Lindsey Stirling at the Royal Albert Hall
Dancing while playing the violin comes as naturally as breathing for Lindsey Stirling. Her new album, Duality, explores the complexity and flows of the human experience, emanating a desire for rebirth. The grandiose setting of the Royal Albert Hall is a dream for any ambitiously staged performance, and the American musician makes the most of this dream come true with a sequence of acts that showcase her prowess as a complete and spectacularly choreographed artist.
Before any introduction or Lindsey herself appearing, a voice off-stage – actually multiple voices – speaks the rebukes and negative comments that must have surrounded Stirling as she grew up and tried to make a living from her passions. When you don’t fit anywhere, you carve out your own path and profession in the world. And so this musician, initially with her YouTube videos and then with live performances, created concerts that are not only inspirational but also visually appealing, thriving as both a player and dancer.
Eye of the Untold Heri is fierce, followed straight after by a pep talk about the power of the word “yet” and how it changes perspectives. During Arena, the lights are directed toward the audience, making them part of the totally enjoyable performance. It’s a shame the lamps have a blinding effect on the crowd, though it improves later. The artist then unleashes her dynamic movements, joining forces with the other dancers for a splendid coordinated set in Firefly Alley, where green drapes and fans lighten the performance, making it feel almost airy.
The intertwining and bending of genres is a speciality of Stirling, and so Roundtable Rival kicks off with steps reminiscent of a mediaeval encore, swiftly transitioning into a rock battle between guitar and violin. Untamed features a soft intro and then dives into a rumbling gallop of drums and strings. Inner Gold is fluid, like the melting of precious gold, with funky lines and gestures from the group that are sinous-like. Survive opens with a waltz impression, evolving into pop with the addition of vocals.
Vibrancy and peaks of high and low notes are characteristic of Lindsey’s music. There is a palpable tension that links the pressure of her fingertips on the strings to the strength in her calves, powerfully evident in every act. While executing some polished twirls in the aerial loop, Stirling plays Shatter Me with hurried, almost overcrowded notes that excite the audience. Crystallize spirals with a vertigo of notes and pirouettes, like a swing taking a running start and back, creating a display with multiple vibratos.
Whether it’s the dance, the music or the motivational warmth concertgoers leave the arena with, Lindsey Stirling lives up to expectations, delivering a fun and dazzling night.
Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events visit Lindsey Stirling’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Eye of the Untold Her here:
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