Internationally touring violinist Christopher Vuk is bringing his dynamic project Blue Violin to Marquette for the first time, presenting Candlelight: A Classic Rock Tribute on Friday, October 18, at LoveMarq Church. The immersive concert will feature more than a thousand candles illuminating the space as Vuk reimagines legendary rock anthems through the sound of the electric violin.
For Vuk, the stop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula carries personal meaning. With family roots in Baraga and L’Anse, the performance marks his first opportunity to bring his music to the region he visited as a child.
Blue Violin bridges classical technique with classic rock energy. Using an electric violin, looping, and a range of effects, Vuk builds each song live, layering familiar riffs and melodies into richly textured reinterpretations of classics by Queen, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and more. The candlelit setting is meant to enhance both the intimacy and intensity of the performance, blending the unexpected pairing of elegance and rock spirit.
Vuk’s set includes both anthemic favorites and emotional ballads, from "Free Bird" to "Stairway to Heaven." His approach involves transcribing and performing the original solos (complete with expressive bends and effects) to capture the power and nuance of guitar-driven rock. The result often surprises audiences, revealing the violin’s versatility beyond its traditional genres.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Vuk about the upcoming performance:
As he continues to tour internationally, Vuk is also developing new projects, including a Coldplay Violin Concerto he premiered earlier this year. For Marquette audiences, the upcoming concert promises a rare opportunity to experience both artistry and atmosphere in an intimate, in-the-round candlelight setting.
Blue Violin presents Candlelight: A Classic Rock Tribute takes place Friday, October 18, at 7 p.m. at LoveMarq Church in Marquette. More information and tickets are available at blue-violin.com/candlelight-concert.
