DAVID GARRETT ROCK SYMPHONIES

• August 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 1 at 7:30 p.m.

DAVID GARRETT ROCK SYMPHONIES This concert special, taped before an audience at Berlin’s open-air Wuhlheide Theater, features virtuoso violinist David Garrett, who weaves classical standards with rock and pop favorites for a thrilling performance that moves audiences of all ages.

David Garrett, the best-selling new classical artist of 2009 brings listeners along on a roller coaster ride of genres colliding on his sophomore album, "Rock Symphonies." Displaying Garrett’s love of both classical and rock, "Rock Symphonies" marries the two genres with fierce intensity. Featuring new interpretations of his favorite rock anthems by Nirvana, Metallica, Paul McCartney, and Aerosmith, to name a few, David’s prodigious violin playing shines through with precision and power, backed by his band and The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

Produced by International Media and taped on June 8th, 2010 at Wuhlheide Amphitheater (in the woods outside of Berlin) before a sold-out audience of 18,000 fans, "David Garrett Rock Symphonies" represents the virtuoso violinist’s second public television event, following on the heels of the highly successful David Garrett Live In Berlin PBS special and a recent sold-out U.S. tour. The concert showcases Garrett’s symphony orchestra and band, including special guest guitarist Orianthi, who was prominently featured in Michael Jackson’s “This Is It.” The show was directed by Frank Hoff and executive-produced by International Media’s Gustavo Sagastume and Rick Blaskey.

The evolution of "Rock Symphonies" was a natural one for the 28-year-old Garrett. Having spent 2009 on tour all over the most diverse corners of the world, he would often find himself performing in clubs or arenas with a live rock band one night, followed by a classical concert-hall with a full symphony orchestra the next. Having a dual career is a rarity, and doing it successfully even more so. The bold violinist has always been a fan of both the classical and rock worlds. "I always enjoyed when rock groups integrated orchestras into their sound. It elevates the music to another level," comments Garrett. "Any musician loves having the full sound of an orchestra behind them – it’s an amazing experience."

David Garrett has been winning over audiences since the release of his self-titled debut album in June 2009. His numerous appearances have included performances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Today Show, Fox News Channel, CBS Saturday Early Show and of course his first PBS smash, "Live In Berlin." His technically jaw-dropping performance of "Flight of the Bumblebee" was recorded in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest-ever performance of the piece (a blistering 66 seconds), wowing crowds the world over. In addition to being the best-selling new classical artist of 2009, he was also Billboard’s #9 highest-charting new artist overall, across all genres. His CD "David Garrett", debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Chart, and held the #1 position for nine weeks, remaining in the Top 10 for over 40 subsequent weeks.

David Garrett began playing violin at age four, and was signed to the prestigious classical music label Deutsche Grammophon by thirteen. Without telling his parents, he later fled Germany for New York, where he was accepted at the world famous Julliard music school, studying under the legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. As a way to pay the bills, he moonlit as a busboy and model, landing in the pages of Vogue and the Fashion Week catwalks of Armani. He subsequently has gained international stardom, with gold and platinum selling discs, and chart-topping albums in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Far East, and a Top 20 UK hit. His charisma, passion, and dedication to the violin defy categorization.

DAVID GARRETT ROCK SYMPHONIES was taped in High Definition.