Lindsay Deutsch: Merging Classical Mastery with Modern Flair
The Yakima Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome the dynamic violinist Lindsay Deutsch to our stage on May 10, 2025! Deutsch called our office in March, so we could get to know her a bit better during an 11-hour drive from Kansas to Ohio. In a recent conversation with her, she shared insights into her journey as a musician, offering a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped her career. Before and after her time with us in Yakima, she continues to tour with her genre-bending instrumental and vocal trio, TAKE3.
Known for her breathtaking technique and electric stage presence, Lindsay Deutsch has captivated audiences worldwide with her seamless blend of classical tradition with contemporary energy. From touring with Yanni to performing for blockbuster television soundtracks, she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern violin soloist.
Lindsay Deutsch’s journey as a crossover violinist took root when she was invited to tour with the legendary Yanni, the world-renowned composer known for blending classical and global music into epic, arena-style performances. Before that moment, she had primarily performed classical repertoire, but this tour pushed her into new territory. Arriving in Saudi Arabia for her first show, she faced a series of firsts: plugging her violin into a microphone, wearing in-ear monitors, and improvising on stage.
She recalled the intense nerves leading up to her solo, her heart pounding as she realized she couldn’t hear herself play through the monitors. The reason? The roaring enthusiasm of a 10,000-person audience. That overwhelming energy shifted her perspective on music—she saw firsthand how powerful and impactful music could be when it truly connected with people. That night planted the seed for her innovative trio, TAKE3, a group that would later redefine classical crossover performance. On her plane ride home, she scribbled her crossover ideas on a napkin. These ideas have since blossomed into a lifestyle.
A former racquetball player, Deutsch approaches performance with an athlete’s discipline. Before each concert, she follows a strict warm-up routine, eats the same meals, and sticks to a regimented snack schedule. She describes playing the violin as a highly physical experience, requiring stamina, precision, and agility—much like sports. When TAKE3 plays together, the trio even shares a special handshake before stepping onto the stage, a ritual that solidifies their connection and prepares them for the high-energy performance ahead.
When it comes to collaboration, Deutsch seeks like-minded musicians who share her passion for pushing boundaries. TAKE3, which she formed with fellow conservatory-trained musicians, was born from a shared desire to step outside the confines of traditional classical performance.
She recalls a pivotal moment in school when a teacher built a “chair fortress” around her to prevent her from moving too much while playing the violin. That moment reinforced her belief that classical music should be expressive and free rather than rigid and confined. TAKE3 became her way of honoring her classical roots while making the music fresh, accessible, and exciting for modern audiences.
Even chance encounters have played a role in shaping her musical career. She met her current cellist on a New York subway after spotting a fast-moving cello case and instinctively chasing after it. That spontaneous connection turned into a lasting collaboration, proving that sometimes, the best partnerships happen by chance.
Deutsch’s violin can be heard on the soundtrack of Netflix’s The Witcher. Having spent much of her life in Los Angeles, Deutsch found herself immersed in the film and television music scene, contributing to various soundtracks, including The Good Shepherd starring Robert De Niro. These experiences expanded her artistic reach and reinforced her belief in the power of versatility as a musician.
Beyond the stage and screen, Deutsch is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. In 2007, she co-founded Classics Alive, a nonprofit that fosters classical music appreciation among young people. The organization has provided grants for new instruments, hosted national youth orchestra competitions, and brought masterclasses to students across the country.
Her message to young musicians is clear: Progress happens in small, daily increments. “Sometimes, the hard work doesn’t seem rewarding in the moment,” she says, “but if you keep at it every day, your future self will thank you.” She encourages students to find motivation in small victories and to embrace the long-term rewards of persistence.
After spending years focused on crossover music and her trio, Deutsch is revisiting the classical solo repertoire she once performed extensively for the first time with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. She describes this return as “merging the new me with the old me.” Revisiting favorites like Piazzolla’s Primavera Porteña feels like reconnecting with old friends but with fresh insight and a deeper understanding gained from her years of genre-blending experiences.
Lindsay Deutsch’s upcoming performance with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra is an opportunity to witness a truly unique artist at work—one who bridges the worlds of classical and contemporary music with dazzling artistry and boundless energy. Whether you’re a longtime classical music lover or a newcomer to the symphonic experience, Deutsch’s performance promises to be an unforgettable musical journey.
Join us for this extraordinary concert and experience the magic of Lindsay Deutsch live on May 10, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre!
—Ella Kim