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Event
Stringfever
. Stringfever's unique, acclaimed version of Ravel' s 'Bolero' has
all four playing on one cello simultaneously. Then they challenge the audience to play Name That Tune as they race through 20 of the best-loved film themes in one breathless arrangement. Their helter-skelter 007James Bond medley is an absolute killer. And the
show ends with Stringfever's breathtaking signature finale, 'The History of Music... in 5 Minutes'. Charisma, humor, energy and a distinctive use of custom-made 'Violectra' instruments create an experience that can only best be described as... Stringfever!
Stringfever are Giles 35 and Ralph, 33, on violin, Graham, 30 viola, and Neal, 22, on the cello. Giles and Ralph studied at The Royal Academy of Music, and Graham at The Royal College of Music. From the day Giles Broadbent's father gave him his first violin lesson on his sixth birthday, his passion was born and he was destined to make his
career as a violinist. The Broadbent family had long been a musical one: Grandfather Harold was an organist, choirmaster and singer, and three of his four sons made their living from music. Alan Broadbent (Giles, Ralph and Neal's father) as a Music Master
at Rugby School; Stephen Broadbent (Graham's father) was principal viola in the Welsh National Opera, professor of viola at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff University and with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain; and Uncle Nigel has
been a violinist in the London Symphony orchestra for nearly 30 years. As youngsters Giles and Ralph would regularly watch their uncles, Stephen and Nigel Broadbent, performing and this was a major inspiration.
While students, Giles and Ralph, together with two friends from school, spent their summer holidays touring Europe in a camper van, busking to pay their way. Over four years they performed on the streets of almost every major capital city and quickly learned the value of turning their musical performances into all-round entertainment. Dreams of broadening this gift and passion into anything greater were put on hold, while more traditional careers were pursued.
On their travels they saw a busker playing the world's first six string electric violin and decided they had to have one. David Bruce-Johnson, a Canadian living in Birmingham, was the creator of this instrument, called Violectra. David has made instruments for many great violinists, including Nigel Kennedy, Jean Luc Ponty and Maxim Vengarov, and he went on make a quartet of instruments for the Broadbents. On leaving the Royal Academy of Music Giles was asked to lead the orchestra of the German production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Sunset Boulevard'. Ralph joined him in the orchestra and they moved back to England to tour with 'The Phantom of the Opera'. This led them to the West End, and Graham joined them in the orchestra of 'My Fair Lady' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. During this time they also spent time as session musicians for artists including Paul McCartney, Groove Armada, Travis and Dido. Neal was due to follow in the family footsteps and take up a place at music college in London when, following the closure of 'My Fair Lady', his brothers found themselves out of work and an idea was born - Stringfever.
Giles Broadbent - Big brother
Leader of the pack. Former West End Konzertmeister. Royal Academy of Music, gypsy violin demon, you name it, he'll play it - the faster the better. Favourite sports: skiing, cordless bungee jumping. Plays a bright blue 5 string Violectra.
Ralph Broadbent - Middle Brother
Trusty Lieutenant. Royal Academy of Music. The Orchestrator. You hum it, he'll arrange it. Football mad. Plays a sunburst yellow and green 6 string Violectra -3-
Neal Broadbent - Little Brother
Yo Yo Ma meets My ma's Yo Yo I mean Marcus Miller. Male model, international playboy & general 'Funky Gibbon', learned to walk in '86. You name it, his brothers will tell him to do it. Plays a red 5 string Violectra.
Graham Broadbent - Cousin
Gentle giant. 'Mr. Rhythm'. Royal College of Music.DIY expert; you name it he'll build it (violas included). General taxi driver, knows the A-Z like the back of his hands, hobbies include general knowledge & eating!(a lot). Plays a navy blue 5 string Violectra.
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LocationOxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center (View)
800 Hobson Way
Oxnard, CA 93030
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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