songs?
Sofia: Yes I listened to all the songs, there are lots of beautiful songs and great performers. I really like them. But I don’t want to pronounce a name because they are all my friends.
esctoday.com: Finally, do you have a message your esctoday.com readers?
Sofia: First of all I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to get in touch with your readers. Thanks to everyone for their support and I wish everyone can find the SHINE of their life.
esctoday.com: Thank you for taking the time to answerer these questions and on behalf of esctoday.com, may I wish you the best of luck in Oslo.
Georgia will be competing in thesecond Eurovision Song Contest semi final on the 27th of May.
www.worldofsofia.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3nxhVyB5OM
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www.facebook.com/nizharadzesofia
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