David Garrett blends classical music with rock and roll

By Gabriela Acosta, MWN

David Garrett returns to the stage this August with the Alive World Tour. The so-called Rockstar of classical music said he is happy to be back and present a new program with interpretations of rock hits such as ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and ‘November Rain’, without forgetting classical pieces such as Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No. 5’ or Debussy’s ‘Claro de Luna’.

The musician combines virtuoso interpretation with modern sounds. He has sold millions of records worldwide, making him a leader in this field, but he revealed the best advice he has received in his career.

“‘Don’t listen to anybody.’ I love to quote Stan Lee, who said at a Comic-Con, ‘If you have a great idea, don’t let some idiot take you away from it.’ So basically what I’m saying is: find something you love to do and work hard for it. I’m convinced that’s how you succeed in life. Not commercial success, but emotional success, that’s all we can dream of,” he said.

With his album Alive-My soundtrack, the violinist continues his musical story and takes a journey through the world of Hollywood, without forgetting his home. It is exactly this combination that makes David Garrett’s new album a contrasting listening experience.

“I have a couple of amazing collaborators. We did ‘Ave Maria’ with tenor Andrea Bocelli. Quite an honor to work with my teacher, Itzhak Perlman, who is a legend on the violin; so yes, I choose each collaboration carefully, and I’m very honored that each of them wanted to work with me. I’m still a kid when I think of these people doing a collaboration with me. I’m very honored.”

His image has always contrasted with the formal figure of the classical musician, with long hair, leather jackets and a rock rebel attitude. Garrett commented to Metro what he thinks when they call him the Rockstar of classical music:

“At first I was a little doubtful about that, but I love rock and I think I do very well on the instrument (violin). In fact, I think that compliment comes from deep in my heart, so, at 41 (years old), any compliment is welcome.”