The Harrogate International Sunday Series kicks off a brand-new season this month with a performance by Brazilian violinist and rising global star Nathan Amaral.
The acclaimed musician, who grew up in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, will take to the stage at the Old Swan Hotel on January 18th, where he will be joined by Lithuanian-born pianist Kasparas Mikužis.
Amaral’s musical journey has been a remarkable one. He started playing the violin at the age of 12 after being offered the chance to have lessons as part of a social project in the favela where he lived.
Since then he has become an award-winning young musician with a reputation for his versatile and charismatic playing. Amaral was First Prize winner of the 27th Sphinx Competition and a 2024 Classic FM Rising Star and has performed around the world as both a soloist and chamber musician.
He believes that music should be accessible to everyone and continues to support and teach young musicians from difficult backgrounds in his native Brazil through his own music festival.
Joining him in Harrogate is Kasparas Mikužis, one of the winners of the 2025 Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) international auditions, and a Classic FM ‘Rising Star’ from the same year.
Their programme will feature works by Mozart, Debussy, Franck and Villa-Lobos.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Harrogate International Festivals, and as part of the celebrations the Sunday Series is hosting two post-concert talks, starting with Amaral, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from the musicians themselves and gain deeper insight into their music.
Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said:
“The Harrogate International Sunday Series has been providing a platform to some of the most incredible musicians for more than three decades, which is why we are delighted to welcome Nathan Amaral to Harrogate.
“He is a truly outstanding violinist and, together with Kasparas Mikužis on piano, I can’t think of a better way to start this year’s Sunday Series and our 60th anniversary celebrations. It’s going to be a truly special performance!”
All of the Sunday Series concerts take place at the historic Old Swan Hotel, which provides an intimate setting to enjoy a morning coffee and exceptional music with friends.
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