Violin virtuoso to play at Wheaton College

Charlie Siem has an impressive — and eclectic — list of accomplishments.

Already considered a virtuoso violinist with a 2008 debut CD that met with praise and critical acclaim, the 25-year-old Siem has performed at London's famed Royal Albert Hall — with Bryan Adams.

The British musician has collaborated in concert with the likes of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Mozart Players — as well as Boy George and John Fogerty.

Siem performs at Wheaton College Saturday, Jan. 22, as he continues to build his varied resume.

His career accomplishments and early achievements have come from a combination of rarely saying “no” and discovering his passion early, he said.

“It has been a long journey and I have taken all opportunities that have come my way,” he said in an interview Tuesday. “It has come naturally to me and there is nothing else I have ever wanted to do.”

The British virtuoso performs at 8 p.m. Saturday in Edman Memorial Chapel on the campus of Wheaton College. The performance just continues a whirlwind ride Siem has been on since he first picked up the violin at age 3.

Under the tutelage of his Russian violin instructor, Siem quickly picked up a style of his own and he continues to develop it.

Using a combination of quick and accurate finger and bow plucks, Siem's movements and sound have led to a strong reaction to his music.

But Siem also represents a new movement in classical music. As he performs, he tries to interact with the audience as much as he can. This approach, he says, is an effort to change the perception of classical music concerts as one-sided affairs.

“What's great about this is that we connect more,” he said. “If you alter it slightly, there is more life in the room. Everyone enjoys it a lot more.”

He said the old-school artists embrace the new style of music while the new artists realize that the movement lies in embracing technology in their promotions.

“The younger generation of artists are aware of the world they live in,” Siem said. “It makes you aware of the notion of how you present yourself and how you communicate.”

In promoting Siem's Saturday performance, Tony Payne, the director of Wheaton College's Artist Series, said Siem fits in with the direction he hopes the series heads toward.

“He is representative of that new kind of artist: an artist who is available and not just some high-life guy,” he said. “People who attend are looking for an experience.”

“When people buy a ticket, they are buying a friendship, an experience,” said promotions manager Dave Reifsnyder. “The relationship between an artist and an audience is shifting. There is a closer relationship now.”

Siem said keeping the audience involved can only be a positive thing for his genre of music.

“Music is a reflection of life,” Siem said. “The more you can get personal involvement and the more you get to know them, the more fun everyone will have.”

British violinist Charlie Siem in concert

<b>When</b>: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22

<b>Where</b>: Edman Memorial Chapel, 401 E. Franklin Ave., Wheaton

<b>Tickets</b>: $31 to $48

<b>Info</b>: (630) 752-5099 or wheaton.edu