Liberace JR

At only 14 years old, Krit Kosoltrakul is the winner of the 6th Annual Conrad Young Musician of Thailand Competition 2012. The young pianist has participated in many competitions and performances in Thailand and abroad. He has also received a scholarship from Russian president Vladimir Putin. Get a glimpse of the young Liberace performing at youtube.com/user/kantmosq.

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START PLAYING THE PIANO?

I started playing when I was five years old. My brother started a year before me so I got a chance to listen and see what it was like.

IS THERE A HEALTHY COMPETITIVENESS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR BROTHER?

There's not that much competition actually, simply because my brother is better than me and most of the time he wins. My motivation is to do the best I can in all situations. This year's Conrad Young Musician competition was the first time for me to beat him.

HOW DO YOU DIVIDE YOUR TIME BETWEEN SCHOOL AND PRACTICE?

I have been taught to be ready for a music competition at any moment so it doesn't interfere with my study that much. But once the date gets close to a competition, I usually spend more time with music.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES OF MUSIC AND ARTISTS/COMPOSERS?

Right now I'm playing Tarantella, Venezia e Napoli. It has different characteristics - strong and loud yet sweet and soft in parts. I also listen to Kissin and Yun Di Lae. But when I am away from classical music I like to listen to rock bands such as Green Day and Foo Fighters.

APART FROM MUSIC, WHAT OTHER ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?

I like reading horror novels and watching comedy movies. I also enjoy designing and sketching things.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START PLAYING THE PIANO?

If you want to start, you should first love music and be willing to work hard and practice a lot. Most importantly, you need people to support you. In my case, I have my parents, my music teacher Ms. Irina Novikova who I met when I was six, my school Shrewsbury International School Bangkok and its principal Mr. Holroyd, as well as Thai Airways. Without them  I wouldn't be here today.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE?

I hope to get a scholarship to The Juilliard School in New York. From there I want to become a great pianist.

HOW WILL YOU CONVINCE OTHERS THAT YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GREAT PIANIST?

I have a pretty good record of accomplishments and competitions. I hope that I get the opportunity to perform for a person to convince them of my ability.

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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/17/liberace-jr/