Lindsey Stirling at Hammersmith Apollo

The week couldn’t have started any better than with the world-class American violinist player Lindsey Stirling’s performance at the Eventim Apollo: a magical Christmas show. Having released her second Christmas album, Snow Waltz, last year (2022), Stirling is back on tour across the United States and in Europe for the first time.

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and it only gets better with a night that reminds us of the true meaning of the season. As the lights dimmed, the set started with Sleigh Ride, the first song from her new album. The sound of the violinist and her band (Ryan Riveros playing the piano and guitars and Drew Steen on the drums) quickly filled the hall with a vibrant, glittery, jolly Christmas energy that everyone was expecting. Stirling charismatically and playfully made the impossible possible, effortlessly harmonising each note of the violin, dancing a very well-performed choreography and even lending her voice to songs like Warmer in the Winter and O Holy Night.

One of the highlights of the night occurred when Stirling introduced her very tiny and old violin named “Pickle” and then challenged her band to perform arrangements of popular Christmas songs on a miniature piano and a tiny drum set. The crowd loved and laughed along with this delightful moment. The lineup also included renditions of Feliz Navid, You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch and Magic.

“I have been told in my old life that no one does Christmas like London,” exclaimed the musician. However, Stirling not only embodies the spirit of Christmas but her musicality and unique arrangements of seasonal songs elevate them to something even more special. The night was more than just a violinist’s concert, it was a performance with dancers and phenomenal musicians that warmed everyone’s hearts.

Matilde Onofre Pacheco
Image: Arianna Cavalensi

For further information and future events visit Lindsey Stirling’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Love Goes On and On here: