Southwestern Adventist University is thrilled to announce that Nathan Amaral, recently awarded the Grand Prize of both the Concert Artist Guild (CAG) and Young Concert Artists Trust (YCAT) competitions, will be the featured guest performer at this year’s Night at the Meyerson performance. Nathan, who is also the first prize winner of the 2024 Sphinx Competition, has established himself as one of the most compelling and dynamic musicians of his generation.

Known for his technical ability and emotional depth, Nathan is celebrated for transcending technique to reach the heart of musical expression. His unique style has earned him high praise from some of the world’s most respected artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, who described him as “one of the rare musicians who not only possesses the gift of ample technical ability but uses it to transcend technique, getting to the heart and soul of musical expression.”

Nathan has performed as a soloist with renowned orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra. His performances have graced some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, KKL at Lucerne Festival, and Symphony Hall in Boston. His recent engagements include solo performances with the Chineke! Orchestra at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London’s Southbank Centre and his Decca debut album recording with Chineke!

An award-winning violinist, Nathan’s accolades include numerous first and special prizes in international competitions, including the Paul Roczek Award at Mozarteum University Salzburg, the Wiener Klassik Preis in Vienna, and the Ruggiero Ricci Violin Competition. He has worked with celebrated chamber music partners like Hilary Hahn, Tabea Zimmermann, and Donald Weilerstein, and has been invited to esteemed music festivals such as the Krzyzowa Music Festival and Yellow Barn.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Nathan’s journey into music began at the age of twelve through a social project in the favela of Mangueira, where he was the only student to continue pursuing music. His life and work have inspired many, leading to the creation of his own festival, the Week of Musical Integration, aimed at providing music education to young musicians from underprivileged backgrounds in Brazil. Nathan’s mission to make music accessible to all, regardless of background, is at the core of his work, and he has been featured in a documentary about his life on major TV channels in Brazil.

Nathan’s performance promises to be an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to welcoming him to the stage at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The event will take place on April 13 with tickets available for purchase through https://swau.edu/give/meyerson/