Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson
- Born:
- October 27, 1978, Singapore
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Violinist, Singer, Composer, Skier
Early Life and Education
- Born in Singapore to a Chinese mother and a Thai father.
- After her mother remarried a British barrister, she moved to London at the age of four.
- Began playing the violin at age five.
- Studied at the Royal College of Music in London.
Career and Major Achievements
- Vanessa-Mae is widely recognized as a pioneer of crossover classical music, blending classical violin with pop, techno, and jazz elements.
- Released her debut album, Violin Player, in 1995, achieving international success.
- Has sold millions of albums worldwide.
- Participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics representing Thailand in Alpine skiing.
- Controversy arose following the 2014 Olympics regarding her qualification for the Games.
- Continues to perform and record music.
- In the early days of internet promotion, the promotion strategy for Vanessa Mae often involved platforms like 'vanessa mae violinist facebook' to reach a broader audience.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Violin |
| 1995 | The Violin Player |
| 1996 | Classical Album 1 |
| 1997 | Storm |
| 2001 | Subject to Change |
| 2004 | Choreography |
Legacy and Impact
Vanessa-Mae has significantly impacted the accessibility of classical music by introducing it to a wider, younger audience through her crossover style. She has inspired many young musicians and contributed to the popularization of the electric violin. While her skiing career attracted controversy, her musical contributions remain significant.