Program and Artist Biography

Hailed by fans and critics for his brilliant technique and transcendent musicality, Montenegrin guitarist Miloš Karadaglić has been compared to legendary guitar players Julian Bream, Andres Segovia, and John Williams. Born in 1983, Karadaglić is generally regarded as one of today's most gifted young guitar virtuosos. Karadaglić aim is to bring a new sense of excitement and new waves of listeners to classical guitar.

Growing up during the Balkan civil war, Karadaglić began playing the guitar at age eight—music provided reassurance and a means of escaping the trials and tribulations of living in a war-torn country. During the war years, Montenegrins were isolated from the outside world, trapped within their borders. But at last the restrictions eased. In 1996, Miloš was invited to play a concert in Paris.

Karadaglić very quickly won national recognition for his performances. At age 16 he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music where, after graduating with first class honors, he went on to complete a masters degree in performance and was subsequently made a Meaker Junior Fellow, making him the first guitarist to be given this accolade at the Royal Academy.

Karadaglić has been the recipient of many prizes, including the Julian Bream Prize, the Prince’s Prize, the Ivor Mariants Guitar Award, and the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. He has taken part in several young artists’ programs including at Wigmore Hall, and at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room as part of the Park Lane Group’s New Year Series. Throughout his studies, Karadaglić was generously supported by the John Hosier Music Trust, Musicians Benevolent Fund and the Hattori Foundation. In turn, he now works to support young talent as patron of the charity Awards for Young Musicians.

In July 2010, Karadaglić signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon. His first recording was released worldwide in spring 2011 to critical acclaim. The album explores his Mediterranean roots through the works of Granados, Albeniz, Tarrega, the Greek composer Theodorakis, Turkish composers, and new arrangements of Montenegrin folk songs.

Miloš’s recent engagements have included solo recital debuts at Wigmore Hall in London and the Lucerne Festival, as well as important North American venues such as Strathmore and the Kimmel Center. He has made concerto debuts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and English Chamber Orchestra. The 2011–12 season will feature appearances in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., areas, as well as his much anticipated New York City recital debut under the auspices of Carnegie Hall.