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David Christian Bongartz (born 4 September 1980), known by his stage name David Garrett, is a German classical and crossover violinist and recording artist.

Early life

[edit]

When Garrett was four years old his father purchased a violin for his older brother. The young Garrett took an interest and soon learned to play. A year later, he took part in a competition and won first prize. By the age of seven, he studied violin at the Lübeck Conservatoire.[1] When he was nine years old he gave his debut at the Festival Kissinger Sommer,[2][3] and by the age of 12, Garrett began working with the distinguished Polish violinist Ida Haendel, often traveling to London and other European cities to meet her.[4] After leaving home at 17, he enrolled at the Royal College of Music in London,[5] leaving after the first semester. On being asked in an interview in 2008 if he was expelled, Garrett responded: "Well, expelled wasn't the official term… It was mutually agreed that me and the RCM were going separate ways after the first semester. I did skip some lessons – but I also broke in to do extra practice, so that didn't help!"[6] In 1999, he moved to New York to attend the Juilliard School, in 2003 winning the School's Composition Competition with a fugue composed in the style of Johann Sebastian Bach.[7] While at Juilliard he studied under Itzhak Perlman, one of the first people to do so,[4] and graduated in 2004.

Garrett attended the Keshet Eilon Masterclasses in Israel in the summers of 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2002.[8]

Career

[edit]

Garrett received his first Stradivarius violin at the age of 11, courtesy of German president Richard von Weizsäcker, after having performed for him.[9] At the age of 13, Garrett recorded two CDs, appeared on German and Dutch television,[10] and gave a concert in the residence of the President of Germany, the Villa Hammerschmidt.[11] At that age, he was offered the use of the famous Stradivarius "San Lorenzo",[12] which is among the best instruments of Antonio Stradivari's "golden period".

He eventually purchased his own violin, made in 1772 by Giovanni Guadagnini, a student of Stradivari. However, after a 2008 performance, he fell, landing on the violin which was strapped to his back and damaging it severely.[13] Although he was able to get it repaired, he purchased a Stradivari soon afterward.[13]

At the age of 13, as the youngest soloist ever, Garrett signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon.[7] In April 1997, aged 16, he played with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Zubin Mehta in Delhi and Mumbai in concerts marking the 50th anniversary of India's Independence.[14]

Two years later, Garrett played with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, and was hailed by critics. This led to an invitation to perform at Expo 2000 in Hanover. At the age of 21, he was invited to perform at the BBC Proms.

While studying at Juilliard, Garrett supplemented his income by working as a model.[15]

Garrett performing in Cologne in January 2010

Garrett's 2008 album Encore pursues an aim of arousing young people's interest in classical music. The release contains his own compositions and arrangements of pieces and melodies that have accompanied him in his life so far. Together with his band, consisting of keyboard, guitar and drums, he gives concerts that include classical sonatas (accompanied by a concert grand piano), arrangements, and compositions, as well as rock songs and movie themes. In Autumn 2007, Garrett was chosen by the Montegrappa firm (whose items are distributed by Montblanc throughout the world) as an ambassador for the launch of the new pens from the Tributo ad Antonio Stradivari collection. The event took place in several venues, including in Rome, New York, Hong Kong, Berlin, and London. For these occasions Garrett was offered a Stradivarius from the Gli Archi di Palazzo Comunale collection.[16] He also appeared at the Royal Variety Performance on 5 December 2011,[17] playing his cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

He joined the 9th annual Independent Music Awards judging panel to assist independent musicians' careers.[18] His album, Music, was released in 2012. On 19 May 2012 he appeared at the UEFA Champions League Final performing with German singer Jonas Kaufmann.[19] For 2014 he announced a new Crossover Tour.[20]

He played the lead role in the 2013 film The Devil's Violinist, as the noted 19th-century violinist Niccolò Paganini. The same year he released his album Garrett vs Paganini. His 2015 album Explosive includes the original compositions Innovation, Furious, Explosive, Unlimited Symphony, Serenity, Baroque fantasy, and Melancholia.

On 18 August 2017, David Garrett released the single "Bittersweet Symphony" as a teaser for his album Rock Revolution, released 17 September 2017.

On 20 August 2020, Garrett performed the UEFA Europa League Anthem for the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League season, which took place in Germany from the Quarter Final stage.[21] On 11 October 2020, Garrett performed the German national anthem at the Formula 1 2020 Eifel Grand Prix as part of the opening ceremonies.[22] On 9 October he released another studio album called Alive: My Soundtrack.

Personal life

[edit]

Garrett was born in Aachen to an American prima ballerina,[7] Dove Garrett,[23] and a German jurist,[7] Georg Bongartz.[23] Garrett explains that while he was performing as a child prodigy, his parents started using his mother's maiden name as his stage name. "My parents kind of decided that it was more pronounceable than the German name, so I stuck with that."[1]

Recordings

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Other albums

[edit]
  • Nokia Night of the Proms (2004)
  • The New Classical Generation 2008 (2008)
[edit]

DVD

[edit]
  • David Garrett: Live – In Concert & In Private (2009)
  • David Garrett: Rock Symphonies – Open Air Live (2010)
  • David Garrett: Legacy Live in Baden Baden (2011)
  • David Garrett: Music – Live in Concert (2012)
  • David Garrett: Unlimited - Live from the Arena di Verona (2021)
  • David Garrett: Alive - Live from Caracalla & The private life of a Star (2023)[24]

Filmography

[edit]

Awards and recognition

[edit]
  • Radio Regenbogen Award, March 2008
  • Echo Classics, Classic without borders, October 2008
  • GQ Award Man of the Year category music, November 2008
  • Goldene Feder, May 2009
  • Goldener Geigenbogen, May 2009
  • Golden Camera, Best Music International, January 2010
  • World's Fastest Violinist, Guinness World Record, May 2008[25] to December 2011
  • Bambi Awards, category Classic (14 November 2013)
  • Frankfurter Musikpreis, 2017[26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Garrett

View on Grokipedia
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For the New Zealand politician, see [[David Garrett (politician)]]. David Garrett (born David Christian Bongartz; September 4, 1980) is a German violinist renowned for his classical expertise and innovative crossover style that fuses violin virtuosity with rock, pop, and contemporary music, and who previously held the Guinness World Record for the fastest violinist. A , he began playing the at age four under his father's guidance and made his orchestral debut at ten with the Philharmonic under Gerd Albrecht. At thirteen, Garrett became the youngest artist ever signed to the prestigious label, launching an international career that included performances with major orchestras worldwide. Born in to a German lawyer father, Georg Bongartz, and an American former prima ballerina mother, Dove Garrett—whose maiden name he adopted professionally—Garrett's early years were shaped by rigorous daily practice and familial encouragement. At age eleven, he began studying with violinist in , and between ages ten and seventeen, he toured extensively, performing classical repertoire including works by , Paganini, and Beethoven. After a hiatus to pursue broader studies, including at The with from 1997 to 2001, Garrett relocated to Berlin's district, where he immersed himself in diverse music scenes before recommitting to the violin. Garrett's breakthrough in the crossover genre came in 2007 with his crossover debut album Virtuoso on Deutsche Grammophon, featuring electrified violin arrangements of hits by Michael Jackson and others, which earned him the Classic BRIT Award for Best-Selling Classical Album in 2008. Subsequent releases like Encore (2008), Rock Symphonies (2010), and Music (2012) solidified his reputation, with over five million albums sold and 5.6 billion streams worldwide as of 2025. He has performed at venues such as Royal Albert Hall and Madison Square Garden, collaborating with orchestras and rock artists, and received honors including multiple ECHO Klassik Awards and the 2017 Frankfurt Music Prize. In recent years, Garrett has balanced crossover projects with classical recordings, such as Timeless (2014) featuring Brahms and Bruch violin concertos, and Iconic (2022), paying homage to golden-age violinists. His album Millennium Symphony (2024) features original compositions and popular arrangements; it was supported by the Millennium Symphony World Tour in 2025 and, as of 2026, the Open Air Tour featuring Millennium Symphony performances.

Biography

Early life

David Garrett was born David Christian Bongartz on September 4, 1980, in , . His father, Georg Bongartz, was a and amateur violinist who later managed an auction house, while his mother, Dove Garrett, was an American prima ballerina whose maiden name he adopted professionally. The family, which also included an older brother, Alex, and a younger sister, Elena, lived near the borders of and the , fostering an environment rich in artistic influences from his parents' professions. Garrett's early interest in music emerged at age four, when his father bought a for his brother Alex; young David, drawn to the instrument amid his family's classical leanings—particularly his mother's background in and —quickly took it up himself and began practicing daily under his father's rigorous guidance. This initial spark led to his first public performance at age six in 1986, marking the beginning of his precocious musical journey. By age nine, Garrett had progressed to a notable debut at the Kissinger Sommer festival in , , in 1989, where he performed as a recognized young talent. At age ten, he made his orchestral debut with the Hamburg Philharmonic under Gerd Albrecht. This early exposure paved the way for his transition to more formal studies at conservatories, building on the foundational discipline instilled by his family. At age thirteen, he became the youngest artist ever signed to the label.

Education

Garrett commenced his formal training at the age of seven, enrolling in 1987 at the Musikhochschule . At age 10, he secured a to Academy of Music in and began studying with violinist Itzhak Rashkovsky. He briefly attended the Royal College of Music in , departing after just one semester due to dissatisfaction with the experience. At age 12, Garrett began advanced studies with the renowned Polish violinist , traveling to and other European cities for lessons over several years. In 1997, he enrolled full-time at the in New York, studying under and graduating in 2004 with a focus on classical performance.

Musical career

Classical foundations

David Garrett signed an exclusive with in 1993 at the age of 13, becoming the label's youngest artist to date. This milestone marked the beginning of his professional classical career, leading to a series of recordings that showcased his prodigious talent during his teenage years. His 1997 album Paganini: 24 Caprices for Violin, featured interpretations of works by , including the demanding 24 Caprices, performed with pianist Bruno Canino. These early efforts highlighted his technical precision and interpretive depth in the repertoire. In 1997, at age 16, Garrett performed as soloist with the Orchestra under conductor in concerts commemorating the 50th anniversary of India's independence, held in and . This engagement underscored his rising international presence in classical circles. His focus during this foundational period centered on core works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, with recordings of the D minor Partita; Paganini, through the virtuosic caprices; and Antonio Vivaldi, emphasizing precision and expressiveness. Garrett made his debut at the BBC Proms in 2001 at age 21, performing Felix Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor. This appearance affirmed his command of the romantic concerto tradition. His rigorous training at the Juilliard School under Itzhak Perlman during his late teens facilitated these high-profile debuts. Entering the early 2000s, Garrett navigated a transition phase, continuing classical tours across Europe and Asia while grappling with physical challenges from intensive practice, including shoulder and neck injuries stemming from improper violin positioning. This period of balancing demanding performances with recovery and further studies tested his resilience, setting the stage for his evolving career.

Crossover breakthrough

In 2007, David Garrett relocated to , where he signed a with , marking a deliberate pivot toward that fused his classical violin expertise with contemporary genres like rock and pop. This move was influenced by his desire to broaden his audience beyond traditional classical circles, leveraging his rigorous training as a foundation for innovative arrangements. Garrett's debut crossover album, , released in 2007, showcased his technical prowess through electrified violin interpretations of classical pieces and modern tracks, achieving commercial success and establishing his new direction. This was followed by Encore in 2008, which featured bold rock arrangements such as Coldplay's "," further blending orchestral elements with popular music and topping charts in several European countries. Also in 2008, Garrett set a Guinness World Record for the fastest performance of "," completing the piece in 1 minute 5.26 seconds, a feat he held until 2010. The 2010 release of Rock Symphonies solidified Garrett's crossover appeal, with the album reimagining rock anthems from bands like Nirvana ("Smells Like Teen Spirit") and Metallica ("Nothing Else Matters") alongside symphonic backing, earning platinum status in Germany and critical acclaim for its genre fusion. Garrett's crossover era gained momentum through extensive international tours, including high-profile performances that drew massive crowds. Notably, in 2011, he performed as a guest artist at Andrea Bocelli's "Concerto: One Night in Central Park" in New York City, attracting thousands of attendees and underscoring his rising mainstream popularity. These events, supported by his Decca releases, helped him transition from niche classical venues to global arenas, with sold-out shows across Europe and North America.

Recent developments

Garrett's 2012 album on Decca fused violin renditions of pop hits like "" with classical pieces such as Beethoven's . Following the release of his album in 2015, which blended classical elements with pop and rock covers alongside original compositions like the title track, David Garrett shifted toward more innovative original works in (2017), featuring reinterpretations of rock anthems such as "" and "" with orchestral arrangements. Garrett continued his crossover style in subsequent releases, including ICONIC (2022) on , a collection of over 20 tracks reimagining showpieces by legendary composers like Paganini and Sarasate. In 2024, he released Millennium Symphony, presenting symphonic reinterpretations of contemporary hits from the past 25 years, including works by , , and , performed with a full to highlight the 's versatility in modern pop contexts. In 2022, Garrett published his autobiography If You Only Knew, detailing his journey from to international performer, which reached number 2 on German bestseller lists and earned him the TAOBUK Award for Music at the Taormina Book Festival in 2023. In 2023, he voiced opposition to Germany's of a four-day work week, arguing in interviews that such a structure could hinder artistic careers requiring intense, flexible dedication, a stance that ignited public debate on work-life balance in creative fields. The prompted adaptations in Garrett's performances, including a virtual remix of the anthem titled "Symphony of Silence" in collaboration with Hankook Tire and composer Franck van der Heijden, released in August 2020 to support the league's return amid restrictions. By 2025, Garrett launched the Millennium World Tour, commencing in with a sold-out show in on May 3 at Universum, followed by dates in , , and , emphasizing large-scale orchestral productions of his recent album's material. He announced a U.S. leg for November and December, including performances in New York, , , , and . A career highlight came on May 31, when he performed a rendition of "" at the final in Munich's , captivating 70,000 spectators before the PSG vs. match. In 2026, Garrett embarked on the Millennium Symphony Open Air Tour, performing at open-air venues in Germany and Austria with his band and orchestra.

Personal life

Family and relationships

David Garrett was born David Christian Bongartz on September 4, 1980, in , , to a German father, Georg Paul Bongartz, a , and an American mother, Dove Bongartz (née Garrett), a former prima . His parents played a pivotal role in nurturing his early musical interest; when Garrett was four, his father purchased a for his older brother Alexander, sparking Garrett's own passion for the instrument. For his professional career, Garrett adopted his mother's maiden name as his to enhance international appeal, as "Garrett" was deemed more pronounceable than "Bongartz" for global audiences. As of 2025, Garrett is single.

Public persona and advocacy

David Garrett has cultivated a distinctive public image as a "rock star violinist," characterized by his long , visible tattoos including one reading "" on his arm, and an edgy, model-like style that contrasts with traditional classical musicians. This persona, often highlighted in media profiles, positions him as a bridge between classical and contemporary rock , drawing in diverse audiences through high-energy performances and a rebellious visual appeal. In interviews, Garrett frequently discusses his commitment to boundary-breaking in music genres, emphasizing the fusion of classical techniques with popular elements to make accessible and exciting for younger generations. For instance, he has described crossover as an "escape plan" once dismissed by the classical establishment but now a legitimate way to expand the art form's reach. His 2024 album reinterpreting pop hits by artists like and exemplifies this approach, which he frames as a means to "shake up the music scene" and challenge genre snobbery. Garrett's advocacy work centers on through support for the KlangBlickMomente foundation, which harnesses music's power to provide equal opportunities and help underprivileged children overcome barriers to realize their dreams. He has participated as a special guest violinist at the foundation's benefit concerts, such as the 2025 event at Salzburg's Mozarteum Foundation, raising funds for Austrian Children's Cancer Aid and promoting initiatives. These efforts underscore his belief in music as a connective force for social good, particularly for vulnerable youth. Garrett engages fans actively via and his official website, sharing tour updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal messages on platforms like , where he has over 420,000 followers. He frequently warns followers about scammers impersonating him, fostering a and trust while keeping audiences informed about his crossover projects and performances. This direct interaction reinforces his approachable, modern persona in the classical world.

Discography

Studio albums

David Garrett's studio albums represent his evolution from classical to a pioneering figure in crossover music, blending traditional techniques with contemporary genres. His discography includes recordings primarily on and Decca, showcasing reinterpretations of classical pieces, film scores, rock anthems, and pop hits. Over his career, Garrett's albums have achieved significant commercial success, earning 32 gold and 14 platinum certifications worldwide. His debut studio album, Paganini: Caprices for Violin, Op. 1 (1997, ), marked Garrett's entry into professional recording at age 16, featuring all 24 Caprices by accompanied by pianist Bruno Canino. This classical work highlighted his technical prowess in one of the most demanding repertoires. (2007, Decca) introduced Garrett's crossover style, combining classical elements with film scores and popular tunes, including Ennio Morricone's "La Califfa," Bizet's Carmen Fantasie, and Vittorio Monti's . The album also incorporated rock influences like Metallica's "," establishing his signature fusion approach. In Encore (2008, Decca), Garrett expanded on crossover hits with violin adaptations of Michael Jackson's "," Coldplay's "," and Queen's "?," alongside classical pieces like Debussy's "Clair de Lune." The album topped charts in and , receiving multi-platinum status in several European markets. Rock Symphonies (2010, Decca) fused rock anthems with orchestral arrangements, featuring Nirvana's "," ' "," and Queen's "," integrated with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. It debuted at number one in , earning double platinum certification there and charting highly across . The album Music (2012, Decca) continued the blend of classics and modern tracks, including Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River," Michael Jackson's "Human Nature," and Beethoven's Scherzo from Symphony No. 9, with production by David Foster on select pieces. It achieved gold status in multiple countries and reinforced Garrett's chart dominance in the classical crossover genre. Timeless (2014, Deutsche Grammophon) marked a return to pure classical repertoire, featuring the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major and Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta. The album showcased Garrett's interpretive depth in romantic concertos. Explosive (2015, Decca) delivered high-energy fusions, with original compositions like the title track "" and covers such as Eminem's "" and a collaboration with on "Serenity." Released in standard and deluxe editions, it emphasized dynamic violin-orchestra interplay and peaked in the top 10 in several European charts. (2017, Decca) explored rock-classical hybrids through reinterpretations of ' "," Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.," Led Zeppelin's "," and Prince's "Purple Rain." Available in multiple formats including a deluxe edition with bonus tracks, it garnered certifications in key markets and highlighted Garrett's innovative arrangements. Unlimited - Greatest Hits (2018, Decca) is a compilation featuring re-recorded versions of past hits and new tracks, such as acoustic renditions of "" and covers like "" and "," providing a of his crossover career in studio settings. Alive - My Soundtrack (2020, Decca) presented personal selections of pop, rock, and film , including Bee Gees' "," Louis Armstrong's "," Pharrell Williams' "Happy," and The Rolling Stones' "," blending nostalgic covers with orchestral arrangements. Released in deluxe edition with bonus tracks, it reflected Garrett's diverse influences during the pandemic era. Returning to Deutsche Grammophon, Iconic (2022) reimagined iconic themes from film and classical sources, such as John Williams' "Schindler's List," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee," and Bach's "Air." The album, released in deluxe and limited editions, celebrated Garrett's roots while incorporating cinematic flair, achieving strong streaming and sales performance. Garrett's most recent studio release, Millennium Symphony (2024, Polydor), presents symphonic reinterpretations of pop hits from the past 25 years, including Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You," Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero," and Rihanna's "Umbrella." This 24-track album underscores his ongoing adaptation to contemporary music, blending violin virtuosity with modern production for a global audience. It features a collaboration with cellist HAUSER on "Shake It Off."

Live recordings and DVDs

David Garrett's live recordings and DVDs capture his high-energy crossover performances, often featuring orchestral backing and rock-infused arrangements of classical and popular pieces. These releases highlight his ability to bridge genres in front of large audiences, with video productions emphasizing visual spectacle alongside musical virtuosity. One of his notable early live video releases is David Garrett: Live in Concert & In Private (2009), recorded at the in , which includes a mix of classical works like themes from and intimate private sessions demonstrating his technical prowess on . The 2011 DVD Rock Symphonies - Open Air Live documents a concert with the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt orchestra, blending rock anthems such as Queen's "" and classical elements, earning acclaim for its production quality and Garrett's dynamic stage presence. In 2013, Garrett released Music! Live in Concert, a DVD filmed at the TUI Arena in Hannover before over 10,000 spectators, featuring tracks from his Music like "" and "" performed with his band and the Neue Philharmonie orchestra, showcasing his crossover style in a full-scale arena setting. The Alive series of live releases began gaining traction with performances tied to his evolving repertoire; for instance, the 2023 DVD Alive - Live from captures a 2022 concert at Rome's ancient , where Garrett and his band delivered modern covers including "" and "," accompanied by a documentary on his creative process. An earlier highlight in the series' spirit is the 2018 live footage from Rome's , often referred to in red-lit performances like "Live and Let Die," though not a formal release. Garrett's 2021 DVD Unlimited - Live from the Arena di Verona commemorates a decade of crossover success, recorded at the historic Roman amphitheater with 15,000 fans, featuring medleys of hits such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Viva la Vida" alongside classical nods, underscoring his global appeal through elaborate staging and orchestral integration. Unlimited - Greatest Hits (Deluxe Version) (2018) is a studio compilation with new arrangements rather than live tracks, providing a retrospective of his interpretations. Garrett has also made featured appearances on live recordings by other artists, including collaborations with rock musicians; for example, his contributions to Queen's and joint TV specials with cellist HAUSER on tracks like "" in 2024, blending classical flair with contemporary rock energy. These releases often draw from his studio albums but emphasize the improvisational and crowd-engaging aspects unique to live settings.

Other media appearances

Film roles

David Garrett made his acting debut in the 2013 biographical drama , directed by Bernard Rose, where he portrayed the legendary 19th-century Italian violinist and composer . The film explores Paganini's scandalous life, including his virtuosic performances, rumored pact with the , and tumultuous relationships during his 1830s tour. Garrett, known primarily as a classical and crossover ist, performed his own violin parts in the movie, bringing authenticity to the role of the enigmatic musician. The production marked a significant step for Garrett beyond music, with the screenplay tailored to highlight parallels between his own career and Paganini's boundary-pushing artistry. Co-starring actors like and , the film premiered at the and received a . Critics gave mixed reviews to Garrett's , praising the musical sequences for their intensity and realism while critiquing his as novice and occasionally stiff. On , the film holds a 31% approval rating from critics, with some noting Garrett's "electrifying musical authenticity" as a standout element despite narrative flaws. IMDb users rated it 6.0/10, reflecting divided opinions on the blend of and Garrett's debut. As of 2025, remains Garrett's only major film acting role, with no subsequent scripted features announced.

Television and events

Garrett made his American television debut with a and on NBC's Today Show on January 21, 2011, showcasing his crossover style through renditions of popular pieces. In the realm of television specials, Garrett has been the subject of documentaries highlighting his career, such as the 2022 film David Garrett – A World Star Privately, directed by Cordula Kablitz-Post, which features excerpts from his performances and insights into his dual classical and crossover artistry. Garrett has also appeared on German television programs, including a medley performance on in 2024 to promote his album Millennium Symphony. He performed alongside HAUSER on Die Giovanni Zarrella Show in November 2024, delivering a and rendition of Taylor Swift's "." On November 15, 2024, Garrett performed a "Millennium-Symphony Medley" at the Goldene Henne awards ceremony on German television, showcasing tracks from his latest album. Beyond studio appearances, Garrett has contributed to major sporting events broadcast on television. In August 2020, he premiered "Symphony of Silence," a violin remix of the official anthem, in collaboration with composer Franck van der Heijden and sponsor Hankook Tire. This emotional arrangement was released ahead of the 2020–21 season and aired across UEFA broadcasts. In May 2025, Garrett performed a specially arranged violin version of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" prior to the final at in , captivating an audience of over 70,000 and global television viewers during the pre-match ceremony. The performance, part of the event's kick-off show produced by Balich Wonder Studio, marked a highlight of his integration of rock elements into high-profile public spectacles.

Awards and honors

Major accolades

David Garrett has garnered numerous accolades from prominent music organizations, recognizing his innovative contributions to classical and crossover genres. He has received nine ECHO Klassik Awards in total (four in pop categories and five in classical), including the 2008 award in the "Classic without borders" category for his album , and the 2011 awards for Rock Symphonies, celebrating his orchestral fusion of rock anthems with symphonic arrangements. In 2010, Garrett was honored with the Golden Camera award for Best International Music, acknowledging his global impact as a violinist bridging classical traditions and . In 2013, he earned the for Best International Music Artist in the classical category, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the industry. In 2017, Garrett received the Frankfurt Music Prize, a €15,000 award recognizing his exceptional talent and performances that expand the repertoire. More recently, in 2023, Garrett received the OPUS Klassik Award for "Bestseller of the Year" for his album , and the TAOBUK Award for his If You Only Knew, which details his personal journey and artistic evolution.

Record achievements

In 2008, David Garrett achieved the Guinness World Record for the fastest violinist by performing Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "" in 1 minute and 5.26 seconds. He held this title until 2011, when it was surpassed by another performer. Garrett's recordings have sold over 5 million albums worldwide, driven largely by his classical crossover works that blend with rock and pop elements. These achievements are underscored by 32 gold and 14 platinum certifications across various countries, including , , and , as of March 2024. In the realm of live performances, Garrett has set notable milestones in classical crossover, with over 4 million tickets sold globally across more than 1,600 concerts. This includes record-breaking sales of over 400,000 tickets in , , and within a single year (as of 2010).

References

  1. https://www.classicfm.com/artists/david-garrett/guides/david-garrett-facts/
  2. https://www.medici.tv/en/artists/david-garrett
  3. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/bio
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1075603/bio/
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  9. https://theviolinchannel.com/david-garrett-awarded-frankfurt-instrument-makers-prize/
  10. https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/davidgarrett/discography
  11. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/david-garrett-millenium-symphony
  12. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/news/post/open-air-2026-2
  13. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-3017898/Interview-violinist-David-Garrett-thought-father-hated-me.html
  14. https://www.musictraveler.co/david-garrett
  15. https://www.npr.org/2009/06/15/105438592/violinist-david-garrett-rocks-a-new-audience
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  21. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/no-fiddling-around-510966
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  31. https://www.hankooktire.com/global/en/company/media-list/media-detail.67793.html
  32. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/news/post/europe-concerts-announced
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  35. https://kids.kiddle.co/David_Garrett
  36. http://www.audio-music.info/htm/g/Garrett_David.htm
  37. https://mabumbe.com/people/david-garrett-age-net-worth-family-and-career-timeline/
  38. https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/02/17/david-garrett-brings-rock-and-classical-giants-together/
  39. https://www.npr.org/2009/06/04/104952669/david-garrett-a-new-blend-of-rock-star
  40. https://www.thestrad.com/playing-hub/it-was-the-escape-plan-for-less-than-first-class-musicians-david-garrett-on-changing-attitudes-to-crossover-playing/12008.article
  41. https://www.classicfm.com/artists/david-garrett/guides/david-garrett-mixing-classical-and-popular-music/
  42. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/german-violonists-album-interprets-pop-173056354.html
  43. https://klangblickmomente.at/
  44. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/news/post/support-for-klangblickmomente
  45. https://www.instagram.com/davidgarrettinsta/?hl=en
  46. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/contact
  47. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/
  48. https://nysmusic.com/2025/08/17/world-class-violinist-david-garrett-brings-millennium-symphony-to-town-hall-this-november/
  49. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/paganini-caprices-2
  50. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/virtuoso-2
  51. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/encore-2
  52. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/rock-symphonies-2
  53. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/timeless-2
  54. https://open.spotify.com/album/156nlKLAd0vGyMUhHlvBNx
  55. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/alive-my-soundtrack
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQKP-hbJ1cs
  57. https://www.amazon.com/David-Garrett-Rock-Symphonies-Open/dp/B005LEW2PG
  58. https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2013/08/16/david-garrett-music-live-concert
  59. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/david-garrett-alive-br-live-from-baths-of-caracalla-roma
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv_rDYNPoUU
  61. https://www.david-garrett.com/en/music/release/david-garrett-unlimited-live-from-the-arena-di-verona
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYAhNqto4eM
  63. https://www.classicfm.com/artists/david-garrett/news/david-garrett-play-niccolo-paganini-new-biopic/
  64. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2401715/
  65. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_devils_violinist
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aTmHKDisV0
  67. https://kinescopefilm.de/en/node/229
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRJMtpxoFe4
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trs2nx2pCnE
  70. https://www.balichwonderstudio.com/ceremonies/opening-ceremonies/uefa-champions-league-final-2025-kick-off-show/
  71. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/echo-klassik-2008-winners-revealed-1306789/
  72. https://www.alamy.com/david-garrett-plays-the-violin-after-he-received-the-trophy-for-the-category-best-music-international-during-the-awarding-ceremony-of-the-german-television-goldene-kamera-golden-camera-media-award-in-berlin-on-saturday-jan-30-2010-ap-photogero-breloer-pool-image538253626.html
  73. https://www.taobuk.it/en/taobuk-awards/
  74. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/violinist-david-garrett-invests-in-promoter-label-1202783/
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