Welcome to our one-on-one with Jack Campbell, the young artist shaking up the classical music scene with his fresh approach. At just 21, Jack is kicking off an international tour called “The Contemporary Violin of Jack Campbell,” hitting stages in six countries including Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and France.

Jack’s performances aim to show off his remarkable skill and highlight today’s top classical composers. His goal is to draw audiences into the modern era of classical music by blending it with visual arts, dance, theater, and pop music. This mix respects classical traditions while updating them, making the music exciting and relatable for today’s listeners. In this interview, we’ll get into Jack’s inspirations, his musical process, and his plans for the future of classical music.

photo by SD Holman

Jack, your international tour, “The Contemporary Violin of Jack Campbell,” is clearly a significant milestone in your career, captivating audiences across several countries. It’s exciting to see such a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity in your work. Could you walk us through how this tour was conceived?

Through a desire to share my music with a European audience, and create cultural and human connections! I absolutely love it here, and hope to spend more time with these beautiful cities and people.

You’ve talked about your love for blending traditional classical music with innovative, modern sounds. How do you strike the right balance between these two elements in your performances?

Every concert I give has to honour and respect the grand tradition of violin playing, while striving to push the possibilities of the instrument forward. I believe it is a violinist’s duty to embrace the cutting edge of sound and creation in the 21st century, while embracing a grand centuries old tradition.

What challenges come with mixing the old with the new, and how do you make sure they complement each other to give your audience the best experience?

There is an art to programming and finding the right balance. When mixing the old and the new, you have to find a way of showcasing a wide range of colours, textures, and notions of the past, present, and future within a well crafted programme. A concert’s repertoire should be like a grand multi course meal: you start with a nice drink, have a fun appetizer, a glass of wine, a substantial heavy main dish, then something sweet, perhaps a cup of tea–and if you get an encore, a candy on the way out the door!

photo by @carlgladish

I understand that great violinists from the past have significantly inspired your career. Could you share with us a few of these influential figures? I’m curious to hear more about how they’ve shaped your approach to music and perhaps some specific elements of their style or philosophy that you’ve incorporated into your own performances.

Yehudi Menuhin and Gidon Kremer: Menuhin due to his sweet, charming, sound and perfectionistic approach to detail, and his fearless approach to experimentation, whether it was modern music, raga, Jazz, etc. Gidon Kremer due to his ferocious technique, brilliant music sensitivity, ability to flawlessly execute whatever he plays while still highlighting his personal musical identity, and his legendary ability to create connectivity and community across art forms and genres.

Throughout your ongoing tour, what has been the most memorable moment or concert so far, and why?

It is impossible to choose. Every city brings about an entirely new set of wonderful memories, audiences, friends, and opportunities. My immense love and gratitude to all who have come.

You’ve already received glowing reviews for your performances. How do you handle the pressures of expectations and critiques at such a young age?

Playing music you love, for people who are kind enough to listen to you, across the world, is one of the greatest honours a human being can experience. I consider myself one of the luckiest people I know! Every day I get to pick up my fiddle and try and convey or find something of beauty or interest on it is a blessing. This joy cancels out any stress! As for my youth, I find it terribly exciting to know how much time I still have to learn, and I know my mission is to improve as an artist every day for the rest of my life…

Looking beyond this tour, what future projects or ambitions are you most excited about in your musical career?|

I have a record coming out later this year, am currently writing a ballet/opera on the cracking of the Enigma code, and am looking forward to returning to Europe for more concerts and projects in the fall and winter. Expect to see more of me!

We know you’re all about blending the old with the new in your music, but what about in your daily life? Are there any quirky old-fashioned habits or modern gadgets you just can’t live without?

Yes: my violin!

Connect with Jack Campbell via Instagram

*This interview was made possible by Quite Great PR