We meet the phenomenal classical pianist Gil Brito, the 10-year-old winner of this year’s edition of RTP’s Got Talent Portugal.
Definition of a child prodigy:
A young person, typically under the age of 10, who demonstrates exceptional skill or talent
Possesses a unique combination of cognitive abilities, passion and practice that allows them to achieve exceptional results.
Gil Brito is all these things and more. Perhaps just as importantly, away from the television cameras and the bright lights of the stage, he’s a ‘normal’ young lad who loves football, his family and friends.
Gil Brito was crowned the winner of RTP’s flagship talent show just a few weeks ago, capturing the hearts of the judges and the public with his pleasant nature and extraordinary talent. This victory was no overnight success. In the four years prior to Got Talent Portugal, Gil entered 16 national and international competitions and he didn’t just participate either – he won them all!
Gil’s mother, Alexandra, has suggested his talent is ‘genetic’. Gil’s great-grandfather was a composer of some note and taught many famous artists. His grandmother was a music teacher while his father, António, studied at the prestigious Porto Music Conservatory, where Gil himself now studies. It was António who first introduced Gil to the piano when he was just five years old and since that day, he has never stopped playing.”
There have been many highlights along the way. Last year, Gil performed at the world-renowned Beethoven House in Bonn, Germany, the very place where the iconic composer and pianist grew up. It was an unforgettable occasion for all concerned. Another highlight was a competition in Granada, Spain, in July 2023. Gil told me, “This was memorable because I was there for ten days with my parents, grandparents, sister (Mel) and my cousin, all of whom I love so much.”
Got Talent Portugal was a very different type of competition for Gil and not without its risks. Unlike other competitions, he was not just competing against other musicians but also dancers, comedians, pop groups and artists of all ages. In fact, Gil’s parents were against it, but Gil was insistent – he loves performing on the biggest stages and the thrill of competition. It also gave him the chance to meet his idol, the conductor, composer and fellow pianist, Rui Massena. As it transpired, Rui became Gil’s staunchest supporter, even going so far as to press the coveted ‘golden button’ which granted Gil direct access from the auditions to the final stages of the competition.
Gil was accompanied during our interview by his dad and it was lovely to see the close bond between the two of them. Gil rehearses one hour a day during the week and does a double session on the weekend. As António rightly said, “Dedicating one hour a day during the week to doing something he loves is hardly a chore. It’s often more difficult to get him to stop!” Gil is clearly doing something he loves while, at the same time, enjoying a normal upbringing. He loves learning about the solar system and the history of Portugal, and playing with his friends. Although the family lives in Porto, thanks to Gil’s grandfather, Benfica is his favourite football team.
Family, friends and neighbours have been incredibly supportive. When he entered the RTP competition, they adorned his school and neighbouring homes with banners and posters urging people to vote for him. After his win, they celebrated his success with a fantastic welcoming home party, decorating nearby homes with posters of Gil, bunting and large swathes of colourful confetti.
As for fame and fortune, Gil has little interest in money but loves being recognised in the street. Indeed, he’s generated support from all over the world with one Instagram follower from Australia taking the time to write, “I sat here at 11 pm watching something in a language I don’t understand and I saw a remarkably well-dressed young man walk on to the stage and I’m thinking ‘he must be good!’. The grace with which you played and the connection you made with the music touched my heart. You are an amazing talent. The world stage is yours, young man!”
So what does the future hold? Gil’s parents are, quite understandably, the first point of contact for music promoters and journalists. It is they who undertake an initial sift of what they feel is most suitable for him before Gil makes a final decision on where and when to perform, and whom to speak with. As far as Gil is concerned, it’s relatively straightforward. “I just want to play and entertain audiences. The opportunity to play the biggest stages in Portugal and around the world would be amazing.” In short, Gil wants (and thoroughly deserves) the opportunity to share his talent with appreciative audiences. Fingers crossed, we’ll soon see this remarkable and lovely young man performing here in the Algarve.
