Charles Maximilian Siem is an English contemporary classical violinist as well as a model.
Life
Charlie Siem was born in London, England, to billionaire Kristian Siem :no:Kristian Siem|, a Norwegian businessman, and his South African-born wife Karen Ann, née Moross. He has three sisters, all involved in art: musician Sasha Siem, visual artist / healing arts teacher Sophie Madeleine Siem, and artist Louisa Tatiana Kristianne Siem. Siem began the study of violin at age three when his interest was piqued upon hearing the cassettes his mother would play. He went on to study at Eton College and Girton College, Cambridge, and continued his violin studies with Itzhak Rashkovsky and Shlomo Mintz. He performed his first concerto with an orchestra at age 15, and played with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at age 18. He has gained recognition in the past few years by playing alongside artists such as The Who and Miley Cyrus. Among his fans include Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Siem also professionally models having been the face of Dunhill London and Hugo Boss. Siem is distantly related to Norwegian violin virtuoso and composer Ole Bull. He plays a violin made by Guarneri del Gesu from 1735, also known as "The d'Egville". The violin was previously owned by Yehudi Menuhin. A great believer in devoting time to worthwhile causes, Siem is an ambassador for The Prince's Trust.
Reviews
"Siem also had the deep heart and soul required to make the music sing, in a great romantic combination of drama, passion and tenderness."
"Under the Stars" Album of the week on Classic FM "A very attractive selection of favourites, performed with the violinist's trademark grace and intimacy."
In 2012 Siem has received negative criticism in The New York Times, " there was a dumbfounding gap between his retro suavity and the ineptitude of his playing His intonation, passagework and tone were simply ugly".
Gramophone, "Charlie Siem, allowing his tone to soar in a great arch, creates a memorable high-point."
"These performances show that his music-making is more than capable of speaking for itself without any kind of special pleading." The Guardian
"...Charlie Siem completely broke people's prejudices with his performance, proving himself through his music and demonstrating the charm of 'the most exciting young violinist in the contemporary music world' on the stage of Beijing Concert Hall. Charlie presented the Beijing audience with masterpieces and sonatas such as Violin Sonata No. 9 "Kreutzer" by Beethoven, Violin Sonata No. 3 by Grieg, Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate and more....His performance was a consummate display of skill. He captivated the audience with his extremely impressive playing, calm stage presence, handsome appearance and astonishing technique." China Art News
