Daily Inspiration: Meet Saraphina Violin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saraphina Violin.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a professional violinist with multiple degrees in Violin Performance. Playing violin since the age of three and piano since the age of five, I first recorded an album at the age of twelve. I’ve won numerous awards including the concerto competition at York University as well as the talent portion of Miss World Canada. I graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA in Violin Performance and completed my ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music. I studied at York University where I completed my Master’s Degree under the tutelage of the late Jacques Israelievitch. In the second year of my undergraduate studies, I began playing electric violin.

Doing so inspired me to pursue a Master’s Degree, for which my thesis topic was the accompaniment of live instrumentation with DJs and popular music. I attended the prestigious Chautauqua Institute on full scholarship for four summers. I have become renowned for my work as an electric violinist and I regularly perform for high profile events across the globe, such as for halftime shows during NBA games. I have also opened concerts for famous artists, including Diana Ross, Usher and Gwen Stefani. I have amassed a large following on Instagram through my music and have become an influencer across the globe.

I recently performed the world premiere of the “Saraphina Violin Concerto” which was written for me to be performed with orchestra. I have released three songs and music videos, with two classical pieces to be released soon.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
COVID has definitely been such a struggle, with very few gigs! I had a few online zoom shows, and I did a few NBA halftime shows during COVID (one for the Warriors in May, and the other for the Dallas Mavericks in June for the playoffs.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Although I’m a classically-trained violinist, I’m most known as an electric violinist. I’m most proud of the performance of the “Saraphina Violin Concerto” which was written for me to perform with orchestra by the composer Werner Chen. When I debuted the work last October it was quite an honour. Most musicians don’t ever receive pieces dedicated to them, and I was so fortunate to achieve this gift so early in my career.

I perform worldwide for events, but I’m most known for playing NBA Halftimes. I think what sets me apart is my particular style of playing, which is very classically-based, even when I’m performing hip hop or pop songs. I have also written some of my own songs, in the style of house music, and I love performing those as well.

What matters most to you? Why?
I love inspiring people with my stage presence and performing. It’s so important for young girls especially to see a strong woman follow her dreams and passions and make a name for herself!

Contact Info:

• Email: saraphina@saraphinaviolin.com
• Website: saraphinaviolin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraphinaviolin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraphinaViolin1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtG50esVWjdA4PzfbtmP_sw
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/saraphina-violin/1493235310
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iQP3mrv8Aplmfw4FmrJhI

Image Credits
Johan Johannesson
Roger Singh
Jae Yang