The Violinist

Overview
Andrew Forde, who goes by the stage name The Violinist, is an accomplished musician who is starting to grow in the music scene. At 22 years of age he has already been playing for an astonishing 18 years, boosting numerous awards including best performance in violin from the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music. Under the direction of virtuoso violinist and teacher Martin Bazarian, Andrew has developed a musical style and interpretation matched by none. He received parallel instruction during his formative years at the prestigious Unionville High School of the Arts and it was here when he started to develop his sense of jazz through the jazz program. A long time lover of music, as music was instilled with him from his family, Andrew has the gift of listening and being able to play back songs in single takes. Now equipped with style, musicality, improvisation and creativity, Andrew has embarked on the long journey of revitalizing the violins image and removing cultural barriers associated with it. No longer is the violin subject to strictly classical music, or even the jazz taboo; Andrew takes what we know as genres and uses them as ingredients to create a unique multifaceted sound.
This past summer The Violinist has played for over 30 000 people, sharing the stage with such talents as Mary J Blige, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Akon, Pitbul, Kardinal Offishall and Eddie Bullen just to name a few. Having recorded with numerous other artist and played at a variety of shows, including the CBC special “The Evolution of Gospel Music”, The Violinist is on his way to becoming a musician that everyone can appreciate.
How it All Began
The Violinist, a Toronto native, began learning the violin at the age of 4 after a year long commitment to a violin his sister made for him out of paper plates, paper towel rolls and elastic bands. He was first exposed to the violin at the age of 3 while watching the New York Philharmonic perform; he instantly grew a fascination to the violin and a love began to brew. Finally after a year of bringing his sisters creation everywhere, his parents finally realized that he was not going to grow out of his new found passion. He was given a violin on his 4th birthday and began lessons a few weeks later.
Performing locally at schools and churches, The Violinist, then known simply as Andrew Forde, began to create a name for himself. Traveling with his family, he performed at local venues in New York, Montreal, Florida, Miami and Barbados. By the time The Violinist entered high school, he developed into a premier performer with great stage presence. He was concert master for the Art School's orchestra and symphony, won various Jazz competitions with his quintet and was invited to attend nationals. He performed the Bach violin concerto as a guest performer in Vermont and continued to showcase his talents around Toronto.
After high school, Andrew decided to focus his pursuits in the field of engineering and enrolled at the University of Toronto, having to put his instrument down to focus on the demands of his specialized program. Andrew has since decided to resurrect his craft, returning to the music scene as The Violinist; he is bound to leave his mark on the hearts, minds and souls of all who experience his gift.

www.theviolinist.ca