An Interview with Gunars Upatnieks

Gnars Upatnieks is a Latvian bass player, and a member of the famous Berlin Philharmonic. He has had a very successful career of orchestral playing and solo playing. Throughout the years he has been principal bass in the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, assistant principal in the Bergen Philharmonic and a member of the Berlin Philharmonic. 

When did music become important to you? 

Music has been a big part of my life since I was born - my parents are professional musicians. It got really serious at the age of 13 when I started to learn bass. 

Why did you choose to play the bass? 

My dad is a bass player, as a basketball player, for me bass was the one and only option to become a musician!

Which musicians influenced you? 

I got the passion from my first teacher Sergejs Brinums in Riga. He was very passionate about our great instrument. Later I attended many concerts of Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and got. really into classical music

As a musician, everyday is different, describe a good day. 

I just love practicing bass when no one is there to distract me. 

A Great day would be - wake up late, make a coffee and breakfast, practice for 3,5 hours , go for a run, have a smoothie, sleep for an hour, spend time with bass for 2 hours, have a beer and go to bed. 

I have to admit - those days don't exist!

What advice would you give to young bass players? 

Young bassists - read No. 4, carefully, that’s “formula “ to success. Do it while you have time , I did it- it works!

What do you enjoy about playing in the Berlin Philharmonic?

 I have a dream job as a bass player- I enjoy absolutely everything.