Alumni Spotlight: Miloš Karadaglić | Royal Academy of Music

Born in Montenegro in 1983, Miloš first started playing the guitar at the age of 8. At 16, he successfully applied for a scholarship to study at the Academy and moved to London, where he continues to live while keeping close ties with his family and homeland. He was appointed a Fellow of the Academy in 2015, and in 2016 he became our President of Alumni.

BBC Music magazine included him among six of the greatest classical guitarists of the last century and he is the first classical guitarist to have performed in solo recital at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Hi Miloš! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us.

You’ve been described as 'The hottest guitarist in the world' (Sunday Times), 'classical music’s guitar hero' (BBC Music Magazine) and 'The King of Aranjuez'. What have your career highlights been so far?

I’m always so embarrassed by such grand quotes but of course it’s flattering to know that the public and critics enjoy your work - we all live for the applause! I’ve been most fortunate to enjoy an incredibly exciting career ever since I left the Academy in 2008. I’ve played at most of the world’s famous venues and festivals and each has been unique and memorable. As for the highlights, I will always remember my first recital in the round of the Royal Albert Hall. It was a huge undertaking for a solo classical guitarist and it was something that I had fantasised about since childhood. It was a dream come true.

And what are you looking forward to this year?

This year I am releasing a new album for Decca Classics. It’s been three years since the last one and a lot has happened in that time. This is reflected in the style and musical choices I have made with this album - it was maybe the most important and educational part of my life so far. I am also very much looking forward to the world premiere of the Howard Shore guitar concerto, written for me, which is scheduled for Ottawa in early May 2019. Then there are the summer festivals and from September I am playing a 19-date tour in the UK - I can’t wait!

You’ve been our President of Alumni since 2016. Could you tell us what you think makes Academy alumni special?

The Academy is special. It’s been my musical home ever since starting the undergraduate course in 2000. So many fantastic artists went through the Academy and there is indeed a real sense of community among us. It always feels great when you’re somewhere far away and then by pure chance you cross paths with colleagues and friends from your student days. I am very proud to be the President of Alumni. Together, we are working very hard in order to make sure that we grow even stronger and better for all the future generations of musicians that pass through the Academy's doors.

What is your advice to recent graduates at the beginning of their careers?

My advice to graduates is always the same: work hard, but even more importantly, follow your own unique voice and trust in who you are, because there is no one else out there in this world who is like you. Our uniqueness is our biggest asset - once we recognise and believe in this, the sky is the limit.