The Georgian conductor Levan Jagaev was introduced to the Split audience last season with the ballet Laurencia by Vakhtang Chabukiani, in the choreographic version by Nina Ananiashvili. This season, Maestro Jagaev conducts the Opera Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre Split in performances of the beloved ballet The Nutcracker. In an interview with Maestro Jagaev, we discovered what working on The Nutcracker means to him, how he balances operatic and ballet repertoires, and what energy he plans to bring to the Split audience through this timeless musical story.

The Split audience already got to know you through the ballet Laurencia. What is it like to return to Split and conduct almost every night in front of auditorium?

Returning to this city is always associated with great emotions for me because this city has a special energy that I always feel. I am very happy to have the opportunity to come back to this marvelous theatre, to work with a fantastic Orchestra and a wonderful Ballet Company, and to meet the extraordinary audience of Split almost every day, which is a great honor for me.

 The Nutcracker is beloved worldwide, but what personal significance does it hold for you as a conductor? Do you have a favorite scene or moment in the score?

Tchaikovsky's music is very close to my heart and my emotions. All his works are masterpieces created in all genres. The Nutcracker is one of the composer's most popular compositions. The music belongs to the Romantic period and contains some of his most memorable melodies. I would highlight a scene from the second act, "Le cafè" - Arabian dance whose melody the composer took from a Georgian lullaby.

In your opinion, what makes The Nutcracker such an enduring holiday tradition across different cultures, and how do you hope the audience in Split will connect with this production?

The Nutcracker has become an enduring holiday tradition because it captures the universal themes of wonder, imagination, and joy. Tchaikovsky’s stunning music and the magical story transport audiences to a whimsical world that transcends cultural boundaries, making it a beloved classic globally. For audiences in Split, I hope this production evokes the holiday season's warmth and magic while highlighting our performers' incredible talent and artistry. I believe this version will resonate deeply, bringing familiarity and new enchantment to families and individuals alike. We see how full the hall is daily; tickets are sold out for almost every performance. I am thrilled that I see the bright faces of hundreds of children every day because it means that Split's audience is closely connected to this production.

Can you share a particularly memorable moment or challenge from the rehearsals for this production of The Nutcracker? How did it shape the final performance?

Given the limited rehearsal time, ensuring the orchestra and dancers were fully synchronized was a challenge. However, the progress we made in a short period was impressive. Each rehearsal focused on refining key sections, and with clear communication and focus, we brought Tchaikovsky's music to life. By the time of the first performance, the orchestra had a strong sense of cohesion and timing, which helped create a seamless experience for the dancers and the audience.

How do you see your role as a Georgian conductor continuing to evolve on the international stage?

As a Georgian conductor, my cultural background plays a pivotal role in how I approach music and leadership. With its rich choral traditions and complex harmonies, Georgian music has instilled in me a deep respect for the interplay between structure and emotion, which I bring to all my performances. 

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse ensembles in different countries. These experiences have broadened my understanding of various musical traditions, expanded my interpretative skills, and deepened my ability to communicate with musicians from different cultural backgrounds. I aim to continue evolving as a conductor who embraces the unique characteristics of each performance while fostering collaboration and innovation. 

Looking ahead, I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of classical performance in terms of repertoire and outreach. The international stage offers endless opportunities for collaboration with other great musicians. I plan to use these opportunities to bring Georgian musical elements to a broader audience while learning from the rich traditions of different cultures. My vision is to remain an ambassador of Georgian culture in the global music community while continuously evolving as a conductor who adapts to new challenges and opportunities, always seeking to inspire both the musicians I work with and the audiences I engage.