This summer, guitarist Gonçalo Maia Caetano graduated from the Academy with an Advanced Diploma. We spoke to Gonçalo about his musical upbringing, inspirations and his time studying at the Academy. Read on below and enjoy a video of Gonçalo performing an excerpt of Giulio Regondi's Introduction and Caprice, filmed in the Academy's Susie Sainsbury Theatre.
Are you considering the Academy as the next step in your musical journey? Read our new Guide to find out more about studying here, or sign up for one of our Discovery Events happening in the autumn term.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC? WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING THE GUITAR?
I started playing the guitar when I was five years old. My parents were always listening to Led Zeppelin and I remember being captivated by the guitar solos; that’s what first sparked my interest in the electric guitar. A little later my dad enrolled me in classical guitar lessons, and that has remained my main focus ever since. I still enjoy playing electric guitar and I’m also the bass player for the Phemo Quartet.
What are your musical inspirations?
There are quite a few! The guitarists I’ve always admired most are Julian Bream, David Russell and Fabio Zanon. I also played the piano when I was younger and was inspired by pianists like Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim, Evgeny Kissin and András Schiff.
What Led you to study at the Academy?
I had always known the Guitar Department at the Academy was exceptionally strong. I really wanted to study in London and the Academy was my dream institution. I began preparing for the audition more than a year in advance to make sure I would play my absolute best.
What HAS YOUR EXPERience Academy been like?
It's been amazing! I’ve made lifelong friends and my playing has improved significantly.
IS there a standout memory from your time studying here?
One moment that really stands out is winning the Blyth Watson Concerto Prize. I had spent a few months in Portugal during the pandemic and that’s when I started being very careful and focused with my practice. Winning that prize felt incredibly rewarding; it reassured me that I was on the right path.
What does the academy mean to you?
The Academy feels like a second home, mainly because of the people. I’m especially grateful to my professor, Michael Lewin, who played a crucial role in my development as a musician. His patience and guidance helped me find my direction, and I’ll always be thankful for that.
Gonçalo Maia Caetano performs Giulio Regondi's Introduction and Caprice
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE PIECE YOU ARE PERFORMING IN THE VIDEO. WHY IS IT SPECIAL TO YOU?
In this video, I perform Introduction and Caprice by Giulio Regondi. It’s a beautiful piece that I prepared for my Master’s final recital. It holds a special place for me because, although I’ve played a lot of contemporary music and commissioned several works during my time at the Academy, this was the only Romantic piece I played from my Bachelor’s through to my Master’s.
What would you say to people considering the Academy as the next step on their musical journey?
The Academy is absolutely worth it! The community is incredibly supportive and you’re surrounded by inspiring and world-renowned musicians every day. For guitarists in particular it’s a fantastic place to study. The department is really friendly, with numerous events such as chamber music concerts, lunchtime recitals, lectures and masterclasses with some of the world’s greatest guitarists.