One of classical music’s most promising guitar players, Miloš Karadaglic, is in the capital tomorrow for his UAE debut, as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Karadaglic, who was born in 1983, has consistently topped the classical music charts with his Spanish- and Latin American-inspired rhythms, and he was named Gramophone’s Young Artist of the Year in 2011 and Classic BRIT MasterCard Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2012. But his choice of music genre is unusual for someone from a small Eastern European country – far from Spain and Latin America, where his music has its roots.
When you were growing up, your homeland of Montenegro was affected by the Yugoslav and Kosovo wars. How did that influence you?
We had lots of trouble there when I was young, so that was tough. I remember that something was wrong, that some kids would not come to school. But luckily, I discovered music. I think that the impulse to play was stronger, because it allowed me to create a nice world for myself. It taught me that no matter what, music is able to take you to a different reality. If I had lived in a happy, prosperous country, maybe my attention would have wandered in a different direction.
How did you come to play the guitar?
When I was 8 years old, I heard about a free music school, so I asked my father to take me there for tests and they said I was very musical. I had no knowledge of classical music because my family never listened to it. I thought the guitar would be a cool choice – I wanted to be a rock star and I never imagined I would fall in love with the classical guitar. I got a scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of Music in 1998, when Montenegro was a country in big trouble, with closed borders, so moving to London was a shock, but it quickly became home.
Tell us how you came to own your guitar.
When I was a student, I was playing guitar on a cruise ship in the Amazon rainforest to earn money to buy a decent guitar. I got talking with this eccentric English gentleman, Paul Gillham, and it just happened that he was into classical music. He and his wife Jenny lent me their guitar on the condition that I would make a big career with it. If I did this, then I could keep it. So now it’s mine. The Gillhams became an inspiration in my life, they are like my family.
The guitar is a 2007 Greg Smallman worth US$30,000 (Dh110,000) – is that right?
Yes it’s very valuable, but the real value is beyond material because the instrument is almost like a part of me. That’s why I am very careful when I travel. The sound from it is rich, not as a guitar usually sounds.
Do you ever get stage fright?
When I was starting out, I did have a bit of stage fright. But now I get complete peace the moment I start playing. Because it’s a comfortable place, it’s a thing I know I am in charge of and it’s just me.
How is your latest album Latino Gold different from your previous albums, Mediterráneo and Latino?
My first two albums were about the repertoire of Mediterranean, Spanish and Latin American music that is really at the core of who I am as an artist. I used that repertoire to establish myself, then it was time for me to move from solo guitar to concertos. I will tour South America in 2015 and this is something I can’t wait for because my music really is part of that landscape – it’s all about rhythm and colour.
What’s your advice to aspiring young musicians?
I would tell aspiring musicians to just enjoy music. Inspiration for music comes from a place that is deep inside us, something you can just explore and allow it to take you to a different place – that place could be a concert hall or it could be playing for a bunch of friends.
How are you feeling about performing in the UAE?
I had always wanted to come to this part of the world, it’s very exciting. There are no limits here, it is quite extraordinary. The people here are so kind. And I would love to wear a kandura – I must buy one! They look so impressive.
• Miloš Karadaglic performs tomorrow at Emirates Palace at 8pm; doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost Dh150 from tickets.virginmegastore.me
artslife@thenational.ae
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
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