The Shirtless Violinist

Last updated
Matthew Olshefski
Also known asShirtless Violinist
Born (1984-01-02) January 2, 1984 (age 41)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
OccupationMusician
InstrumentViolin
Years active2016–2022
Website www.shirtlessviolinist.com

Matthew Olshefski (a.k.a. Shirtless Violinist [1] ) is a YouTuber from the Seattle area commonly known as "The Shirtless Violinist".

Contents

Olshefski (pronounced Ol-shef-ski) began playing the violin at age 3 and has since become a professional musician and teacher. [2] Olshefski began performing shirtless while on a vacation trip down the Pacific Coast, when Olshefski's boyfriend used an iPhone to video Matthew playing the violin outdoors overlooking the Ocean. [3] Olshefski is openly gay and his music often incorporates LGBTQ elements.

Early life

Olshefski started playing the violin at 3 years old. Along with his younger brother and sister, Olshefski formed a trio called "Two Hits and Miss". They played nationwide, with the support of their parents and music teachers. [4]

Musical performance

Olshefski has accompanied Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli during Seattle performances. [2] In addition to being a solo performer, Olshefski has also been a Concert Master. [5]

Since 2016 Olshefski has produced music videos, covering music such as "Over the Rainbow" [6] the theme from Stranger Things , [7] the theme from Game of Thrones [8] and "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman . [9]

In September 2016, Olshefski organized a charity challenge. At the end of a video he encouraged viewers to post a picture of themselves giving to a local charity on social media for a chance to be featured in an upcoming music video. [1]

Olshefski's music sometimes includes gay themes, such as his music video based on the Disney movie The Little Mermaid . [10] [11] Other examples include music from Star Wars , [12] [13] Cinderella and Moana . [14] In 2018, Olshefski performed a duet with gay singer/songwriter Tom Goss of Ed Sheeran's song "Perfect". [15]

References

  1. 1 2 "Shirtless Violinist covers Katy Perry, launches charity challenge". Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  2. 1 2 Reddish, David (2018-03-17). "Meet Matthew Olshefski, the concert violinist with a heart of gold & pecs of steel". LGBTQ Nation. Archived from the original on 2018-07-28. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  3. ↑ Why "The Shirtless Violinist" ditched his shirt (in Indonesian), archived from the original on 2018-07-28, retrieved 2018-06-19
  4. ↑ "Why The Shirtless Violinist Can't Stop, Won't Stop Making (Half) Naked Music". Cosmopolitan. 2017-10-25. Archived from the original on 2018-09-27. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  5. ↑ "Exclusive: Interview With The Shirtless Violinist". Instinct. 2016-10-21. Archived from the original on 2018-07-02. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  6. ↑ "The Shirtless Violinist performs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" – New Day Northwest". KING. Archived from the original on 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2018-06-18.
  7. ↑ Browning, Bil (2017-10-31). "This shirtless violinist playing the 'Stranger Things' theme is what you need today". LGBTQ Nation. Archived from the original on 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2018-06-18.
  8. ↑ "This shirtless violinist playing the "Game of Thrones" theme is the most extra thing you'll see today | 98.7WFMT". 98.7WFMT. 2017-07-10. Archived from the original on 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2018-06-27.
  9. ↑ 'Shirtless Violinist' Collaborates With Pianist Over FaceTime For 'Never Enough' Cover, 2 May 2018, retrieved 2018-06-19
  10. ↑ "Please Watch This Shirtless Violinist Recreate "The Little Mermaid," and Try Not to Cry". Cosmopolitan. 2017-08-22. Archived from the original on 2018-07-25. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  11. ↑ "This shirtless violinist turned The Little Mermaid into the gay fairytale of your dreams". Gay Times. 2017-08-19. Archived from the original on 2018-07-26. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  12. ↑ "Star Wars Gay Love Story Is Here Thanks ShirtlessViolinist". Instinct. 2017-11-27. Archived from the original on 2018-07-07. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  13. ↑ "The Shirtless Violinist puts a gay twist on Star Wars". Gay Times. 2017-11-28. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  14. ↑ "This Shirtless Violinist hopes to inspire with his music (and abs)". Gay Star News. 2018-05-01. Archived from the original on 2018-07-26. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  15. ↑ "Tom Goss and the Shirtless Violinist Collaborate on a 'Perfect' Duet: WATCH – Towleroad". Towleroad. 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
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