| Print |

Written by Sarah Boslaugh Tuesday, 06 October 2009 13:46

Garrett developed an eclectic style of music which has made him a superstar, combining his virtuosity on the violin with a willingness to go practically anywhere with it.

Violinist David Garrett, poster child for a new generation of musicians who see opportunity where others see boundaries, will perform at Sheldon Concert Hall on Wednesday, October 27 as part of a tour to promote the American release of his self-titled CD.

Garrett was a child prodigy of the classical music world. Born and raised in Germany, he began playing at age 4 and making his public debut at age 10 with the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra. By 13 he had recorded two CDs, and at 14 became the youngest soloist ever to sign a recording contract with venerable classical label Deutsche Grammophon. But such a career imposes many limitations, both socially and musically, on a young performer, and as an adolescent Garrett fled to New York to enjoy rock music and the club scene.

But his love of the violin remained, and he was accepted into the Julliard School where he studied with Itzhak Perlman while capitalizing on his good looks (he's been dubbed "the David Beckham of the violin") by moonlighting as a model, eventually appearing in Vogue. Garrett developed an eclectic style of music which has made him a superstar in Europe and the Far East, combining his virtuosity on the violin with a willingness to go practically anywhere with it. His eponymous CD includes selections from Vivaldi, Pirates of the Caribbean, Michael Jackson and Queen, among others, and he makes it all work.

David Garrett will appear at Sheldon Concert Hall October 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available from MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or from any MetroTix location, and may also be purchased without a convenience charge at the Fox Theatre box office, 531 N. Grand Blvd. Further information about David Garrett is available from his website and a clip of him performing Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" is available here. | Sarah Boslaugh