Written by: Amy Tobin of Fein Violins
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Rarely has there been a violinist who not only plays so beautifully, but also looks so damn good.
Born in London, England, in 1986, Charlie Siem began studying the violin at the age of 4. He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music, and, later, at the Royal College of Music. He has soloed with orchestras that include the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Israel Camerata. Meet Charlie......
He began studying the violin when, at the age of three, he heard the Beethoven Violin Concerto played, in concert, by violin great Yehudi Menuhin. Interestingly enough, he now plays on one of Menuhin's most beloved instruments.....his 1735 Guarneri del Gesu d'Egville. Sounds like a dream come true, to me!
In all honesty, I've been trying to write this blog entry for a few days, but I keep getting distracted by Charlie's videos and pictures. Does that make me shallow? Well, I suppose so, but can you blame me?
He has performed at festivals in Spoleto, St. Moritz, Gstaad, and even played Shostakovich's First Violin Concerto with the Moscow Philharmonic. That, in particular, speaks volumes about his talent and musicality!
He is signed with Warner Classics and Jazz (inked the deal in 2010), and has two CDs under his belt. That may not seem like a lot, but I almost feel like Charlie was just living his life and doing what he loves until the rest of the world caught up with him and took notice. Quite frankly, I find something very refreshing about his playing, his presence, and his perspective on performing. Watch this quick video that was taken during his recording of his newest CD and you will see exactly what I mean.
Did you notice that pinky fingernail? Yes, a bit odd, I must admit. But really.....if he plays like that, do you really care? And in this video, he mentions a few things that really show where he is coming from....
Did you hear him say that violin is everything to him? And perhaps the most interesting comment..."...as a violinist, you should always be ready to pick up your violin and play." I think it is great that he plays in so many different venues and plays many different styles. He evokes a bit of the old, romantic (yes, I said it) style of the serenading violinist when he plays the standards, and then he knocks your socks off when he starts playing the virtuoso show pieces. Who else really does that and does it well? Nobody that I can think of. And every time I watch him play, I just get the sense that he really loves what he does and couldn't live without it. I can't say that about many other professional musicians.....in any field!
Charlie has a bright future ahead of him. He has been photographed in many high fashion magazines (including Italian Vogue), is part of the global Alfred Dunhill campaign (a luxury menswear designer), and even played for Lady GaGa's after party this year! And he really is only getting started. I have a feeling that we will be seeing, and hearing, much more from this young man in the coming years............I can't really say that I mind.
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Rarely has there been a violinist who not only plays so beautifully, but also looks so damn good.
Born in London, England, in 1986, Charlie Siem began studying the violin at the age of 4. He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music, and, later, at the Royal College of Music. He has soloed with orchestras that include the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Israel Camerata. Meet Charlie......
He began studying the violin when, at the age of three, he heard the Beethoven Violin Concerto played, in concert, by violin great Yehudi Menuhin. Interestingly enough, he now plays on one of Menuhin's most beloved instruments.....his 1735 Guarneri del Gesu d'Egville. Sounds like a dream come true, to me!
In all honesty, I've been trying to write this blog entry for a few days, but I keep getting distracted by Charlie's videos and pictures. Does that make me shallow? Well, I suppose so, but can you blame me?
He has performed at festivals in Spoleto, St. Moritz, Gstaad, and even played Shostakovich's First Violin Concerto with the Moscow Philharmonic. That, in particular, speaks volumes about his talent and musicality!
He is signed with Warner Classics and Jazz (inked the deal in 2010), and has two CDs under his belt. That may not seem like a lot, but I almost feel like Charlie was just living his life and doing what he loves until the rest of the world caught up with him and took notice. Quite frankly, I find something very refreshing about his playing, his presence, and his perspective on performing. Watch this quick video that was taken during his recording of his newest CD and you will see exactly what I mean.
Did you notice that pinky fingernail? Yes, a bit odd, I must admit. But really.....if he plays like that, do you really care? And in this video, he mentions a few things that really show where he is coming from....
Did you hear him say that violin is everything to him? And perhaps the most interesting comment..."...as a violinist, you should always be ready to pick up your violin and play." I think it is great that he plays in so many different venues and plays many different styles. He evokes a bit of the old, romantic (yes, I said it) style of the serenading violinist when he plays the standards, and then he knocks your socks off when he starts playing the virtuoso show pieces. Who else really does that and does it well? Nobody that I can think of. And every time I watch him play, I just get the sense that he really loves what he does and couldn't live without it. I can't say that about many other professional musicians.....in any field!
Charlie has a bright future ahead of him. He has been photographed in many high fashion magazines (including Italian Vogue), is part of the global Alfred Dunhill campaign (a luxury menswear designer), and even played for Lady GaGa's after party this year! And he really is only getting started. I have a feeling that we will be seeing, and hearing, much more from this young man in the coming years............I can't really say that I mind.
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Thanks for your blog entry. It was written in a truthful and entertaining way!
ReplyDeleteWhen Charlie Siem recently celebrated his 30th birthday, I presented him with a brand new website full of items that his fans might enjoy - including a link to your page! Please visit soon!