Local artist profile: Evangeline Victoria

THIS week we chat with Bendigo-born and raised violinist Evangeline Victoria, who’ll be leaving for a two-month European tour at the start of July where she’ll be performing across 17 cities.

What motivated you to take up the violin?

I was born into a musical family with my dad being an instrumental music teacher specialising in flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon and piano. I grew up surrounded by music and understanding what it took to be a musician. I think I chose the violin because of a book my parents used to read to me called ‘The Music Life Of Gustav Mole’, a children’s picture story book about Gustav, who was a mole, and his life as he is born into a musical family and his musical education on the violin.

How would you describe your style?

I play all the genres and I love them all. Although I’m classically trained, I have spent a lot of my time dabbling in some very contemporary and modern styles as well. I have embraced performing and improvising within a broad variety of musical genres and have built repertoire and skill that explores a wide range of modern and classic styles such as pop, rock, classical, folk, Celtic, klezmer, RnB, EDM, contemporary, jazz, theatre, and world. Learning and playing different styles/genres on the violin has the potential to unlock skills and techniques that a single genre might not.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

The Melbourne Victory performances have been some of the biggest highlights of my career. They have undoubtedly turned my life around in the best way possible. It’s pretty special to be recognised for something that received so much positive feedback from across the globe. Not to mention, the actual performances themselves were epic. As terrifying as the concept of performing in front of thousands of people might be, the actual experience of being in the stadium with 20,000 people chanting alongside you is so invigorating.

How has your career been affected by COVID?

The concept of ‘Evangeline Victoria Music’ only became an idea during the COVID lockdown(s), so the extra time I had on my hands, not being able to work my regular day job, offered me the opportunity to start building the back end of my business.

How can people check out your work online?

I have a presence on pretty much every platform. Simply searching ‘Evangeline Victoria Music’ on any social media platform or search engine will enable you to find me. I am most active on Instagram, so this is the best place to find my most recent work.

Do you have any performances coming up?

I work mostly private weddings and events, but I will be leaving for a two-month European tour at the start of July where I will be performing across 17 cities. This will be my first (of hopefully more to come) European tour and I am so excited! I do have some upcoming public appearances about to happen too and will announce those in due time. The best place to keep up to date is on my socials.

What would you say to young regional aspiring classical musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Try new things, push yourself, put yourself out there, network, meet people, learn from other creatives. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to being a creative professional.