The violin never slips into a dull, monotonous, mundane mode in the hands of young Vanessa-Mae. The vibrancy and true character of the violin is at its best with Vanessa, who began playing the violin at the age of four and never let go of it thereafter.

This hardcore western classical violinist has dared to experiment and redefine classical moulds of tradition. Vanessa is popular for forging a new style by virtually defining the fusion of classical and pop. It was a bold creative gamble she wanted to take — a new synthesis of classical and pop. And it worked marvellously for her.
Commenting on her distinct style of performance, Vanessa says her music is contemporary. “For me opening up people's ears to the violin is key because people know the violin as a classical instrument but not quite as a modern contemporary instrument. I like to make people cry more than I like to make them happy because for me, to touch people is a lot more challenging,” says Vanessa.

Today Vanessa's albums have established her as a world star, racing up the pop charts in over 25 countries, as well as breaking new ground for instrumental music. Vanessa was in the City for a fusion concert along with classical sitarist Nishat Khan. The duo performed together on Friday night in their individual styles at the Leela Palace.

In a freewheeling chat with Metrolife, Vanessa spoke about her style, experiments with music and new projects.

Excerpts:

On fusing pop and western classical music...
It's an interpretation. What may appeal to one person will naturally be the answer to another music lover. As an artist you just have to be willing to stretch yourself and take risks for better or for worse. When I mixed two distinct styles, I created my own genre, I transcended genres. It worked. It captured an important musical moment in my life.

My style of music...
My style changes according to who I work with. It is steeped in classical music. There is a sort of discipline in the way I pack my album and my show but at the same time there is a certain looseness about my style. My music is a mix of electric, classical and is quite virtuosi.

Redefining western classical mould...
It's quite a challenge to redefine, add on and experiment with the western classical mould. In the beginning people didn't really understand what I was doing. At reviews of classical shows, reviewers could review pop, jazz and classical music but they had a hard time trying to distinguish my style. So I had to make an album for them.

On sparse audiences for western classical music...
I don't know. You have to play to people who are willing to try something new. Everybody in the audience must be quite free and of an adventurous spirit. They must be willing to be challenged and to try a new dish. Truly hardcore western classical music can be boring. You would find more people going to the cinema than going to the museum that’s because you tend to treat classical stuff with a bit of trepidation and caution. Cinema is less of risk. It's the same with western classical music, it's lost in the past. That's nothing wrong, just that western classical music is not going to be mass commercial.

Playing with Indian musicians...
It is great fun. It's nice to try something new. When I ask people to be open minded to my music, I too must approach my music with an open mind. Collaborating with Indian musicians broadens one's horizons.

New projects...
It's going to be something different from what I've done. It’s neither outrageously pop nor is it in classical style.

On what keeps you going...
I don't know what else I would be doing if I didn't play the violin I would be retired I  guess. I always knew I wanted to be a violinist and never considered doing anything else.