Internationally acclaimed conductor, Maestro Edvard Tchivzhel, serves as Music Director and Conductor, Emeritus of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.

He gained national attention in 1991 when he defected in Washington, DC from the former Soviet Union. 35 years later he returned to DC as an American citizen to conduct the Star-Spangled Banner on the National Mall for America’s 250th Independence Day celebration.

“The Last Defector”, produced by Studio Fifteen, premiered as a short documentary at the Reedy Reels Film Festival in 2024. 

Tchivzhel continues to maintain an active guest conducting calendar throughout the USA and internationally.

He is well-known for his moving, precise, and energetic interpretations. Tchivzhel’s performances have been reviewed by national and local media, highlighting his “high standard, vivid gestures, and strong emotional overtones” (Washington Post), “passion and extravagance… tempered by precision and clarity” (Limelight Magazine), “crisp, polished playing” (The Greenville News), “radiant, elegantly shaped account” (Classical Voice America), “athletic conducting” (Citizen Times), and “thick weeping textures… shaped with aristocratic elegance” (The Mercury News).