Meet classical music stars Nathan Amaral & Kasparas Mikužis

Who (or what) inspired you to first start performing? (other artists, a particular composer or maybe someone close to you)

N: My phone storage capacity allowed only 1 video in it and I had Nathan Milstein in black and white playing his own Paganiniana piece and I thought that I would never be able to play it, but instead of being intimidated that inspired me a lot to work hard and overcome my limitations.

K: My aunt had an upright piano in her home which she used to play, so whenever I’d visit her, I’d always try and play it too. This must have been my very first inspiration which was stemming from being curious and fascinated by the instrument and it’s possibilities.

What have been your music career highlights so far?

N: The creation of my festival to help kids that are from vulnerable background in Brazil.

K: One that I felt most moved by was collaboration with John Wilson and Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra when we performed Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto together. We had an amazing week together working on this masterpiece, and the fact that orchestra was made up of fellow academy students made the whole experience even more special.

Some of the other highlights that stand out in my memory are musical encounters with my mentor Gabriela Montero, as well as, having my Wigmore Hall recital debut and a few months later coming back there for YCAT finals!

What advice would you give upcoming artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

N: You shouldn’t let anyone define your limits or your potential. Work smarter not harder and have focus but remember that time is precious and being with loved ones is essential.

K: Stay true to yourself and your art.

What do you hope the audience in Harrogate takes away from your performance?

N: I just want that wherever my voice reaches, people can connect with the message in a genuine and honest way.

K: I hope the audience will have a great time at our recital, leaving the concert hall being moved by the music and somehow elevated and inspired by it!

Describe your programme in 3 words.

N: Elegant. Passionate. I will leave it to the audience to decide the third one after the concert and let me know 🙂

K: Delicate, emotional and beautiful.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals?

N: I try to avoid having any rituals because we often need to be so flexible and anything can happen before a concert (flight delays, string break, traffic jams, etc) but I try to at least be well warmed up before walking on stage.

K: Not really, except that I like to go through the whole programme on the day either on the piano or with a score in my head.

What do you most enjoy about performing live and why is it still important in our digital age?

N: I enjoy a few things about performing live, one of them being the atmospheric energy when a group of people sit together to experience the same thing which is quite palpable and absolutely changes how I approach the music immediately. Another thing is that when on stage I shut down my external thought and it is a moment where for a few minutes I can’t think of problems, bills, emails, nothing but the music, which is actually very liberating.

K: I love the connection and atmosphere a performer can create with the audience in the moment, which can be spontaneous, inspiring and emotionally moving. As with any art form, a digital experience can never replace a real live event, and that is the true beauty of it, every performance is different!

If you could collaborate with any other artist, throughout time, who would it be and why?

N: Gustavo Dudamel. Because besides the fact that he is a fantastic musician, I come from a social project similar to El Sistema and he has always been a big inspiration in my career.

K: I’d love to collaborate on stage with my mentor Gabriela Montero, I think she’s an amazing artist and human being, and she’s also great fun!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

N: Mariah Carey “All I want for Christmas is you”  BUT NOT BY CHOICE, IT’S EVERYWHERE I GO

K: Last few songs I’ve listened were by the rock band The Strokes. I’m also listening to jazz pianist Bill Evans a lot recently.