Charlie Siem is one of the UK’s brightest new classical stars. Born in London to a Norwegian father and a British mother, Charlie began to play the violin at the prodigious age of three, after hearing a performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto by the late Yehudi Menuhin and is fortunate to have been loaned a violin much beloved by Menuhin – his 1735 Guarneri del Gesu d’Egville – now owned by the Elderberry Foundation.
Released in August 2011 his new concerto album has already lead Charlie to No.3 in the UK Specialist Classical Chart following appearances on BBC Breakfast and at the iTunes store in London. Classic FM magazine and website wrote: “…one of the most exciting young violin talents around”. Classic FM radio’s John Suchet show made the album CD of the week in August.
Charlie was educated at Eton College and read music at Girton College, Cambridge. He furthered his violin studies with tutors from The Guildhall School of Music and The Royal College of Music – being taught by Ithzak Rashkovsky and Shlomo Mintz.
Charlie signed to Warner Classics and Jazz in 2010– the home of generations of celebrated artists and ensembles. This new relationship has already produced a critically acclaimed debut album, which includes spectacular virtuoso repertoire from the great violin masters Paganini, Sarasate, Wieniawski and Kreisler. Charlie chose the London Symphony Orchestra to accompany him for his first orchestral offering with Warner. The recording is of more traditional repertoire such as Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1 coupled with an exciting performance of Ole Bull’s Cantabile doloros e Rondo giocoso – the composer being one of Charlie’s own distant relatives!
Charlie is a respected player with a prolific touring history who has appeared with orchestras around the world. His festival appearances include St Moritz, Gstaad, Spoleto and Windsor and orchestras include the Royal Philharmonic, London Mozart Players, Israel Camerata and the Bergen Philharmonic. In 2008 Charlie toured the UK with the Moscow Philharmonic playing Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto to great critical acclaim.
Charlie’s debut CD was released in 2008 and featured violin sonatas by Grieg and Elgar. The recording was widely lauded and received airplay on both Classic FM and BBC Radio 3. Throughout 2009 Charlie’s reputation as one of the brightest new classical artistes grew with prestigious concerts in Paris, London, Oslo, Bergen and Basel. Charlie’s versatility was further demonstrated by a unique collaboration with the Royal Ballet whose dancers he accompanied on a tour to Cuba.
2010 was a significant year for Charlie with a tour of Bruch and Dvorak Violin Concertos alongside the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, several dates at the Royal Albert Hall and concerts in New York and Tel Aviv all under his belt. Autumn 2010 heralded an even busier time with Charlie headlining in the popular European Night of the Proms concert series alongside artists such as Grace Jones, Boy George and Cliff Richard. This 40 date tour took Charlie to many countries in Europe, a feat that few young artists are able to claim.
Charlie has a great interest in fashion and is currently the global face of the Alfred Dunhill label, and has continued to appear in many publications including Italian Men’s Vogue (L’Uomo Vogue), photographs of which were taken by the singer Bryan Adams with whom Charlie subsequently appeared in concert. Other endorsements come from revered names such as photographer Mario Testino who says:“Charlie Siem brings a freshness into the world of classical music, with his contemporary look mixed with his mastering of the violin, the combination make for an exciting spectacle.”
Charlie’s talent has been noted in many corners of the world and in June 2011 he serenaded Lady Gaga at her Fashion Icon Award party in New York, introducing him to millions of new fans.
Charlie’s busy schedule of appearances include tours in Japan, Scandinavia, the USA and at home in the UK. In October 2011 he will appear at the Royal Albert Hall in Classic FM Live! as a guest of the station to celebrate the launch of his new album, going on to perform on “Night of the Stars” at the Royal Festival Hall in November.
Charlie is a great believer in giving back to worthchile causes and works closely with the Royal Ballet overseas and is delighted to be an ambassador of the Princes Trust charity for whom he is due to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in November.
