David Garrett first took a violin into his hands when he was 4 years old, and at that age, he also gave his first concert. From 8 years of age, he studied with the best teachers in the world, worked with the best conductors, and played with legendary orchestras. After 14, he discovered pop, jazz and Led Zeppelin. He was expelled from the London Royal College of Music for skipping classes, and against his parents’ wishes, he entered Juilliard in New York. There, he learned for the first time how his people his age normally lived: nightclubs, parties, fashion shows, surfing… David plays for presidents and princesses. The classical in his performances sounds relevant and progressive, and he himself is a talented and artistic melding in life of and art of classical traditions and free experiment.

David, what great violins have you played on?

I have been playing on a Stadivarius violin since I was 12. And for today’s concert, I will be playing on one of his violins from 1703, the golden period.

Do you have a favorite among them?

They are all favorites. A violin is like a person – each has its own character, and with each you experience special moments and remember it in a different way. On the one hand, the violin is important for me; but on the other, you know, what’s most important is what you put into the performance, what composer you’re playing… But a good violin is, as a rule, going to sound good in any hands; while a bad one will sound bad even in the hands of even the most talented.

What is the secret of great violins?

It’s generally accepted that perfection appears as a result of some magic, but I don’t think so. The violins of Stradivari contain a massive amount of labor, ability and intelligence. These are the qualities by which genius can be defined. His violins are work well done. There’s nothing mysterious here.

Who is your favorite composer?

I could name 50, but when I’m alone I love Bach more than any.

Are you in love with any particular musical composition now?

When I am working on something, I am always in love with it. I perform only what I am confident in and what is close to me.

Where do you spend most of your time?

In the air, unfortunately; in airplanes more than in my apartment in Manhattan. Last year I made 50 flights – that’s about 600-700 hours. It happens that I am in airplanes for months.

Have you had tours in different countries in one 24-hour period?

Yes, many times. For instance, one morning I played in Munich, then went by car to Italy and gave an evening concert.

Does it not exhaust you?

Everything depends on the atmosphere of the place. If I feel comfortable there, then it supplies strength and energy. But if I don’t like something, then I get tired, of course.

Is it evident who is the most conservative public and where people are most open to innovation?

Possibly in Germany the public is more conservative and strict, but all in all, people everywhere are open and actively accept all that is new.

Is there a city you feel is your own?

Yes. New York.

David, you probably have a lot of friends?

I have around 400 friends all over the world. I can call any of them at any moment to go out, to spend some money and time. But if I try to borrow money from any of them, no one will give it… Probably my only friend is my brother. We are truly close…

Do you have a character trait that you’re particularly fond of?

I am unable to lie and value that in myself greatly.

I know you did some work as a photo-model…

That was an entirely different life. Lots of sex, drugs and rock and roll. I’m joking! I did that for about a year and a half, when I was studying in college. My parents stopped helping me, and so I needed to earn money on my own and that was an easy way. They paid me more than librarians get.

Would you like to do something other than music now?

I think only about music.

And what music matches your mood at the moment?

I’d like to hear jazz….