Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee Release Rock Violin Anthems Album.

The duo are virtuoso musicians Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who harness their exclusive Swarovski crystal signature Bridge electric violins, seize classic Rock tracks and put them through the FUSE wringer! The duo debuted their, Swarovski-encrusted violins at a exclusive photocall at Harrods.

The critically acclaimed eponymous debut album by FUSE was released in May 2010.
The duo are virtuoso musicians Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who harness their exclusive Swarovski crystal signature Bridge electric violins, seize classic Rock tracks and put them through the FUSE wringer!


The results are radical, innovative but loving reinterpretations for violin. The album features 14 incredible tracks including 'Fix You' by Coldplay, Michael Jackson's 'Beat It', 'Glorious' by Andreas Johnson and a stunning blend of the mediaeval 'O Fortuna' from Carmina Burana and Zeppelin's 'Kashmir'.


All tracks have been reworked and reanimated in the unique Fuse way. The duo have had to invent new ways to render melodies that were vocal on the original tracks. Fuse aim to prove that the electric violin can be as versatile as the electric guitar – a valedictory romp through 'I Love Rock N Roll' seems to seal the deal!


As Linzi says, "It's completely fresh, no one thought that what we do was even possible. Everything you hear is violins! The style that we use when we play is more akin to that of a guitar player, with more soul and electricity – literally! We chose work from artists that are huge stadium acts, and that's where we want to be. It is that big and that powerful - get some ear plugs! We specialise in blowing away people's preconceptions."


Fuse are already finding friends in the rock fraternity who appreciate what they do. After raving, "I love what you've done, how did you get that sound?", Francis Rossi appears on the album version of Quo's 'Down Down', Nick Mason of Pink Floyd offered his services as a drummer and Roger Daltrey asked Linzi and Ben to support him!


Linzi and Ben's background is music all the way – though Linzi is also signed to Models 1 and she and Ben have both just become Prince's Trust Ambassadors. With both having had real success individually in their careers thus far and worked with an amazing array of world-beating musical talent, their coming together as FUSE portends something really special.


The sound that FUSE generate takes serious know-how and technical skill and live it is nothing short of incendiary – the violins are generally accompanied by the sound of jaws dropping! 'Crazy Nights' indeed.


What FUSE do can have a truly global appeal; there are no language barriers. Whilst they are very proudly a string band, listeners can sing along to the choruses that we all know. With the release of "FUSE", the duo will be bringing their unique brand of entertainment to a whole new audience, let's hope they are ready!


The Hotly-tipped duo debuted their brand new, million-pound Swarovski-encrusted violins at an exclusive photocall held at Harrods. 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.

For more info please see FUSE Official Website...
Press Release

Linzi Stoppard & FUSE Perform At VE Day 65th Anniversary In London

The Royal Albert Hall played host to a memorable concert to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. The spectacular event raised money for the British Red Cross - the volunteer-led humanitarian organisation focused on helping people in crisis worldwide. The commemoration was attended by VIP guests including HRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lady Raine Spencer, HE The Russian Ambassador Yuri Fedotov, Sir Michael Stoute, Jeremy Irons, Maria Shammas MBE, Stephen and Assia Webster, Elizabeth Emanuel, Nancy dell'Olio, Yasmin Mills, Linzi Stoppard, Olivia Inge, Amanda Cronin, James Whale and many others. There were also addresses made by the British Prime Minister, the Russian President and the Russian Prime Minister.

The line-up included performances by some of the UK's biggest rock acts, Jethro Tull and Rick Wakeman who boast combined record sales of over 100 million, as well as "The People's Tenor" Russell Watson, electric violin duo FUSE featuring Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee, R&B star Lemar and actor Jeremy Irons. The programme also featured performances from the world-renowned Alexandrov Red Army Choir, folk-diva Nadezhda Babkina, one of the most popular singers across the former USSR Tamara Gverdsiteli, rock star Alexander Marshall, the young but already acclaimed Kvatro group, the artist Xenia Simonova and Russia's very own Sinatra - Iosif Kobzon.

The event recognised the feat of the Allies and their resistance movements 65 years ago, as well as marking the close relationship between the British Red Cross and Russia. War veterans from Russia, USA and UK were also present at what was a truly remarkable evening.

The concert was followed by a stunning black-tie reception in the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall where VIPs sipped fabulous Stolichnaya vodka cocktails.

The concert was presented by Ensemble Productions. Founded in 1998 by Director Olga Balakleets, Ensemble is a London based company, specialising in organising and promoting classical, jazz, world, pop and rock concerts, opera, ballet and contemporary dance productions in the UK and internationally.

FUSE are virtuoso musicians Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who, on their self-titled debut album, harness their bespoke signature Bridge electric violins and take Rock tracks that people love and radically but lovingly reinterpret them. As Linzi says, "It's completely fresh, no one thought that what we do was even possible.

What FUSE do is unique but they feel that the tracks that they reinvent are not untouchable. "We're unafraid to cover classic rock tracks," says Ben. "Don't forget that all "classical" music today is cover versions of music by pop stars from the last 300 years! What we do can have a truly global appeal; there are no language barriers. Whilst we're a string band, people can sing along to the choruses that we all know".

FUSE's eponymous debut album is out on Universal / Edel Records.

http://www.fuseofficial.com

More info>>>

Linzi Stoppard Launches The Most Expensive Electric Violin In The World At Harrods, London

Electric violinist Linzi Stoppard from esteemed duo FUSE gives classical music 1 million rock-n-roll makeover with the exclusive Swarovski crystal encrusted FUSE Signature violins at Harrods.

The sparkling violin is one of a pair created by Swarovski for Linzi and her band mate Ben Lee, who make up the rock inspired electric violin act FUSE. Each bespoke Bridge electric violin is encrusted with 50,000 Swarovski crystals, and has a £1million price tag.

Hotly-tipped rock electric violin duo FUSE debuted their brand new, million-pound Swarovski-encrusted violins at an exclusive photo-call held at Harrods to the media.

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.

Insured for one million pounds each, these are, however, no museum pieces and – whilst there was security in attendance! - the duo played tracks from their forthcoming album ‘FUSE’ on the violins at the photo-call.

Following the photo-call, the instruments were securely and prominently displayed in a case at the top of the fourth floor Egyptian Escalators at Harrods so that members of the public could have a look.

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.

Swarovski is currently aligned with Madonna and Beyonce, with Fuse being the only string act on their books.

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".

FUSE are virtuoso musicians who harness their bespoke signature electric violins and take Rock tracks that people love and radically but lovingly reinterpret them. As Linzi says, “It’s completely fresh, no one thought that what we do was even possible.
What FUSE do is unique but they feel that the tracks that they reinvent are not untouchable. “We’re unafraid to cover classic rock tracks,” says Ben. “Don’t forget that all “classical” music today is cover versions of music by pop stars from the last 300 years! What we do can have a truly global appeal; there are no language barriers. Whilst we’re a string band, people can sing along to the choruses that we all know”.

For more information visit www.linzistoppard.com
Linzi Stoppard Press Release

Electric Violinist And Model Linzi Stoppard Fits Right In Next To World's Super Cars

Now firmly established as one of the ‘must attend’ summer events, Salon Privé this year features an even more valuable collection of classic cars, even rarer super cars, and even more valuable luxury goods, all openly and elegantly displayed on the lawns of the Club.

Linzi Stoppard Headlines At Super Car Salon Prive Gala.

Linzi performed two sets, the first set more mellow to kick off the evening in some style. Linzi was elegantly dressed in a white sequinned show stopping number.
The second set was more rock ending on a fantastic version of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain which is used as the F1 soundtrack worldwide. This time Linzi mixed it up with the 'rock chick' look and had the audience applauding on their feet.

Salon Privé is the UK’s ultimate Super Car Event and Concours d’Elégance. Salon Privé offers a unique opportunity to see the most exotic modern and vintage super cars in the world, with the exquisite and exclusive Hurlingham Club as a backdrop. A “Garden Party” atmosphere infuses the event during the day, and in the evenings, the stunning grounds and super cars are subtly lit, transforming the event into a magical spectacle.

Aston Martin, Audemars Piguet, Audi, BMW, Boodles, Jaguar, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Sportec, Thomas Lyte and Vermot are just a few of the brands that take part.

Linzi Stoppard is currently in the studio with her electric violin duo FUSE finishing off their debut album. Taking inspiration from their classical roots while combining it with modern well known melodies. FUSE believe it is possible to narrow the gap between the classical and pop audiences. Their repertoire includes contemporary arrangements of well known hits and film sound tracks.
FUSE are the 'face of' the new international classical chillout music video channel, C Music TV, which they launched at the Cannes MIP Television Festival.
Children’s charity CLIC Sargent have approached FUSE to front their national Practice-a-thon campaign aimed at encouraging kids to pick up a musical instrument while raising money for the cause through sponsored practice. FUSE’s dynamic and innovative approach to what is largely regarded as a marginalised instrument means FUSE are uniquely positioned to appeal to the younger and mainstream audiences.

FUSE's debut album...Linzi and Ben decided to use their classical training and roots to reinvent what is largely regarded as a traditionally classical instrument. They spent weeks rehearsing and experimenting with new and different recording style - the results are spellbinding. Their debut album is breaking a new violin dawn by using the most up to date technique usually associated with rock guitar - sound processing, multiple effects and amps. The FUSE album will be the benchmark for a new breed of electric violinists and tipped to be the world's first true Super String Group.


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World Class Electric Violinist Linzi Stoppard Launches Multi-Million Dollar Hotel on London's Park Lane From THE ROOF TOPS!

Despite being terrified of heights, Linzi Stoppard, the contemporary electric violinist daughter-in-law of playwright Sir Tom, braved the roof of the InterContinental Park Lane for a spectacular performance to mark the hotel’s official reopening.

She played renditions of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and samples of music from the film Harry’s Game and Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child, stopping traffic in its tracks on the glamorous West End streets below.

To celebrate $170M refurbishment to the InterContinental Park Lane electric string artist Linzi Stoppard also headlines the opening gala to a celebrities packed audience and InterContinental executives from all around the world.

The renamed InterContinental London Park Lane has completed the multi-million dollar refurbishment to reinvigorate one of London’s finest hotels and to position it as a global flagship for InterContinental Group. Now fully open, the hotel boasts luxurious new guest rooms and spectacular suites including the famous Cinema Suite, new destination restaurants Theo Randall at The InterContinental and Cookbook Cafe, contemporary event space and the chic urban Spa InterContinental. With a passionate team and an ‘in the know’ service culture; ITC ensure that their guests enjoy a truly authentic London experience.

InterContinental London Park Lane recently unveiled its new meetings and event space following a much talked about refurbishment. Located on the mezzanine level, the events floor provides a space to host any event, however spectacular or discreet. Offering a spectacular ballroom, six event suites and six meeting spaces, InterContinental London Park Lane has created London’s premier event address.

When Linzi and her rock violin duo FUSE were approached by CLIC SArgent to front their national Practice-a-thon campaign the ITC ballroom was the perfect venue to showcase exclusively commissioned FUSE tracks and launch the competition to media.

Following Linzi enviable solo career she teamed up with fellow electric violinist Ben Lee to form the powerhouse of contemporary violin - new rock electric violin band FUSE, and they will be launching their debut album in the Spring 2010.

Taking inspiration from their classical roots while combining it with modern well known melodies. FUSE believe it is possible to narrow the gap between the classical and pop audiences,. Their repertoire includes contemporary arrangements of well known hits and rock anthems. FUSE are the 'face of' the new international classical chillout music video channel, C Music TV, which they launched at the Cannes MIP Television Festival.

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In Front Of The World Famous Ritz Hotel Linzi Stoppard's Rocking Performance Kicks Off The New Year

Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee of string super group FUSE began the New Year as the opening act for the New Year’s Day London Parade immediately after the Queen’s New Year message. Their performance was covered by 24 US TV stations including national networks CBS and NBC, Sky, Reuters broadcast to more than 300 million viewers on 750 international TV stations around the world.

The Parade began at 12 Noon on Piccadilly at the junction with Berkeley Street outside the Ritz Hotel where FUSE kicked off the parade with a rendition of their upcoming debut single 'Glorious' and ended the set with Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'

The Parade then started through the streets of Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street.

More than 10,000 performers representing 20 countries world-wide assembled for the Parade.

Crowds of more than half a million attended and lined up London's most famous streets to see the fantastic spectacular as it wove its way along the 2 mile route.

3 hours of Live Satellite Coverage was beamed around the world. Major broadcasters such as the BBC, CNN, Fox news, SKY and CBS covered the event.

FUSE is electric violinists Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee, the Prince and Princess of the rock violin world. When Ben and Linzi set out to break the mould and push the boundaries they realised they had two choices: to be followers or to show the way with initiative. The latter was the only real option.

While following their instincts the band recognised their competition had all failed to conquer the same conundrum - how does a new violin act avoid sounding exactly the same as the one before? Other string acts call themselves electric but often record using acoustic instrument or with no effects which limits them sonically.

This narrow path leads to most violin / cross-over string acts covering the same music again and again and in the same style. Not so with FUSE - the answer to the conundrum was a fresh progressive approach using the most up to date techniques, original guitar valve amps, sonic processors and of course their bespoke gold Bridge electric violins - the FUSE sound was born.

Never before has an electric string group dared ventured into the world of electric guitars like FUSE in 2010 - it's a first. Don't be fooled by the incredible guitar-like sounds, arrangements, techniques and solos - these are not guitars you are listening to but electric violins FUSE-STYLE.
For more information visit MYSPACE FUSEMusic>>>

FOr more information visit http://www.myspace.com/fusemusic

Linzi Stoppard’s Tips to Learn to Play the Electric Violin

Linzi is one of the most coveted, exciting and edgy electric violinists in the world today. Her unique vision to take the traditionally classical instrument to unchartered territory has positioned Linzi at the top of her field. Her intoxicating high impact performances of pop rock has entranced audiences worldwide has allowed Linzi to lead the way as the Princess of the electric violin world.

Did you know Linzi also performs for schoolchildren, at their elementary schools, and inspires them to take up the violin.

Here is her advice:

“The electric violin can be a real alternative to the commonplace guitar. “

She recommends five steps for young people interested in the electric violin. “My five steps are:

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!”

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