The FUSE violin duo and Swarovski Crystal joined forces to create the world's most expensive pair of electric violins ever made setting a new World Record! Each FUSE Signature Swarovski violins is worth over $1,500,000.
FUSE are virtuoso violinists Linzi Stoppard, former model and daughter-in-law of Sir Tom Stoppard, and Ben Lee, the 2-time Fastest Violin Player in the world Guinness World Record holder. Linzi and Ben formed this dynamic violin duo in 2008. Both classically trained for the age of 4 and 5 respectively Linzi and Ben explored the boundaries of the acoustic violin but both by different routes decided the electric variation of the instrument was where they wanted to be. At the time classical cross-over was just being born, it was the natural extension for the acoustic instrument but it wasn't long before both of these world leading musicians coincidentally decided the boundaries needed to be pushed. More and more violinists were switching to cross-over and ultimately ended up performing the same unimaginative music. this was too mundane for Linzi and Ben and hence lead to their fortuitous meeting.
Linzi had carved herself a special niche performing around the world at A-list events with her dance/club variation of the cross-over sound and within a short few months was in global demand. But her passion lay more towards the world of rock. However the instrument of choice for rock music was the guitar but Linzi was convinced the violin could be as versatile as the more common place guitar. In order to really prove the impossible Linzi knew two was better than one to produce the harmonies, light and dark, arrangements and of course the performance necessary to accompany this more dynamic, high impact and ultimately more powerful musical direction. Welcome Ben Lee.
Ben had come from the indie session world, he was the first pick for cool bands who wanted to add the string flavour to their tracks. He was also the "fastest fingers" at the Royal College which would come to prominence later in FUSE's meteoric rise. Ben understood the value of affecting the violin sound that Linzi was after, taking it away from the monotone drown other violin acts were using. Linzi and Ben locked themselves away rehearsal rooms, beg and borrowing whatever equipment they could lay their hands on to develop a sound that was way beyond anything before. After two or three months of experimenting with guitar analogue valve amps, processors and the obligatory digital wizardry the FUSE sound was born. It was fresh, exciting, high energy and took the violin to a place never heard before.
Six months later and the eponymous debut album was demoed and in the melting pot with some of the major rock labels. A deal followed shortly and FUSE were label mates with the likes of Prince, Simple Minds, The Police, Stevie Wonder and Kiss. The album is a collection of rock anthems, but Linzi and Ben's classical routes and influences are still there to be heard woven into tracks like Led Carmina, Fix You, Beat It and the lead track Glorious.
FUSE had aligned themselves with music royalty - so far such exclusive collaborations with Swarovski had been limited to artists such as Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Madonna and Taylor Swift. With this sort of exclusivity the new Swarovski Signature Violins were in need of a special introduction and where better than Harrods, the most aspirational store in the world.
Once Linzi and Ben presented their "Swarovskis" to the directors of Harrods it was forgone conclusion; they adored them. It was straight to the drawing board to organise a launch to coincide with the release of FUSE's new album. There were many options in-store for FUSE to present their Swarovskis to the media but take one look at the Egyptian Escalator and it was clear this is where it would take place. It is iconic within Harrods and the main artery connecting all 5 floors. FUSE revealed their Signature Violins at a media call in-store and then the instruments were displayed in a bullet proof glass case at the top of the escalator for the public to view.
Linzi Stoppard of FUSE said, “These violins are incredible, just stunning – the light explodes off the Swarovski crystals. We love the fact that whilst they have become pieces of art, we can still play the songs from our new album ‘FUSE’ on them.
David Miller, Director of Harrods Home commented “We are delighted to welcome FUSE to our world-famous store to celebrate the launch of their debut album.” He went on to say “Harrods is renowned for enhancing its customers’ shopping experience’ and added ‘On this occasion, our customers will have the chance to catch a glimpse of these extraordinary masterpieces which will be exhibited on the fifth floor of the iconic Egyptian Escalators until 2nd June.”
In the violin world FUSE were catapulted to a completely new level, the package was irresistible - Beautiful looking violinists, a new and modern sound, the twist on a classical instrument now clad in thousands of crystal creating a new world record in doing so, along side Ben's two Violin Speed World Records, no violin group had managed to create such a wealth of interest, angles and attention when first bursting on to the scene.
More power to their elbows!
For further information visit:
FUSE Official>>
Linzi Stoppard>>
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee as FUSE Support Music Legend Dionne Warwick And The Financial Community To Raise A Million Pounds For The Prince's Trust
Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee as FUSE joined the music legend Dionne Warwick and financial communities raising a record amount for The Prince's Trust at the Invest in Futures Gala Dinner supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
The Invest in Futures Gala Dinner, took place at the Natural History Museum to raise vital funds to help disadvantaged young people into work.
The annual dinner, which unites recording artists, hedge fund leaders and financiers from around the world, raised more than £1 million for The Trust, the largest sum ever raised at the event since its launch in 2005.
Joan Collins, Dionne Warwick, FUSE (Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee), Kate Aidie, Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster joined city high-fliers to raise record funds for The Prince’s Trust, at one of the most important fundraisers in the calendar. Grammy award-winning legend, Dionne Warwick, performed at the fundraiser, which was hosted by Clive Anderson. Supporting the music icon was the world's most coveted electric violin virtuosos, FUSE, consisting of Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who also entertained guests with their unique take on several classic rock songs.
Proud ambassadors of The Prince's Trust, FUSE rose to prominence after their debut album last year. The only string group to be sponsored by Swarovski they performed on their exclusive crystal violins literally adding a sparkle to the proceedings. In 2010 Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee have performed live on TV to an audience of over 100 million plus appearances at GQ Men of the Year Awards, Glastonbury and London Fashion Week. The duo’s breakthrough debut album, ‘FUSE’ bridges the gap between classical and pop music and the album features 14 anthems including ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson and Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’.
Other celebrity ambassadors of The Prince’s Trust pledged their support by offering exclusive auction lots including a meet and greet with Lewis Hamilton and an acting workshop led by Kevin Spacey with Prince’s Trust young people. Sir Paul McCartney and Sting joined them by donating signed memorabilia including a Fender bass guitar.
A master class with dance group Flawless and a lithograph created and signed by the youth charity’s founder and president, HRH The Prince of Wales, was also auctioned off for the good cause.
Julian Barrell, Director of Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust, said: "Nine hundred and fifty one thousand 16 to 24-year-olds are currently out of work - the highest number since records began in 1992. The generosity of our Invest in Future guests will help us give thousands of these young people a second chance in life, boosting their confidence and helping them into jobs."
Jonathan Moulds, president, Europe at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: "The Prince’s Trust invests in the future of more than 40,000 disadvantaged young people every year, with more than three out of four moving into work, education or training. We believe that this phenomenal success rate speaks volumes about the importance of giving youngsters a second chance to achieve their potential. We are delighted that others from the financial community have joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch in supporting this very worthy cause."
For more information:
Prince's Trust>>
FUSE Official>>
The Invest in Futures Gala Dinner, took place at the Natural History Museum to raise vital funds to help disadvantaged young people into work.
The annual dinner, which unites recording artists, hedge fund leaders and financiers from around the world, raised more than £1 million for The Trust, the largest sum ever raised at the event since its launch in 2005.
Joan Collins, Dionne Warwick, FUSE (Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee), Kate Aidie, Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster joined city high-fliers to raise record funds for The Prince’s Trust, at one of the most important fundraisers in the calendar. Grammy award-winning legend, Dionne Warwick, performed at the fundraiser, which was hosted by Clive Anderson. Supporting the music icon was the world's most coveted electric violin virtuosos, FUSE, consisting of Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who also entertained guests with their unique take on several classic rock songs.
Proud ambassadors of The Prince's Trust, FUSE rose to prominence after their debut album last year. The only string group to be sponsored by Swarovski they performed on their exclusive crystal violins literally adding a sparkle to the proceedings. In 2010 Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee have performed live on TV to an audience of over 100 million plus appearances at GQ Men of the Year Awards, Glastonbury and London Fashion Week. The duo’s breakthrough debut album, ‘FUSE’ bridges the gap between classical and pop music and the album features 14 anthems including ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson and Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’.
Other celebrity ambassadors of The Prince’s Trust pledged their support by offering exclusive auction lots including a meet and greet with Lewis Hamilton and an acting workshop led by Kevin Spacey with Prince’s Trust young people. Sir Paul McCartney and Sting joined them by donating signed memorabilia including a Fender bass guitar.
A master class with dance group Flawless and a lithograph created and signed by the youth charity’s founder and president, HRH The Prince of Wales, was also auctioned off for the good cause.
Julian Barrell, Director of Fundraising at The Prince’s Trust, said: "Nine hundred and fifty one thousand 16 to 24-year-olds are currently out of work - the highest number since records began in 1992. The generosity of our Invest in Future guests will help us give thousands of these young people a second chance in life, boosting their confidence and helping them into jobs."
Jonathan Moulds, president, Europe at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said: "The Prince’s Trust invests in the future of more than 40,000 disadvantaged young people every year, with more than three out of four moving into work, education or training. We believe that this phenomenal success rate speaks volumes about the importance of giving youngsters a second chance to achieve their potential. We are delighted that others from the financial community have joined Bank of America Merrill Lynch in supporting this very worthy cause."
For more information:
Prince's Trust>>
FUSE Official>>
Linzi Stoppard Top Tips For Learning The Electric Violin.
Linzi Stoppard is a virtuoso electric violinist whose international reputation was built off the back of her powerful solo performances that stayed with her audiences and fans long after the show was over.
Now Linzi is one half of the rock electric violin duo FUSE - wanting to stay away from the over crowded classical cross-over cliches Linzi and her fellow band mate, violinist Ben Lee, FUSE purposefully decided to re-invent what is widely considered to be a traditional instrument with a completely new sound - ROCK! FUSE's contemporary ideas and step away from the classical-cliche sound are beyond reproach...this is the most talked-about and acclaimed string act in recent times.
Their breakthrough debut album was released in 2010 and quickly earned the duo the reputation as the "most innovative string act for over a generation. Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee harness their exclusive Signature Swarovski Crystal Bridge electric violins and seize classic Rock anthems and put them through the FUSE wringer! Each bespoke violin was created by Swarovski to celebrate FUSE's new album. With 50,000 crystals per instrument, everyone individually hand applied these working examples and also pieces of art. Linzi and Ben debuted them to the media in-store at Harrods where they were displayed to the public. The pair of violins are worth over £2,0000,000.
Linzi's powerful, commanding and sassy performances leaves fans wanting more - the Princess of the electric violin world aims to raise the bar for electric violinists the world over, appealing to audiences of all ages. FUSE's music has no language barriers so the limits are endless.
Each year FUSE dedicates time and performances to a range of charities in UK and abroad. Recently this has included children's charities that have lead Linzi and Ben to elementary schools where they showcase their talents, explaining how and why they decided to break the mould. Linzi and Ben hope to inspire young musicians that the electric violin can be a real alternative to the more commonplace guitar.
If you are interested in learning to play the electric violin here are Linzi's top tips:
1.) Buy yourself a starter electric violin and amp combo from Ebay. check that it works, if you can.
2.) Learn the basics, such as scales, and bowing techniques, from a couple of How to Play the Violin books, and DVD's.
3.) Sign up through a local college for some group violin lessons, and mix with like-minded people.
4.) Use your musical influences to experiment and develop your own sounds.
5.) Never stop believing in yourself, and take every opportunity to get out thee, and play live. If I can do it, you can!"
Now Linzi is one half of the rock electric violin duo FUSE - wanting to stay away from the over crowded classical cross-over cliches Linzi and her fellow band mate, violinist Ben Lee, FUSE purposefully decided to re-invent what is widely considered to be a traditional instrument with a completely new sound - ROCK! FUSE's contemporary ideas and step away from the classical-cliche sound are beyond reproach...this is the most talked-about and acclaimed string act in recent times.
Their breakthrough debut album was released in 2010 and quickly earned the duo the reputation as the "most innovative string act for over a generation. Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee harness their exclusive Signature Swarovski Crystal Bridge electric violins and seize classic Rock anthems and put them through the FUSE wringer! Each bespoke violin was created by Swarovski to celebrate FUSE's new album. With 50,000 crystals per instrument, everyone individually hand applied these working examples and also pieces of art. Linzi and Ben debuted them to the media in-store at Harrods where they were displayed to the public. The pair of violins are worth over £2,0000,000.
Linzi's powerful, commanding and sassy performances leaves fans wanting more - the Princess of the electric violin world aims to raise the bar for electric violinists the world over, appealing to audiences of all ages. FUSE's music has no language barriers so the limits are endless.
Each year FUSE dedicates time and performances to a range of charities in UK and abroad. Recently this has included children's charities that have lead Linzi and Ben to elementary schools where they showcase their talents, explaining how and why they decided to break the mould. Linzi and Ben hope to inspire young musicians that the electric violin can be a real alternative to the more commonplace guitar.
If you are interested in learning to play the electric violin here are Linzi's top tips:
1.) Buy yourself a starter electric violin and amp combo from Ebay. check that it works, if you can.
2.) Learn the basics, such as scales, and bowing techniques, from a couple of How to Play the Violin books, and DVD's.
3.) Sign up through a local college for some group violin lessons, and mix with like-minded people.
4.) Use your musical influences to experiment and develop your own sounds.
5.) Never stop believing in yourself, and take every opportunity to get out thee, and play live. If I can do it, you can!"
Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee headline performance on the Rocky Steps, Philadelphia for Lankenau's 150th anniversary
Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee, aka FUSE, entertain more than 550 friends and supporters of Lankenau with a special performance at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to celebrated the institution's 150th anniversary.
This spectacular evening marked not only the milestone of 150 years of defining medicine, but the significant renaming of Lankenau's campus as Lankenau Medical Center. The Gala, which grossed more than $1 million to advance Lankenau's mission of providing world-class healthcare services. Both President Barack Obama and Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell have congratulated Lankenau on its 150th anniversary with proclamations.
Proceeds from the Gala will support patient programs and services and further benefit the campus renaissance of Lankenau Medical Center — a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to renovate and expand our campus in an effort to combine state-of-the-art facilities and technology with Lankenau's nation award-wining care.
To honour this historic occasion FUSE, the world's leading and most coveted electric violin group flew in from London to entertain the VIPs guests with their trademark brand of rock violin anthems. To literally add a sparkle to proceedings Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee performed on their exclusive Swarovski Crystal violins worth an astonishing $1,500,000 each. Following in the footsteps of international superstars Madonna, Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue, FUSE's Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee joined forces with Swarovski to embellish each of their bespoke Bridge instruments with an incredible 50,000 crystals each, every one hand-applied, creating the world's most expensive electric violins.
FUSE bridges the gap between pop, classical and heavy metal. Wanting to stand out from the crowd Linzi and Ben purposely stayed away from the classical cliches developing the unmistakable FUSE sound using analogue guitar backline and valve amps mixed with the latest technical wizardry. The results were breakthrough culminating with the release of their new album in 2010 on Universal.
The album features 14 lovingly interpreted anthems taking the listener on an uplifting journey never heard before. Tracks include 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson and Coldplay's 'Fix You', hits by Kiss, Led Zeppelin and Europe. In 2010 FUSE performed live on TV to audiences of over 200 million including appearances on GQ Men of the Year Awards, headlining the Istanbul Cross-Over Festival, London & Paris Fashion Weeks, several performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury.
With the event being held at such a towering landmark where better for FUSE to perform than on the museum steps made famous by the film Rocky - The Rocky Steps.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was established in 1876 in conjunction with the Centennial Exposition of the same year. The Museum, at that time housed in the Centennial Exposition's Memorial Hall, opened its doors to the public on May 10, 1877 but construction of the current building began in 1919. The institution describes itself as "one of the largest museums in the United States", and its collections comprise more than 225,000 objects.
Besides being known for its architecture and collections, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has in recent decades become an icon of American cultural, and perhaps spiritual, life, thanks to the symbolic role it has played in the Rocky films--Rocky (1976) and four of its five sequels, II, III, V and Rocky Balboa. Visitors to the museum can frequently be seen mimicking Rocky's famous run up the front steps, now known widely as the "Rocky Steps". A bronze statue of Rocky was briefly placed at the top of the steps for the filming of Rocky III.
These steps made a stunning backdrop for FUSE's entrance track Fleetwood Mac's The Chain, followed up by Coldplay's aptly named hit Fix You.
For more information visit:
Main Line Health>>
Philadelphia Museum of Art>>
FUSE>>
This spectacular evening marked not only the milestone of 150 years of defining medicine, but the significant renaming of Lankenau's campus as Lankenau Medical Center. The Gala, which grossed more than $1 million to advance Lankenau's mission of providing world-class healthcare services. Both President Barack Obama and Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell have congratulated Lankenau on its 150th anniversary with proclamations.
Proceeds from the Gala will support patient programs and services and further benefit the campus renaissance of Lankenau Medical Center — a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative to renovate and expand our campus in an effort to combine state-of-the-art facilities and technology with Lankenau's nation award-wining care.
To honour this historic occasion FUSE, the world's leading and most coveted electric violin group flew in from London to entertain the VIPs guests with their trademark brand of rock violin anthems. To literally add a sparkle to proceedings Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee performed on their exclusive Swarovski Crystal violins worth an astonishing $1,500,000 each. Following in the footsteps of international superstars Madonna, Michael Jackson and Kylie Minogue, FUSE's Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee joined forces with Swarovski to embellish each of their bespoke Bridge instruments with an incredible 50,000 crystals each, every one hand-applied, creating the world's most expensive electric violins.
FUSE bridges the gap between pop, classical and heavy metal. Wanting to stand out from the crowd Linzi and Ben purposely stayed away from the classical cliches developing the unmistakable FUSE sound using analogue guitar backline and valve amps mixed with the latest technical wizardry. The results were breakthrough culminating with the release of their new album in 2010 on Universal.
The album features 14 lovingly interpreted anthems taking the listener on an uplifting journey never heard before. Tracks include 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson and Coldplay's 'Fix You', hits by Kiss, Led Zeppelin and Europe. In 2010 FUSE performed live on TV to audiences of over 200 million including appearances on GQ Men of the Year Awards, headlining the Istanbul Cross-Over Festival, London & Paris Fashion Weeks, several performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury.
With the event being held at such a towering landmark where better for FUSE to perform than on the museum steps made famous by the film Rocky - The Rocky Steps.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was established in 1876 in conjunction with the Centennial Exposition of the same year. The Museum, at that time housed in the Centennial Exposition's Memorial Hall, opened its doors to the public on May 10, 1877 but construction of the current building began in 1919. The institution describes itself as "one of the largest museums in the United States", and its collections comprise more than 225,000 objects.
Besides being known for its architecture and collections, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has in recent decades become an icon of American cultural, and perhaps spiritual, life, thanks to the symbolic role it has played in the Rocky films--Rocky (1976) and four of its five sequels, II, III, V and Rocky Balboa. Visitors to the museum can frequently be seen mimicking Rocky's famous run up the front steps, now known widely as the "Rocky Steps". A bronze statue of Rocky was briefly placed at the top of the steps for the filming of Rocky III.
These steps made a stunning backdrop for FUSE's entrance track Fleetwood Mac's The Chain, followed up by Coldplay's aptly named hit Fix You.
For more information visit:
Main Line Health>>
Philadelphia Museum of Art>>
FUSE>>
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