Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
The chance to advocate classical violin music from South American composers, particularly from my home country, Brazil, has always been a source of inspiration and motivation in pursuing a career in music. Representing the music from the underprivileged cultures has become the focus of my career. I think my early Brazilian teachers, particularly Paulo Bosisio and Luis Senise have influenced me in that direction. Of course, my late violin teachers Eric Rosenblith, Roman Totenberg, and Peter Zazofsky have helped me enormously in shaping my musicianship.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
Representing the music from the underprivileged cultures. Although I am aware this is a very challenging task, I believe that the power of music can have a great impact on people’s thoughts and ideas. Promoting such music, is a possible way of contributing for a more equal society—in short, that is the purpose of my art.
Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?
I think the recording of the piece Aboio e Dança Negra, written by my former violin teacher Paulo Bosisio. It can be heard on my most recent album, Brazil x Argentina.
Which particular works do you think you perform best?
Difficult question—I am inclined to say the 19th-century repertoire. There is a beautiful romantic piece, the Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, Op. 14 written in 1885 by the Brazilian composer Leopoldo Miguez, which I have had so much pleasure in working with. (I recorded that on my most recent album as well).
What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?
I believe every new day provides a richness of different sources of inspiration. Off stage I teach, rehearse, I am a father, a husband, a son—I learn so much in different contexts. This learning experience is definitely my inspiration.
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
It is rather random. My last solo appearances with orchestra, for instance, were somewhat very pleasant requests—the Beethoven Triple Concerto and Mozart’s Adagio in E and Rondo in C. On the other hand, whenever I am playing chamber music, I have some liberty to discuss with other people the repertoire to be played. I like a choice that balances the new with the already performed—I usually like to add 30-40% of new repertoire (pieces that I have never played before) in a recital.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
A hall that favours the instrument’s timbre—usually small, chamber music halls. The more intimate the better.
What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
Educate our children into classical musical appreciation. If that is achieved successfully there is no doubt we are going to have a solid classical music audience in the future.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
When I gave my very first full violin recital. I was sixteen years old, and I played with my sister, Laisa Candido, on the piano—the recital took place nearby the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There was so much innocence, hope, and dreams. I felt for the very first time in my life what it is to be at stage. From that day on I wanted to have more of that feeling.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Achieving primarily two things – having the “three pillars of the house” completely solid, namely: intonation, sound, and rhythm and being able to convey the composer’s message—being a servant of the music and not the other way around.
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
The ability to listen and persevere. To be able to listen to good advice not only from our teachers but from our colleagues as well is an important key for success. Once the advice is absorbed, comes the other important key: perseverance. Never give up and have a regular practicing routine. Without listening and persevering we go nowhere.
Brazilian violinist Marcio Candido has performed extensively throughout the three Americas as a soloist, concertmaster and chamber musician. Additionally, his most recent album, Brazil x Argentina, has awarded him several prizes, including a silver medal at the 2020 Global Music Awards (emerging artist and new release) and a nomination for the Anchorage Press Person of the Year 2020.
MEET THE ARTIST 