A violinist who holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest ever rendition of Flight of the Bumblebee – playing the classical tune in just one minute and 3.356 seconds – will be in Jersey next month.
Oliver Lewis, aka ‘Lord of the Strings’, will take to the stage at Jersey Irish Society’s annual St Patrick’s Black-Tie Ball on Friday 14 March.
He’ll be headlining as part of a duo, Deviations Project, that combines classical music with electronica and which he co-founded with American producer Dave Williams.
The 53-year-old is known for his electrifying live performances, which have taken him all over the world, performing live on the BBC show Blue Peter as well as The Ellen DeGeneres Show in America. He is also known for performing with the infamous Irish dance show Spirit of the Dance.
Ahead of his appearance at the Royal Yacht hotel, Express asked the musician to share a little more about his record-breaking journey…
“Good question. I was in Trinidad performing some recitals with the famous Trinidadian soprano Natalia Dopwell, and her now husband told me he’d just seen someone setting the world’s fastest violinist record on the kids tv show Blue Peter, playing The Flight of the Bumblebee.
“Knowing that this was a piece I had performed over 1,500 times all over the world in Spirit of the Dance, he suggested I had a shot at the record. So, I approached Blue Peter, but they replied that they liked to vary their programme content so weren’t interested.
“However, a year later they got back in touch and invited me on the show to attempt to break the record.
“Just two weeks later I was on the show and smashed three whole seconds off the world record.
“I also achieved one of lifelong ambitions and was given my very own Blue Peter badge. Soon after that I was invited to appear on The Ellen Show in the US to show off my speed, and played it even faster there.”
Organised by local entertainment company 3rd Above Entertainment, the St Patrick’s Black-Tie Ball will also see live bands and traditional Irish dancers take to the stage, including Lucy Livingstone, who tours with the Spirit of the Dance.
Singer and entertainer Scott Livingstone will also be performing, as will local outfit Jersey Bounce, who will be providing high-quality big-band music throughout the evening.
Mary O’Keeffe, vice chairman of the Jersey Irish Society, said the event will be “filled with Irish spirit”.
“The St Patrick’s Annual Black-Tie Ball will feature a stunning venue, world-class entertainment and an elegant black-tie setting. It really is a night not to be missed. I would advise Islanders to book early because the demand for tickets is expected to be high.”
GET INVOLVED…
The St Patrick’s Black-Tie Ball takes place on Friday 14 March at the Royal Yacht from 19:00 until 01:00.
You can find more information and purchase tickets by contacting the Irish Society by emailing jerseyirishevents@gmail.com.