In a recent conversation from a hotel room in Rome, Lindsey Stirling, the acclaimed artist who seamlessly combines violin mastery with electrifying choreography, shared insights into her artistic journey and her upcoming performance at Pinewood Bowl. Despite facing the challenges of a hectic tour schedule, Stirling’s dedication to her craft and her fervent passion for her unique style of performance shone through.
Reflecting on her strenuous yet exhilarating shows, Stirling provided a glimpse into the rigorous athleticism that underscores her performances. The artist, who effortlessly fuses genres such as hip-hop and dubstep with the classical violin, candidly shared her musings on the potential physical toll of her performances. She humorously mused that her shows might either lead her to physical limitations in the future or invigorate her for years to come.
Stirling’s journey into dance was a relatively recent development in her artistic evolution. She admitted that she didn’t delve into dance until the age of 25, recognizing the need to match her vibrant musical compositions with equally dynamic movement. This newfound element of dance became an integral part of her elaborate performances, which meticulously blend her music from six albums with intricately choreographed routines, aerial displays, and captivating lighting.
The artist’s commitment to her craft is evident as she revealed the extensive preparation that goes into each show. Crafting a seamless performance involves not only creating an engaging setlist but also orchestrating seamless transitions, incorporating costume changes, synchronizing with dancers, and punctuating the performance with moments of dialogue and aerial maneuvers. Stirling shared that every detail requires meticulous planning to create an effortless and captivating experience for her audience.
Despite the sweltering weather forecast for her forthcoming show in Pinewood Bowl, which predicted a high of 100 degrees, Stirling expressed her intention to embrace the unexpected by including a Christmas song from her holiday-themed album “Snow Waltz.” She noted the continued popularity of her rendition of “Carol of the Bells,” which defied seasonal boundaries and remained a popular streaming hit even during the summer months.
Stirling candidly addressed her personal ambivalence towards classical violin solos, despite her remarkable proficiency. Her apprehension stemmed from her past experiences with the classical music community, which she characterized as a challenging and competitive world. A pivotal moment in her relationship with classical music occurred after a performance with a symphony orchestra in London, which was met with criticism. This incident marked the culmination of her transition from traditional classical violin to her distinctive blend of genres.
Reflecting on her journey, Stirling acknowledged her initial aspiration to be part of the classical orchestra while recognizing the limited agency she would have as a performer. However, her divergence from this path led her to explore the fusion of violin with rock music, especially after her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” in 2010. Stirling’s subsequent rise to prominence, fueled by her captivating YouTube videos, positioned her as an influential figure for both boys and girls across generations. She noted the heartwarming impact of inspiring others to pursue their passions, whether it’s picking up the violin or embracing dance.
With her bandmate, drummer Drew Steen, a Lincoln Southeast graduate, Stirling expressed her excitement about returning to Pinewood Bowl. Despite the challenges of touring, her camaraderie with her bandmates has transformed strangers into a close-knit family. As she navigated her relentless schedule, Stirling’s unwavering passion for her craft and her connection with her audience remained undeniably palpable.
