We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Kiral and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Peter, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is a combination of several key elements. Firstly, my personality and innate talent for music and visual beauty have always been at the core of what I do. These talents, coupled with my knack for sales, have allowed me to create a unique and compelling offering for my clients. Being surrounded by a diverse group of people from various fields has also been crucial. This diversity has provided me with a wealth of perspectives and ideas, enriching my work and helping me to innovate continuously. I am deeply committed to taking care of my clients, offering them a white-glove service that goes above and beyond their expectations. This dedication to excellence ensures that their events are not just successful, but truly memorable.
Moreover, my ability to seamlessly blend my professional career as a viola player with my business ventures has been a significant factor. As the founder of several music agencies and music groups across the US, I have been able to leverage my musical expertise to build successful enterprises. Everything I have done has felt natural and authentic; I have never had to “fake it” or try too hard. My passion for what I do shines through in every aspect of my work, and I believe this genuine enthusiasm is a key driver of my success.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my musical journey at the age of six, starting with the violin before transitioning to the viola at sixteen when I entered a music conservatory. My early years in Europe were filled with a passion for organizing concerts and collaborating with event planners to showcase my string quartet.
During my late teenage years, I had the unique experience of busking in Vienna, Austria, with my string quartet. I was also a member of various symphony orchestras and chamber groups, which allowed me to travel the world. However, I soon realized that I wanted to take on a leadership role and become the primary organizer and visionary for my musical endeavors.
What sets my career apart is my holistic approach to events. I believe that a memorable musical experience goes beyond just the music; it encompasses stage presence, attire, and overall behavior at the event. My goal is always to create an unforgettable experience for our clients. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of arranging musicians for events featuring famous singers, Hollywood directors, politicians, presidents, TV anchors, and sports personalities.
I am always on the lookout for new trends and unique elements to incorporate into my performances. For instance, my string quartet was one of the first to use iPads for reading music, which was quite innovative at the time.
My name and my music agencies have become well-known in the private event world across the country for providing exceptional string musicians and ensembles. Since 2007, I have been deeply involved in the event music industry in the US, contracting around 3,000 events worldwide.
While my journey has had its challenges, I’ve always found joy in my work and have been fortunate to be surrounded by talented musicians who inspire me and bring positive energy to our performances. I particularly love destination events, and we have had the opportunity to perform across the country and in Europe.
In summary, my career has been a blend of passion, innovation, and resilience. I am proud of the unique experiences we create and the reputation we have built in the industry. I look forward to continuing to bring joy and memorable musical experiences to events around the world.
The lesson I learned is to get paid in full prior to the event LOL
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If they are swimmers, we would start our morning with laps at the MLK pool, or I would take them for a walk at Hampton Park. After working up an appetite, we would head to The Daily for breakfast. Their breakfast burrito, avocado toast with scrambled eggs, and Cortado are delicious.
After breakfast, we would walk through Hampton Park to enjoy flowers and see the pond with ducks. The park was designed by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park.
Next, we would visit Magnolia Cemetery to see the pyramid (yes), and I would show them the bridge to nowhere. Our historical journey would continue at the Old Naval Base in North Charleston.
We would drive down King Street towards Battery Park, looping back via East Bay Street. We would make quick stops at Washington Square Park and Colonial Lake. When I have musicians visiting Charleston to perform, we often opt for these scenic drives to maximize our limited time.
We would choose between the Camarones Rellenos at Santis Restaurant or a Croque Monsieur at Fast & French for a late lunch.
One option is to visit Patriots Point to explore the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier. At the end of Patriots Point, near the golf course, there’s a small forest trail that leads to a beach with stunning views of Fort Sumter and Sullivan’s Island.
The next day, we would visit Middleton Place Plantation, a historic site with beautiful gardens. There is also a fantastic hotel called Middleton Inn, which I recommend staying at. We would head to Leon’s for dinner, where we would enjoy my favorite Czech beer on draft, Pilsner Urquell, along with their famous oysters and fried chicken.
As the sun sets, we will explore the vibrant nightlife on King Street. My favorite spot to go clubbing is the Trio Club, known for its great sound system, lights and DJs. For great cocktails, we would stop by Proof Bar, a cozy place with a fantastic drink menu.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everything started at a young age for me, growing up in a family deeply rooted in music. My father was a cellist, my mother a rock/pop singer and composer, and my grandfather a drum teacher at the music conservatory and a big band leader. This rich musical environment instilled in me a profound appreciation and understanding of music. I also had a fantastic music teacher who taught me how to play well, further nurturing my passion. My journey wasn’t limited to music alone. My girlfriend’s father was a photographer, which sparked my interest in photography and fashion. During my studies, I worked as a door-to-door book seller in office buildings and became one of the best sellers for the company. This experience taught me the power of positive thinking and the importance of a positive outcome, inspired by listening to Grant Cardone.
While I sometimes wish I had worked for someone else to gain more structured experience, I have learned and figured out everything on my own as a business owner. I owe a great deal of my success to my wife, Arianna, who is a luxury wedding and event planner. She has been a constant source of support and a sounding board for my thoughts and ideas.
In summary, my success is a tapestry woven from the influences of my musical family, the mentorship of my teachers, the inspiration from my girlfriend’s father, and the unwavering support of my wife. Each of these elements has played a crucial role in shaping my journey, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions.
Website: https://charlestonvirtuosi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterkiral/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kiral
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kiralartists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestonvirtuosi
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kiralartists
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AEW4zsfJXyQI0PDmmzPFw?si=RO-4g96TRK2LTrqzWDJ2lQ