[ ClassicalX ] Virtuoso Violinist David Garrett Destined for PBS Superstardom

Virtuoso Violinist David Garrett Destined for PBS Superstardom with His First Music Special - David Garrett: Live in Berlin.

Airs On WLIW New York on June 3rd at 7:30 pm and throughout June on stationsacross the country (check local listings)

Known in Britain as "the David Beckham of the violin," David Garrett has touched hearts and astounded audiences wherever he has performed. From Vivaldi to Queen to Michael Jackson, the young German violinist weaves classical standards with rock and pop favorites for a thrilling performance in his first PBS special, David Garrett: Live in Berlin.

The program is part of special programming airing on PBS stations in June 2009

Accompanied by a symphony orchestra and rock band, Garrett enthralls the audience in Berlin's stunning Tempodrom concert arena with his talent and rousing repertoire. Among his riveting performances, he cleverly re-interprets Queen's ballad, "Who Wants to Live Forever"; gives AC/DC's
"Thunderstruck" a memorable new twist; and opens with the rousing "He's a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean.

David Garrett: Live in Berlin made its Public Television debut on New York station WLIW in April, lighting up phones instantly from viewers, and leading to Garrett's first sold-out, headlining show at New York City's City Winery. Audience members lined up to see the star violinist perform selections from his forthcoming disc, months before the CD release and national TV broadcast. Public Television producer Gustavo Sagastume commented, "The audience's response to David Garrett's PBS debut was nothing short of astounding." An extensive U.S. tour is already planned for fall, and PBS viewers will again have the opportunity to acquire tickets for the shows when the TV special airs this month.

The television special coincides with Garrett's debut CD release on Decca; the disc David Garrett will be available everywhere on June 2nd.

Already a rising star in Europe and the Far East, he is the top international musical artist in Germany. His last album debuted at number seven on the German Billboard Charts. On the famous "Last Night of Proms" in the UK, he played to a crowd of 40,000 people and appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in an
impressive six concerts in seven days.

Source: Reuters