Type: Electric violin, music, rock, film themes
If You Liked: Lindsey Stirling or TwoSet Violin, Bridgerton, Stranger Things, Music of the 70’s and 80’s
The crowd favourite Blue Violin (Chris Vuk) triumphantly returns to the Adelaide Fringe Festival with his latest dramatic electric violin show Candlelight Symphony of Strings after an award-winning run at previous Festivals and a sell out performance at the Sydney Opera House. Based around the hit Netflix series Stranger Things created by Matt and Ross Duffer, it also features major hits from 70’s, 80’s rock and recognisable film themes alongside a host of Vuk’s regular repertoire. From his lively jump on stage to start the show surrounded by candles in the beautiful Ayres House Ball Room, to his final iconic pose rivalling Eleven’s, Vuk had the crowd enthralled. In theme with the show, Vuk utilised lighting not unlike the Upside Down’s red and black flickering, creating shadows reflecting three Vuks playing.
Vuk displays his full range, effortlessly switching through styles of music and artists with dramatic flare and heartfelt conversations relating back to his family and his genuine love for the TV show. Featuring hits from the TV show like Kate Bush’s ‘Running up That Hill’, David Bowie’s Heroes or the ‘The Never Ending Story’, theme to rousing numbers that had the crowd singing along and rocking out in their seats such as Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Vuk’s music would not be out of place broadcast on the WSKQ radioby Rocking Robin or in Jonathan Byer’s mixtapes. Vuk did his research adjusting the arrangements and the set list for maximum enjoyment and impact.
One emotional moment was when Vuk expressed his reason for returning to playing and touring which was his son who went with him on tour. He reinvigorated his father’s love of playing and performing through telling his Dad he was proud of him, thus leading to touring around the USA and internationally sharing his talent with the world. This led into him playing a beautiful arrangement of Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ which is played at a pivotal time where all hope is lost during the show. Vuk played expressively with an impressive stage presence throughout with a rich and warm tone, even when delving into tricky fingering or darker rock selections. Like the Ed Sheeran of Violinists, he utilises a loop pedal to layer his arrangements recreating the feel of a full band. This needs to be felt, heard and seen to be believed.
