Violinist proves that Montenegro has incredible young artists Milutin Radulović and a pianist Miljana Nikolić who have combined their sensibilities into a duo that will have their first joint performance today. As part of the “Young Talents” cycle, their music will fill the large hall of the KIC “Budo Tomović” at 19 p.m.
"We are very much looking forward to our premiere performance in Podgorica. This is just the beginning, I believe, of a long and beautiful collaboration," says pianist Miljana Nikolić.
For "Vijesti" they talk about how the duo was formed, their collaboration, which compositions they will perform tonight, but they also reveal details of their own musical paths.
As Nikolić says, she and Radulović are friends, first and foremost, in their private lives, they have known each other for a long time and have a "truly wonderful friendly relationship."
"We have had the desire to collaborate as musicians for a long time, however, we were unable to organize ourselves earlier due to the many obligations that accompany both Milutin and me. Finally, the pieces fell into place and we decided to fulfill our mutual desire and form a duo," she said.
Radulović says they have a very good cooperation.
"The fact that we've known each other for a long time and have been friends has been a great help in communication. Besides, Miljana is a phenomenal artist and it's a great pleasure to play with her," Radulović pointed out.
When asked what factors need to be met in order for a duo to be found and function, Nikolić, "as someone who has dedicated a lot of time to chamber music and collaborated with many, from experience," says that communication, respect, and openness to new ideas are the keys to successful collaboration between musicians and "a simply healthy atmosphere throughout the entire preparation and performance process."
"Knowing Milutin, his character and personality, I knew that the two of us would get along and enjoy rehearsals, exchanging ideas and making music together. Playing in a chamber ensemble is a completely different role than when you are a soloist. Being aware of togetherness, listening to each other and reacting to each other results in a quality performance. On the other hand, what sets some chamber ensembles apart in terms of sound and performance is that like-mindedness in the musical sense, i.e. the matching of ideas in musical phrasing among the musicians, which results in a truly natural performance. In other words, the matching of sensibilities. That is what contributed to the entire process of preparing our concert running smoothly," explains the pianist.
As in any collaboration, so for the duo, Radulović believes that it is necessary for the members to be open-minded, that they are primarily open to cooperation, the exchange of opinions and ideas, "with, of course", the greatest possible degree of tolerance and mutual respect.
“When these factors are met, then all the diversity can make any ensemble even richer,” he says.
The audience will soon have the opportunity to experience the fruit of their collaboration, joint work and musical synergy through extraordinary compositions. As Nikolić says, as for tonight's program, they will perform masterpieces and essential compositions from the repertoire of every violinist.
"I must admit that I personally have a special love for Brahms and I feel a connection on many levels, so when Milutin suggested that we play his third sonata for violin and piano, I was thrilled. In addition, the program also includes the sonata in A major JSBah, a composer whose genius influenced and inspired all composers, regardless of their style or time. Bach's works are an inexhaustible source of musical knowledge, and even after so much time since his death, they continue to be studied and analyzed. And at the end of the concert, the audience will have the opportunity to hear Ravelovu "The rhapsody for violin and piano 'Tzigan', a truly interesting and attractive work," said Nikolić.
As Radulović describes, they begin with a baroque piece, Bach's sonata for violin and piano, "which is quite intimate."
"Then Brahms's sonata, his last sonata for violin and piano. A passionate work with a lot of different characters. And finally Ravel's 'Tzigane', also a passionate and virtuoso work, which is performed very often," he says.
This is the first time as a duo, but these two artists have already made appearances within the same cycle “Young Talents” at KIC, when Radulović once performed three recitals, and Nikolić performed as a member of the piano trio “Iskra”, with whom she plans to continue working on joint projects. They are also looking forward to tonight’s meeting at this institution in a positive spirit.
"I have always encountered kindness and helpfulness. KIC 'Budo Tomović' has been developing its 'Young Talents' program for a long time and provides support to young artists, and I have found myself among them several times. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and cooperation with them, which will only continue in such a spirit. As for this concert in particular, it was prepared professionally, so I only expect the audience to come in a good mood to enjoy hours of wonderful music together," said the pianist.
The violinist reveals that he came to KIC as a child, first as a member of the Zvjezdice children's choir, and then as a performer at the "Naša radost" children's festival.
"I played my first recital in that very hall. I have often played in both smaller and larger ensembles, also in the KIC. Because of all these concerts, I am happy to return to the KIC 'Budo Tomović'. I have many beautiful memories of the KIC and I always feel comfortable there. I expect the same from tomorrow's concert, a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere, both for the audience and for us, the performers," said the artist.
They have performed and competed in numerous events. Nikolić says that each performance is a special experience in itself.
"Every performance brings something new, so with every performance I learn something about myself, which helps me to progress further. Whether it's a solo performance or with a chamber ensemble, I look forward to every performance with equal enthusiasm," she points out.
Radulović singles out performances in his homeland.
"Every concert in my homeland is the most important for me," he says.
In addition to various public performances, these two young talents are constantly improving themselves, learning from renowned artists, traveling, balancing numerous commitments and constantly growing through their work in every sense. The pianist reveals that she completed her master's studies in Bari six days ago, with the highest grades.
“My experience, living in Bari and studying in a class of exceptional Ionian, I can't put myself in a few sentences. I learned so much, matured, met people, traveled, that when combined, it enriched me as a personality and a person. Bari as a city was not a random choice, but I went there exclusively to work with Professor Iannone. His dedication and care for the students he works with, regardless of the fact that he is an active pianist who plays and tours often, thrilled me. He is truly responsible for the great progress in my playing and I am immensely grateful to him for everything," she says.
As for Radulović, he is a full-time student in Saarbrücken, while in Sarajevo, as he says, his studies are on pause.
"It is currently not possible for me to complete my studies at both academies at the same time, but I hope to one day complete the studies I started in Sarajevo. The period I spent in Sarajevo had a great influence on me and my further development," he said.
Nikolić has participated in numerous seminars by famous pianists and pedagogues such as: Boris Kraljevic, Alexander Serdar, Tatjana Prelevic... and Radulović also improved his skills at seminars with renowned artists such as Roman Simović, Arkady Vinokurov, Robert Lakatos...
"Every pianist and pedagogue has their own ways of performing, techniques and approaches to a piece, so their advice is of course valuable. When you work with renowned artists, their experiences and work in general inspire and motivate us young people to work on ourselves and give our best in order to progress. Knowing and respecting their work, it is a huge privilege to have the opportunity to meet them and even work with them," emphasizes the young pianist.
Radulović says it is always inspiring to learn from such successful people.
"The very fact that I had the opportunity to play for them is a great privilege for me," added the violinist.
He says that the seminars are of great importance to them.
"On that occasion, we can hear different opinions from different perspectives, and I would say that this is quite useful for every performer." Igor Stravinsky once stated that all music was created by 'stealing' existing, other people's ideas, which inspire others to create their own," he said.
In the end, the two of them do what they love and enjoy, which is music, and discover which composers they are most attracted to.
"There are some composers with whom I feel natural when performing, and their musical language is completely understandable to me, as are Betoven, Chopin, Rahmanjinov, Brahms…but on the other hand, I like to perform works from all musical styles because they are all special in their own way. That diversity and the huge palette from which you can choose and what you want to prepare are an advantage, so I don't want to confine myself and perfect myself in one style," says Nikolić.
It seems to Radulović that it constantly changes depending on mood or period.
"But I notice that of the composers I like Beethoven the most and most often. His works are full of contrasts, between drama, temperamental character and lyrical melodies. However, whatever the character, there is always a special dose of sincerity in his works that is difficult to remain indifferent to," said the violinist.
Bonus video:
