Montenegrin guitarist Miloš Karadaglić broke on to the scene in 2011 following the success of his debut album Mediterráneo. The Latin American inspired album topped classical charts around the world and Miloš quickly became an international sensation, earning Gramophone’s esteemed Young Artist of the Year Award. Since then, Miloš has cemented his place in classical music, delighting audiences from New York’s Le Poisson Rouge to London’s Royal Albert Hall. Karadaglić talked to Abu Dhabi Week’s Rachael Peacock.
You’re originally from Montenegro so where does the Latin inspiration in your music come from?
I started to play guitar because I thought it was really cool and the perfect instrument for a boy. Then I fell in love with classical guitar having heard the great Andrés Segovia. I was inspired by that and through the guitar I fell in love with Spanish music because it is so organically linked to Spain. Then when I was growing up I was slowly discovering new areas of the repertoire and the second most natural area of the guitar comes from Latin America.
How do you describe your style of music?
I’m a classical guitarist but in terms of my style that’s not something that I know because I just play the way that I am; I let the music be. That is how I find freedom.
How have you found the last few years following the release of your album Mediterráneo?
Before I released it, like so many artists, I was trying to be noticed. When it finally happened it was the most intensive period when I suddenly went from playing ten concerts a year to a hundred and not just in small churches around the English countryside but in the most prestigious venues in the world. It’s been very intense but also very exciting and a dream come true. At the same time it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning. To have that immediate success carries with it a sense of responsibility. During those first few years I’ve been trying to find a balance. It’s a very nice, rewarding feeling of achievement and in a sense, peace.
Tell us about your third album…
It’s called Aranjuez, which is the name of the most famous guitar concerto written by Joaquin Rodrigo. This is just rounding up that chapter of Latin/Spanish music in my recording career.
What can we expect from your Abu Dhabi concert?
It’s my first concert in Abu Dhabi so, like every first performance, I like to showcase myself as a complete artist. I’m going to play everything from Bach through to some of the most exciting South American and Spanish pieces and then conclude with a piece which is actually very much inspired by the Arabic/Islamic world.
Will you have any accompaniment?
Not this time. In Abu Dhabi I will play a full solo recital so just me, the guitar and nothing else.
What will you be doing in your spare time in Abu Dhabi?
I would like to play the oud, which is a predecessor to the guitar. It’s a beautiful instrument. I would like to visit the incredible mosque and just try to immerse myself in the local culture for a few days because that’s the beauty of travelling: learning and experiencing new things.
Is there any music we would be surprised to find on your ipod?
I like to listen to Diana Krall and Paco de Lucía, but also things like Daft Punk, Muse and Coldplay.
Does your guitar have a name?
No, it doesn’t have a name because my guitar is part of me and the way that an artist is connected to an instrument is the closest thing to being connected to a human being. So no funny names.
Milos in Recital: An Evening of Latin And Classical Guitar will be held on 26th March at 8pm in the Emirates Palace Ballroom. Tickets are available from Virgin Megastore online for AED 150. For more information visit: www.abudhabifestival.ae
