“I am very aware that on all my recent tours I have been labelled as “the King of Crossover,” says clarinettist Julian Milkis.
“It is a big responsibility and challenge... hopefully I will not disappoint.”
While the multitude of positive reviews seem to ensure this won’t be the case, being labelled as a crossover artist can be tricky. It means that purists on either side can look at you with suspicion, if not hostility.
Personally, I find that versatility is something to be admired in a musician.
And Milkis is one such musician. He has studied at the Juilliard School, debuted at the Carnegie Hall and was mentored by the legendary Benny Goodman.
His repertoire ranges from Mozart to jazz and he has won worldwide acclaim for all his performances irrespective of genre.
Perhaps it is the towering figure of Benny Goodman that dominates his musical experience. Milkis was, after all, Goodman’s only student.
“Benny Goodman opened my mind, taught me not to be afraid of anything, to try different things. He made me change my sound, my vibrato, and interpretation. Basically, he let me be myself, break every border and be ready to try new things. I am grateful to him forever for that.”
Milkis also acknowledges the fact that his musical formation was much broader than that, and also speaks fondly of his main clarinet tutor, Leon Russianoff.
“I owe everything to him. He taught me all I know and was like a father to me in every respect. I miss him dearly.” Between them, these two very different teachers helped to shape Milkis’ sound.
Versatility is something to be admired in a musician
Milkis has already been to Malta very recently, to give masterclasses as part of the Malta International Music Festival and Competition 2015.
This time round he will be coming over to give two recitals, a solo recital with pianist Polina Osetinskaya and a trio recital where the will be joined by cellist Boris Andrianov.
The recital, titled From Baroque to Jazz is typical of Milkis’s versatile approach with a programme that includes Bach, Hasse and a whole range of contemporary pieces. The trio recital focuses more on works by Piazzolla, Rota and Shor.
These last two composers are worth delving into. Nino Rota is generally known for his film scores but few are familiar with his more ‘serious’ music. Milkis is a strong advocate of his music.
“The Trio which we will be playing in Malta is one of his late works. When you listen to it you will recognise tunes from films like La Dolce Vita, La Strada, 8 1/2, Nights of Cabiria, etc. It is one of my favourite contemporary chamber works.”
The other composer, Alexey Shor, is probably not a familiar name over here, but he definitely a name to watch out for. Milkis collaborates a lot with Shor and speaks very highly of him.
“He is taking the world by storm – an overwhelming success everywhere his music is heard… and his music speaks for itself and people usually fall in love with what they hear… so unusual and original.”
Milkis will be performing Contemporary Master Pieces, Piazzolla and More, with cellist Boris Andrianov and pianist Polina Osetinskaya on Monday at Temi Zammit Hall, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta.
The musicians will present Baroque to Jazz at St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta on Wednesday.
Both performances start at 7.30pm and entrance is free.
Seat reservations can be made by sending an e-mail to info@eufsc.eu or by calling 7772 7222.