As most of you have probably figured out from this teaser photo we posted on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of having 2 amazingly talented young musicians in our studio for an afternoon of music and photography – two art disciplines that are frequently seen hand in hand.

the musicians

Meet André Carriço and Ângela Teles:

Being such a fun loving couple, we couldn’t let the opportunity slip by without asking them some questions. Without further ado, here’s what they had to say:

McGunnMedia: What made you pick up your instruments?

André Carriço: I picked this instrument (cello) because of its sound, i.e., its warm and full bodied timbre which is neither too low or too high. I also liked the shape. It’s just big enough that we can embrace it with our whole body while we play.

Ângela Teles: I started by picking the violin. I remember when I was little music always fascinated me and I wanted to be a part of that world. The violin was the instrument that most atracted me through its sound, its timbre. Later I started playing the viola, following a teachers advice – and it proved to be the better option. I really like the viola’s sweet and dense timbre and the repertoire that has been written for this instrument.

MCG: Why do you play?

AC: I play because I love music and I love my instrument. Being able to combine both of them is even more incredible since it allows me to express myself in a very free way at the same time I’m doing what I like: Music.

AT: I play for he love of music and all its magic. Making music is a fantastic experience, and dedicating my life to it is extraordinary.

MCG: Where do you play?

AC: I usually play at home, in college, and sometimes at my colleagues houses.

AT: At home, college, wherever I have a little space to play.

MCG: What’s your favourite style?

AC: My favourite style is Classical, but I enjoy essentially good music, whatever the style.

AT: I play mainly classical music, mas my taste varies a lot when it comes to musical styles.

MCG: Who’s your inspiration?

AC: I believe I can’t say there’s someone special who inspires me. My inspiration is Music itself and everything that envolves it, as well as wanting to be part of that amazing world.

AT: I don’t have any particular inspiration. My inspiration comes from people – musicians or non-musicians, who make a difference through their art, through their capabilities and effort. It varies from musicians to personalities in other areas, especially literature (which is another area I’m interested in), to people in my family and friends.

MCG: Where’s the strangest place you have played at?

AC: The strangest place I’ve played at was in the toilet. xD

AT: I have to copy André’s reply here. xD

MCG: If you were to start over what instrument would you choose?

AC: Knowing what I know today, I would have chosen the Viola da Gamba, because this instrument is used in the style of music I love the most – Baroque – and because it’s very similar to the cello (even though it can have several registers).

AT: It’s hard to say, because I’d like to know how to play several instruments. I’d say the guitar, because it’s an instrument I’ve always been very interested in. But the viola will always have a special place.

MCG: What embarrassing songs might we find on your MP3 player?

AC: I think you wouldn’t find anything special since, as I’ve said before, I like good music whatever the style, so I have a bit of everything on my player, from Classical to Metal.

AT: I’m scared to answer this one! I think none, but that depends on people’s tastes.

MCG: What was your most embarrassing moment during a performance?

AC: I don’t have one in particular, but every time I get it wrong I feel ashamed.

AT: I’ve had a few of those moments in concerts and recitals. There isn’t a particular one, only quick moments like sheets flying away when playing outdoors, little distractions like playing when I shouldn’t, or messing up some passages, amongst others.

MCG: Who would you be most nervous to meet?

AC: Natalia Shakhovskaya. The cello teacher at the Escola Superior de Música Reina Sofía de Madrid and one of the best (and scariest) teachers in the world.

AT: So many people… Meeting a musician I admire, perhaps. Especially if I had to play for him.