Mayta Liu Lerttamrab approached piano in a way unlike many other professional musicians. Born and raised in Bangkok, Matya grew up in a house where music did not play a dominant role. It wasn’t until he was 18 when he first started playing the piano, while most musicians professional musicians start before age 10. 

On Feb. 12, Matya played a solo piano recital as part of the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series put on by the International Music Foundation and featured on WFMT at 12:15 every Wednesday. 

Due to his late start, Lerttamrab says he “had to learn how to enjoy it in the first place. I had other obligations, so I couldn’t pursue it and be serious about it.”

After obtaining a degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, Matya immersed himself in the business world working in Southeast Asia and the U.S. 

“After I graduated, I realized at 25, 26, if I don’t do anything about this itch soon, I will probably regret it for the rest of my life,” he said.

He quit his job and enrolled at Indiana University’s Jacob School of Music. He studied under Arnaldo Cohen and Jean-Louis Haguenauer and was the first Thai pianist to be officially accepted into graduate program. He enjoyed success and was offered an associate instructorship position immediately after matriculation. 

When his time in Bloomington was finished, he found his stride touring across the world. From Thai royalty to the Dame Myra Hess concert at the cultural center, Lerttamrab has impressed audiences with his playing and life story. 

Nalida Victoria, a native of Argentina, has attended the concert series for 15 years and draws a portrait of the performers as a gift to thank them. She sits in the first row so she has an undisturbed view of the performance. 

“He gave such a beautiful gift. From him to the audience. I draw while they play and it fills me with joy,” she said of Lerttamrab’s performance.

She has drawn hundreds of musicians during their performance and plans to for years to come. Lerttamrab’s work inspired another musician with his playing. 

“As someone who didn’t pick up the guitar until 21, it’s certainly inspiring to see someone start so late, but still achieve amazing things with their instrument,” said Tucker Doyle, a cinematography major at DePaul. “Usually you see these virtuosos be given an instrument almost as soon as they can walk, so hearing that he started late definitely made me smile and admire his playing that much more.”

Lerttamrab doesn’t regret his unorthodox path to piano. His time trying new things is what led him to find this passion in the first place.

“Keep exploring,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with taking more time. I had time to explore, I had time to make friends, and enjoy life. Learn from both the good and bad and you will eventually discover who you are. And hopefully you take those discoveries to find something you really like and commit to.”

He hopes to return to Chicago to inspire audiences with his playing and story soon.