David Khrikuli on the Art of Communing with the Composer

Written by Joseph John L. Verallo  |  January 9, 2026

Ever since the final results of the 19th International Chopin Competition were announced, the figure of finalist David Khrikuli has been making a stir among many spectators. Now, after the competition, Khrikuli is engaged to perform in multiple concerts this December. Amid his busy schedule, Veniccio.com writer Joseph Verallo had the opportunity to interview the Georgian pianist on several topics.

The Chopin Competition is sometimes described as the musician’s version of the Olympics, rightly so, as competitors commit years—possibly their whole life—to studying the music of Chopin. In October earlier this year, over 80 talented pianists made their pilgrimage to Warsaw to perform Chopin’s beloved piano works. Among these, pianist David Khrikuli was one of the few who stood out.

Before the competition, Khrikuli already made a name for himself, winning international competitions such as the Cantù International Piano Orchestra Competition and the Vigo International Piano Competition, to name a few. 

He has studied under the pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch at the Queen Sofia School of Music in Madrid and had the privilege of having masterclasses with Elisabeth Leonskaja, Rena Shereshevskaya, and Nelson Goerner.

As a musician, Khrikuli exhibits a deep appreciation for the Polish composer. Indeed, when asked whom he would name as the winner of the recent competition in an interview on TVP World, Khrikuli iconically answered,

“I think that the winner in the end is Frederic Chopin.” 

Even after going through the grueling ordeal that was the Chopin competition, he had this to say of the composer’s music, “Performing his works will never create any fatigue or boredom whatsoever. In fact, I am looking forward to performing more of his works and adding new works of his to my repertoire.” 

When asked which piece of music he would suggest to entice a non-classical music listener into the tradition, he replied, “I would show them Chopin Scherzo No. 3. It’s a masterclass piece of intellect, excitement, brilliance and virtuosity. And also because it’s my favourite piece by Chopin.” Khrikuli had the honor of performing this piece at the recent Chopin competition’s main stage, 2nd round.

As a performer, Khrikuli’s philosophy adopts a “music first and foremost” approach. One huge piece of advice he gives to pianists when deciding their repertoire is:

“The rule is to only choose the pieces you are in love with. That’s my only way when it comes to repertoire. You will give it your full self.”

Music is often described as the “universal language,” particularly due to its ability to directly affect our emotions. It was Hans Christian Andersen who said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Yet many times, music can also be equally elusive. Musicians are faced with a piece’s myriad interpretive directions, each one varying the music’s message. No less is this simultaneous universality and elusiveness the case with Chopin’s music.

Still, no matter how personal the Polish composer’s music is, Khrikuli does not stray too much into inserting his own personality over Chopin. Rather, to him, it is equally indispensable to know the composer as it is to fall in love with the music.

“Chopin was a very difficult person in real life.” The pianist said. “Extremely complex, an introverted human being, almost as mysterious as Mozart. That very strongly is seen in his music. His world is mesmerising, yet when you dive into it, he doesn’t let you be there on ease. You face constant challenges and barriers.”

Although music universally moves one’s emotions, there is an equal intellectual dimension to it that performers must study. Khrikuli further elaborates on this intellectual aspect, especially when interpreting Chopin.

“Not only does one require an overall knowledge of his works, his style, but also a good taste and balance in sound, timing/rubato, the strengths. He was a loyal pupil of Bach, Mozart, and Bellini, and you can hear in his works the influence of all three. From the 1st, he took the rhythms and polyphony. From the 2nd, the vulnerability and structure, and finally from the 3rd, the operatic epicness and singing tone. The combination of all this, including Chopin’s own innovative ideas and huge Polish folkloric influence, the nobility, makes him one of the most challenging and exciting composers out there.”

All in all, Khrikuli opines that musical understanding primarily comes through experiencing, playing the music firsthand. “Now, when it comes to understanding the piece,” the pianist said,

“First you must understand the composer. In my case, it’s when I start to play a lot of music of that specific composer. You begin to get his style, his language, texture, ideas.”

Besides Chopin, Khrikuli also admires other composers. “Chopin is my main and first big musical inspiration.” He says. “Right next to him I will put Brahms. He changed and developed me as a musician in my late teens. I performed many of his works and will include them soon in my upcoming concerts.”

Outside of music, Khrikuli is quite active on social media, something he describes as one of his hobbies. There, you can also sometimes see his fascination with cinematography. In fact, the pianist said,

“If I didn’t choose music, I would definitely consider acting. As I mentioned before, I enjoy cinematography, especially the old school one between 1950-2000s.”

 The well-rounded musician is the well-rounded man. Khrikuli also shows this in his practice of sports such as swimming. “I admire nature, taking walks or hiking is one of my favourite things to do.” Khrikuli shared.

The pianist has a lineup of upcoming performances in 2026, including cities like Berlin, Paris, and London, among other places.

Photo courtesy of The Fryderyk Chopin Institute