Kate Chruscicka is a world-renowned, award-winning violinist. With her incredible talent for playing her extraordinary violins, Kate can elevate any function—private or public—to an ethereal experience. Whether she is performing at a Wedding, Charity Ball, or any Private or Corporate Event, Kate can create an ideal ambience. Her audiences have been enraptured with her unique musical fusions. She plays everything from acoustic classical sets that subtly entrance, to electric pop favourites that can move even those unaccustomed to dance.
“A technically gifted violinist, Kate played with a passion and style that left the audience spell bound.” –Review, Featherstone Male Voice Choir Patron’s concert, June 2012
It all began when six-year old Kate received a present from her parents: her first violin. This simple gift, combined with the music of Singaporean/British violin player, Vanessa Mae, would become the catalysts for Kate to dedicate her life to becoming a virtuoso of the violin. At the age of twelve she received a classical violin by Polish craftsman Luther Irena Kozak (Sobecka)—an extraordinary, heart-felt gift willed from her late, loving father.
Kate’s confidence and skill blossomed during thirteen years of studying at the Comprehensive National Specialist School of Music (ZPSM) in Koszalin, Poland. Years of steadfast practice propelled her from Poland to the University of Leeds, where her prowess was acknowledged with several competitive scholarships, including the Toothill Performance Award and the Blanche L Leigh Award (twice).
At Leeds, she earned a BA Mus (2:1) and performed as co-leader of the first violin section of the University’s Philharmonic Orchestra. During her first year, she significantly broadened her range. She became acquainted with more popular and world music styles by participating in Cuban Band, Charanga Del Norte, led by Dr. Sue Miller (with whom she later teamed to record the album “Look Back in Charanga”). Likewise, she nurtured her firm Classical roots, as she was engaged as a soloist at an orchestral concert given by the Leeds Haydn Players, performing the Haydn Violin concerto in G major.
Finally, Kate moved on to Manchester—where she achieved her Master’s in Solo Violin Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music. Kate has been mentored and influenced by some of the most gifted violinists of our time:
- Leland Chen, a pupil of Yehudi Menuhin & Yehudi Menuhin Competition Winner.
- Miranda Playfair, co-leader of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and member of Joshua Bell of the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields Orchestra.
- Raimondo Koço, First Violin player at Opera North.
- Prof Lukas David of Cologne.
- Mieczyslaw Szlezer of Krakow.
Kate has taken her intensive technical training to lofty heights: performing across the globe, recording beautiful studio albums, and playing live on radio and television. She is now an experienced, acclaimed violinist. What’s more, she is an innovative and versatile musician. Adeptly, she accompanies full orchestras or small groups; and of course she shines as a stand out solo artist—all in a medley of musical styles. Kate considers every event she plays completely unique. She adjusts her repertoire of styles to suit each audience —whatever their age, mood, or musical taste. Soothing solos to help everyone unwind. Or accompanying a DJ, band, or orchestra with electric notes to make the crowd come alive. Unbelievably, all from the top of her head—she’s not limited to using sheet music.
“A great blend of classical music delivered with the contemporary twist that today's listener wants to hear, Kate's music is a welcome addition to any style of event/party.”
-Colin Hill, Aspire Leeds
To complement the craft of such an accomplished performer, the highest quality instruments are essential. Kate’s violins are like extensions of herself. She has been said to be “as one” with her Sobecka’s classical acoustic violin. To watch her swaying with her crystal-clear electric violin (masterly crafted by Ted Brewer, winner of the highly-coveted Music Industries Association award) is utterly mesmerising. With these instruments at her helm, she can adapt her performance to suit any venue and event.
“Kate appeared with the Choir at a Concert in Silkstone Parish Church and "wowed" the audience with her choice of music and her versatility. We would strongly recommend her to anyone wanting a highly talented and professional violinist.” -Ian Pasley, Secretary, Worrall Male Voice Choir
Kate is a young, ascending star who has already recorded two critically-acclaimed studio albums. Her artistry has inspired other artists: dancers, skaters, actors and poets have used tracks from Kate’s arrangements as background music for their own performances. Kate’s debut album, “The Violinist” (2009) sold over 5,000 copies worldwide. Her second album, “My Classical Interpretations” (2012), (featuring the piano accompaniments of Daniel Holden) which sold over 2,000 hard copies and numerous tracks online. Songs from this album have been broadcast on the BBC and used for programmes on ITV.
Kate has also performed live on TV (BBC 1, SKY and Arabic Al Sharqiya) and radio (NE1 FM Newcastle and BBC Radio Humberside). Another success for Kate has been the ever-increasing popularity of this, her website (which has received over 4 million hits) and YouTube channel. You can be among the millions who have logged on to buy her exclusive singles, and delight in her diverse interpretations of classical gems and modern hits.
“We received so many compliments about Kate, her quality and music was perfect for our occasion and what impressed us all was her commitment to the evening, she played all night! A true professional, we would not hesitate to recommend Kate, particularly if you’re looking for that wow factor for your event.”-Simon Lewis, Sales Manager, Land Rover
Kate’s performances at prestigious events have been lauded by such clients as: Thompson and Gold, IBM, Vogue, House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Apple, Heineken, BMW and Debenhams. Her incredibly wide-ranging list of corporate events appearances include:
- YouTube Brandcast, representing UK for Google, featuring a duet with the poet Mark Grist and performance alongside stars and guests such as: Clean Bandit, Rudimental, Jamie Oliver, Zoella, Google & Pepsi CEOs.
- The launch of the Macron Stadium in Bolton for over 1000 VIP fans and the Bolton Football team.
- The Launch of BMW’s new i8
- Advertising Hull as a Capital of Culture 2017 for Hull City Council (broadcast on ITV News)
- A charity fashion show and the West Yorkshire Police Awards Ceremony at The Royal Armouries (both in Leeds).
- Fund-raising events for Cancer Research.
- A Forex event in Geneva for Swiss bank Dukadscopy
- The inauguration of Chateau Bisquit in Cognac, France.
- Leeds Sports Awards 2014, Leeds Royal Armouries
- The Army Dinner Night for Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Keith Langa, Harrogate
- “Ant and Dec's Takeaway” for ITV Live at Trafford Centre
- ASDA & Walmart Conference at Marriot Hotel Leeds
- Freemasons - York Race Course
- Lawrence Batley Theatre Show
- The Sherwood Group dinner “The Worshipful Company of Pettenmakers” at Mansion House, York
- Soroptimist International Charity Ball at Harrogate Yorkshire Pavilions.
- British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation Benevolent Society - Jewellers' Black Tie Annual Charity Ball, St Johns Hotel Solihull
Other notable appearances have included: The European Watch of the Year Awards at Mayfair Hotel, London; The Confederation of British Industry at Parkinson Building, Leeds; The British Society for Haematology, 51st Annual Scientific Meeting, at Stanmer House in Brighton; Eastbourne Bandstand - Electric Night of the Proms and The Northern Design Awards Ceremony in Manchester, Ladies Day at Ripon Races and the Garden Summer Party at Lawrence Batley Theatre.
One of Kate’s most acclaimed performances was during the ball, “Once Upon a Smile” (Point Lancashire County Cricket Club, Manchester), alongside the Pop singer Lemar and the band Mend. It was another testament to her immense talent—as well as her open-minded approach to crossing genres and teaming with other artists to make beautiful music.
Kate has also had the pleasure of performing at ethereal English landmarks such as: Chatsworth House, Sledmere House, Bolsover Castle, Allerton Castle, Ripon Cathedral and York Minster. In Europe she has played at venues in several countries, including Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, and, further afield, in Turkey for Maxx Royal Hotels.
Along with prestigious locations, Kate has performed at private parties for prominent clients. Celebrities such as Steve Coogan and V.I.P.’s such as: The Rt. Hon. William Hague, Karren Brady, Sir Tatton Sykes, the Swinton Family, and Andy Clarke (CEO for ASDA UK). She recently played at the wedding for Yeovil Town goalkeeper Chris Dunn. What‘s important to Kate is to please whatever audience is watching, and she happily takes specific requests and specially learns new songs.
“Having had Kate perform at our wedding earlier this year we are delighted to recommend her. Her repertoire was excellent. She was professional at all times, and communicated regularly. Her music was beautiful at the ceremony and blessing service that followed. Kate is a real find!” - Jane & Paul Holmes
Kate was awarded “Best Music and Entertainment” by the Wedding Guide in 2013 (and was a finalist in 2014). She’s added an essential touch of elegance to wedding ceremonies, breakfasts and drink receptions in the UK and across the world (from Italy to Ireland and Spain to France). She is widely regarded as one of the top wedding violinists in the country, and has entertained guests at some of the UK's most famous venues, including Chatsworth House, Hazelwood Castle, Allerton Castle, Maften Hall, Coombe Abbey, Carlton Towers, Castle Howard, Beamish Hall, Rudding Park, Swinton Park, Tunnels Beaches and Wynyard Hall.
Possessing so much talent and tenacity within her, Kate Chruscicka certainly has a bright, diverse future ahead of her. She has recently become a member of British Philharmonic Orchestra. This winter, she will be embarking upon one of her many UK/European tours with the Orchestra: The War of The Worlds. A highlight for Kate in 2015 has been performing her spectacular violin shows as a headliner for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, where she received a standing ovation. She will be performing further shows aboard cruises through the Caribbean, Norway, Iceland, USA and the Canary Islands.
Kate loves performing and is eager to record more studio albums. She will embrace playing at new venues and events across the UK and around the world, whether it’s for a few guests or a crowd of thousands. She is keen to collaborate with other artists—from the Electrify Duo to Spanish guitarist Eduardo Niebla—creating new, exciting styles of music.
