David Garrett Rocks the Classics on New CD Rock Symphonies

NEW YORK, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- David Garrett – the best-selling new classical artist of 2009 – brings listeners along on a roller coaster ride of genres colliding on his sophomore album, Rock Symphonies.  Rock Symphonies displays Garrett's love of both classical and rock, marrying the two genres with a fierce intensity.  Featuring new interpretations of his favorite rock anthems by U2, Nirvana, Metallica and Aerosmith to name a few, David's virtuosic violin playing shines through with precision and power, backed by his band and The City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.  With his new Public Television concert special slated for an August broadcast, David Garrett is poised to be the breakout star of the summer.  Rock Symphonies will be released on Decca July 20th.

The evolution of Rock Symphonies was a natural one for the 28-year-old Garrett.  Having spent 2009 on tour in all corners of the world, he would find himself performing in clubs to arenas with a live rock band one night, followed by a classical concert hall with full symphony orchestra the next.  Having a dual career is a rarity, and doing it successfully even more so.  The bold violinist has always been a fan of both the classical and rock worlds he straddles. "I always enjoyed when rock groups integrated orchestra into in their sound, and it elevated the music to another level," comments Garrett.  He continues, "any musician loves having the full sound of an orchestra behind them - it's an amazing experience."

Rock Symphonies main recording sessions took place at New York City's famed Electric Lady Studios, with the orchestra recorded in Prague.  Highlights of the album include "Vivaldi Vs. Vertigo," a mashup of Vivaldi and U2's Vertigo, Nirvana's classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Led Zeppelin's timeless "Kashmir," and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," featuring a guest performance by Aussie guitar sensation Orianthi (seen in Michael Jackson's "This Is It").  Orianthi also joined Garrett on stage in Germany recently for his new Public Television concert special, "Rock Symphonies," to air on PBS throughout August on stations across the country.

David Garrett has been winning over audiences since the release of his self-titled debut album in June 2009.  His numerous appearances have included performances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Today Show, Fox News Channel, CBS Saturday Early Show and his first  PBS smash, "Live In Berlin." His technically jaw-dropping performance of "Flight of the Bumblebee," was recorded in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest-ever performance of the piece (a blistering 66 seconds), wowing crowds the world over.  In addition to being the best-selling new classical artist of 2009, he was also Billboard's #9 highest-charting new artist overall, across all genres. His CD David Garrett, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Classical Crossover Chart, and held the #1 position for nine weeks, remaining in the Top 10 for over 40 subsequent weeks .

David Garrett began playing violin at age four, and was signed to the prestigious classical music label Deutsche Grammophon by thirteen.  Without telling his parents, he later fled Germany for New York, where he was accepted at the world famous Juilliard music school, studying under the legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. As a way to pay the bills, he moonlit as a busboy and model, landing him in the pages of Vogue and the Fashion Week catwalks for Armani. He subsequently has gained international stardom, with gold and platinum selling discs internationally, and chart-topping albums in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Far East and a Top 20 UK hit. His charisma, passion and dedication to the violin defy categorization.

For more information please visit http://www.david-garrett.com

SOURCE Decca Label Group