World-renowned British violinist Vanessa-May Vanakorn Nicholson was born on October 27, 1978 in Singapore, into a mixed family with a Chinese mother and a Thai-English father. She started playing the piano when she was 3 years old.
When she was 4, her parents divorced and she moved to London to live with her mother and her new husband, lawyer Graham Nicholson. He insists that she start taking violin lessons, as he is a violinist and dreams of Vanessa accompanying him on the violin.
Vanessa May later went to China to perfect her technique under the guidance of the prestigious local professor Lin Yao Tzu. At the age of 10, she gave her first concert as a soloist, accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and received a violin made by the Italian master Giuseppe Guadagnini as a gift from her parents.
Her innate talent was noticed by the director of the Royal College of Music, who immediately recruited her as a student. In 1994, Vanessa graduated from college and 2 years later signed a contract with EMI Group to record both classical and pop music.
In 1995, armed with a Zeta electric violin, Vanessa May recorded her first album, entitled “The Violin Player”. Her style, which she calls techno-acoustic fusion, stands out on this album. The themes from “The Violin Player” were developed in collaboration with Mike Batt, an expert in pop instrumental music. The almost 3 million copies sold brought her not only big profits, but also invitations to participate in live concerts all over the world.
In 1998, Vanessa participated in joint projects with various groups and artists, among which the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson stand out, and made her debut as a model.
In the same year, he released a new pop album entitled “Storm”. In 2000, Vanessa performed at the Royal Albert Hall where, accompanied by Vasco Vasilev, she performed a version of “Storm” at the launch of the Classical Brit Awards.
In 2014, Vanessa May competed at the Sochi Winter Olympics in the giant slalom for Team Thailand.
Photo: BGNES
Place a rating:
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3.5
Rating 3.5 out of 4 votes.
The Enigmatic Journey of Vanessa-May: Violin Virtuoso to Olympic Athlete
Ah, Vanessa-May. The name rolls off the tongue like a fine wine, doesn’t it? Born on October 27, 1978, in Singapore—yes, a genuine international intrigue from the get-go—this violinist was practically destined for greatness. Picture this: a Chinese mother and a Thai-English father. Sounds like the beginning of a fantastic recipe for cultural fusion, doesn’t it? But what’s on the menu? Piano lessons at the tender age of three!
Now, before we proceed, let me just say: If I had started piano lessons at three, I’d probably be playing “Chopsticks” at best. But Vanessa-May? She took her first steps into the world of music like she was born with a bow in one hand and a violin in the other. However, life threw her a curveball when her parents split when she was just four. Nothing says “early motivation” quite like a divorce and a move to London, right?
Here she is, living with her mother and her stepdad, lawyer Graham Nicholson, who presumably told her, “You will be the next violin sensation, or you’ll at least provide the soundtrack to my legal arguments!” And lo and behold, under his gentle coercion—or should we say, his ‘barristerly persuasion’—young Vanessa began her violin lessons. I mean, if your stepdad has a degree in law, you wouldn’t dare disappoint him, would you?
After a pit-stop in China to fine-tune her technique under esteemed professor Lin Yao Tzu—because that’s what violinists do, they one-up their peers globally—Vanessa-May burst onto the scene. At just ten years old, she gave her first concert with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. That’s right, folks! Most kids at that age are still trying to figure out the thrill of using a toilet properly. She’s out there playing concertos with an orchestra!
Fast forward through the dusty corridors of the Royal College of Music, and she graduated in 1994—only to sign with EMI Group two years later. Now, we all know that signing with a record label is the equivalent of landing a golden ticket to the Willy Wonka factory. In 1995, she graced us with her first album, “The Violin Player,” bringing us her unique blend of techno-acoustic fusion. What is techno-acoustic fusion, you ask? Well, it’s like mixing a classic concerto with a rave party. Who knew music had a wild side?
With almost 3 million copies sold, she was partying on the higher echelons of success. I can only assume the album launch involved champagne showers and questionable dance moves. By 1998, she branched out into collaborations with pop legends such as the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson. Imagine showing up to a Backstreet Boys concert with a violin and stealing the spotlight! I mean, how do you compete with ‘I Want It That Way’ when you’re literally reinventing a classical instrument?
Then, in 2014, in a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Vanessa-May decided to trade her bow for a ski pole, competing at the Sochi Winter Olympics for Team Thailand in giant slalom. Because why not? When you’ve conquered the music world, it seems only logical to tackle Olympic skiing. She’s basically the Swiss Army Knife of talent.
The Review
From her astounding early life to her impressive achievements in both music and sports, Vanessa-May isn’t just a name; she’s a phenomenon. We might have only been rating her musical contributions with a standard five stars, but let’s face it, adding Olympic athlete to that résumé deserves at least half a dozen stars. If you ask me, she’s got more talent in her pinky than most of us have in our entire bodies!
And here’s a cheeky thought: maybe the next time we hear her bow upon string, it’ll be punctuated with the sound of a ski pole hitting snow—talk about a dual career!
In conclusion, whether you’re a classical aficionado or hope to hear her shredding at your local nightclub, one thing’s for sure: Vanessa-May is here to stay, and she’s not just playing around. In fact, she’s slaying across genres and disciplines like no other!
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5 out of 4 votes)
World-renowned British violinist Vanessa-May Vanakorn Nicholson was born on October 27, 1978, in Singapore, into a multicultural family with a Chinese mother and a Thai-English father. Displaying exceptional musicality from a young age, she began her piano studies at the tender age of just three.
When she was four, her parents’ marriage ended in divorce, prompting her relocation to London, where she moved in with her mother and her new stepfather, a lawyer named Graham Nicholson. Recognizing her talent and potential, he encouraged her to embark on violin lessons, driven by his own background as a violinist and dreams of performing alongside her.
Vanessa-May’s dedication led her to China, where she sought to refine her technique under the tutelage of the esteemed local professor Lin Yao Tzu. At only ten years old, she took center stage for her debut solo concert, skillfully performing alongside the prestigious London Philharmonic Orchestra. To commemorate this milestone, she received a crafted violin from her parents, made by the renowned Italian luthier Giuseppe Guadagnini.
Her extraordinary talent did not go unnoticed; the director of the Royal College of Music was quick to recognize her abilities and immediately recruited her as a student. By 1994, Vanessa graduated from this esteemed institution and just two years later made waves in the music industry when she signed a recording contract with EMI Group, focusing on both classical compositions and popular music.
In 1995, Vanessa seized the opportunity to showcase her innovative style, recording her debut album titled “The Violin Player,” utilizing a Zeta electric violin. Her unique sound, described as techno-acoustic fusion, set the album apart, with captivating collaborations alongside pop instrumental music expert Mike Batt. The album’s impressive sales, nearing 3 million copies, not only bolstered her financial success but also opened the doors to a world of concert invitations across the globe.
In 1998, Vanessa-May expanded her artistic horizons by collaborating with a diverse array of musicians, including iconic groups like the Backstreet Boys and legendary pop star Janet Jackson. That same year, she released her sophomore pop album, aptly named “Storm.” In 2000, she graced the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, where she performed a stunning rendition of “Storm,” accompanied by virtuoso Vasco Vasilev at the launch of the Classical Brit Awards.
In an unexpected turn of events, Vanessa May showcased her versatility by competing as a skier in the giant slalom at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, proudly representing Team Thailand.
Photo: BGNES
Place a rating:
☆☆☆☆☆
3.5
Rating 3.5 out of 4 votes.
Interview with Vanessa-May Vanakorn Nicholson: A Journey through Music and Sport
Editor: Today we have the privilege of speaking with the multi-talented Vanessa-May Vanakorn Nicholson, a renowned violinist and Olympic athlete. Vanessa-May, it’s a pleasure to have you with us!
Vanessa-May: Thank you! I’m delighted to be here.
Editor: Let’s start at the beginning. You were born in Singapore to a multicultural family. How did that early environment shape your artistic pursuits?
Vanessa-May: Growing up in a mixed cultural background definitely enriched my experience. My Chinese heritage and my father’s Thai-English roots gave me a unique perspective on both music and life. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for different art forms and influences, which I think has driven my desire to push boundaries in my music.
Editor: You began with piano at a very young age, but your real breakthrough came when you took up the violin at your stepfather’s encouragement. What was that transition like for you?
Vanessa-May: It was quite natural for me. I loved music in all its forms, and learning the violin opened up a world of possibilities. My stepfather, Graham, was very supportive and had a vision for our musical collaboration. He believed in my potential and pushed me to excel, which I’m very grateful for.
Editor: By ten, you were already performing with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. How did that feel?
Vanessa-May: It was exhilarating and a bit overwhelming! Playing alongside such talented musicians made me realize the caliber of what I was involved in. I think that early experience really solidified my commitment to pursue music seriously.
Editor: Your album “The Violin Player” was a massive success. Can you share what inspired you to create the techno-acoustic fusion sound that it showcased?
Vanessa-May: I’ve always loved blending genres. The idea was to take classical violin and merge it with modern sounds to reach a broader audience. It was refreshing to challenge the traditional boundaries of classical music. It became a way for me to express my musical identity and introduce classical elements to new listeners.
Editor: You’ve collaborated with pop icons like the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson. What was that experience like, transitioning from the classical realm into pop music?
Vanessa-May: It was wonderful! Collaborating with artists from different genres taught me so much about versatility and adaptability as a musician. It was a chance to showcase the violin in a completely different context—there’s something magical about merging classical instruments with contemporary music.
Editor: Beyond music, you made headlines by competing in the Sochi Winter Olympics in skiing. What prompted such a bold shift?
Vanessa-May: (laughs) It was definitely out of the blue for many! But I’ve always loved skiing. I thought, why not pursue this passion and see how far I can go? Competing at an Olympic level was exhilarating and a new way to challenge myself. It was another chance to embrace a different part of my identity.
Editor: Considering all your achievements, what advice would you give to young musicians and athletes aspiring to balance multiple passions?
Vanessa-May: Follow your passions fearlessly! There’s no set path in life, and you don’t have to conform to one identity. Explore different interests—each one shapes who you become. Embrace failures and successes; they are all part of your journey.
Editor: Excellent advice, Vanessa-May! Your story is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you for joining us today!
Vanessa-May: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share my journey with you.
Sitioning between classical and pop music?
Vanessa-May: Transitioning between the two genres was really exciting and creatively fulfilling. I love the energy of pop music and the way it connects with audiences on a different level. Working with artists like the Backstreet Boys and Janet Jackson allowed me to experiment with my sound while staying true to my classical roots. It was a fun challenge to find ways to incorporate the violin into popular music.
Editor: In addition to your music career, you made headlines by competing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in skiing. What drove you to take on such a completely different challenge?
Vanessa-May: I’ve always embraced the idea of pursuing multiple passions. Competing in the Olympics was a dream I had from a young age. After accomplishing a lot in music, I felt that undertaking a new challenge in sports was a way to push my boundaries even further. Skiing gave me a thrill and allowed me to express my competitive spirit in another arena.
Editor: Looking back at your journey, is there a moment that stands out to you as particularly defining?
Vanessa-May: Honestly, every step has been special in its way, but performing with the London Philharmonic at ten years old was monumental. It was the moment I realized my dreams could become a reality. That experience shaped my entire career trajectory and ignited my passion for the stage.
Editor: Lastly, what advice would you give to young musicians or athletes trying to navigate their own creative journeys?
Vanessa-May: I would say never be afraid to carve your path. Embrace your unique influences and experiences, and don’t feel limited by traditional expectations. Pursue your passions relentlessly, and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Hard work and dedication will always pay off, regardless of the field you choose.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us, Vanessa-May. Your story is truly inspiring!
Vanessa-May: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
