Orange sky of Soviet children

Orange sky of Soviet children. In the 60s of the last century the song “Orange Song” was very popular in then the USSR. This song was first sung by a 7 year-old Georgian singer Irma Sokhadze during her first tour in Moscow. She sang the “Orange Song” in the garden of “Hermitage” in summer of 1965. In a very short time the song became insanely popular. It was sung by everybody. Yet the voice of 7 year-old Irma could not be confused with someone. It was recognized at once – an amazing lyricism and striking for the child professional tone. The song was specially written for Irma by poets Grigory Gorin and Arkady Arkanov in collaboration with composer Konstantin Pevzner.

Irma was born 28 November 1958 into a family of Georgian intelligentsia, her father was PhD in Technical Sciences and mother – a linguist. Irma Sokhadze began singing very early, since the age of two years. According to her mother, Irma from participated equally in the family ensemble consisting of father, mother and brother. This was the first recognition of her abilities as in Georgia take singing very seriously, and don’t think it something like entertainment. Children are not allowed in the ensemble – they can not spoil the song. Irma’s debut was when she was five years old. Irma was invited to the television. The director seriously asked, “What are you going to sing?” And after a few days, viewers saw Irma on the republican program performing one Italian and one Georgian song.

Text of the song “Orange Song”

For two days in a row I’m drawing
I have a lot of paints to choose
But I am going to paint the whole world
In my most favorite color –
Orange sky, Orange Sea
Orange Green, Orange camel
Orange mums, orange guys
Singing Orange song
Then a very adult man came to visit us
He shook his head looking at the picture
And he said to me – nonsense, cannot happen ever
Orange sky Orange Sea
Orange Green Orange camel
Orange mums orange guys
Orange singing orange song
But the sun has just begun to shine in the sky at that moment
And painted the world as I wanted
Uncle looked around and then suddenly saw
Orange sky Orange Sea
Orange Green Orange camel
Orange mums orange guys
Orange singing orange song
This song I sing everywhere for a long time
Even if I grow up I will still sing it,
Even if you’re a grown-up, it is good to see
Orange sky Orange Sea
Orange Green Orange camel
Orange mums orange guys
Orange orange sing songs
Orange mums orange guys
Orange singing orange song

In 1965, the record company “Melody” released first record of the young singer. It included the “Orange Song” and the song “It was in January,” “First Steps” and “What is that student.” In 1967, the Polish television filmed 15-minute musical film «Recital» (director Konstanty Ciciszwili), in which 9-year-old Irma sang jazz standards.

In 1969 Irma Sokhadze starred in the musical TV movie by Larissa Shepitko “At thirteen night.” (New Year’s night after 12).

Orange sky of Soviet children

Irma studied at the Central School of Music in Tbilisi (for gifted children). In 1974, she graduated from it with honors. in parallel, she received Conservatory education in piano and theoretical musicology. At the end of 1979 she graduated it with honors.

Irma Sokhadze has worked on the first (state) Georgian TV channel for twenty-five years. She started as a junior editor, and was editor of many author’s programs (“Musical Octagon” and others). She organizes charity events on television, marathons (to raise funds for orphans, refugees from Abkhazia), and gives charity concerts in Tbilisi. In April 2008, in the frames of “people’s diplomacy” she gave a concert in Moscow.