Lisa Agnelli: When the Violin Becomes Pure Energy
In today’s contemporary music landscape, Lisa Agnelli stands out as one of the most distinctive and innovative violinists on the European scene. Recognized as Italy’s first representative of virtuosic pop rock violin, she has built a unique artistic path that bridges rigorous classical training with the power and dynamism of modern live performance.
Her career began with a solid academic foundation and important orchestral experiences, including collaborations with the Zurich Symphony Orchestra, which refined her technique and deepened her musical sensitivity. Yet it was on stage — surrounded by lights, a live band, and a standing audience — that her true artistic identity took shape.
Lisa created an original format: a fully instrumental pop rock concert where the violin becomes the undisputed protagonist. Iconic songs by AC/DC, Queen, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, alongside famous cinematic soundtracks, are reimagined through a style that blends virtuosity, energy, and elegance.
With piano, guitar, and drums accompanying her on stage, and enhanced by LED bows, visual backdrops, and immersive lighting design, her performances create a powerful emotional experience that dissolves the barrier between performer and audience.
We spoke with Lisa about her artistic journey, her search for a personal sound, and the message she aims to share through her music.
“My Identity Is Virtuosic and Cross-Genre”
Looking back at your journey, which experience has most shaped your artistic identity?
“The moment I decided to step outside the ‘expected’ classical path for a violinist and bring the violin into the pop rock world.
Academic training gave me discipline and respect for sound and tradition. But it was the stage — with band, drums, lights, and an audience on their feet — that truly transformed me.
When I began dialoguing with repertoires far from Paganini and closer to Imagine Dragons, I realized my identity wasn’t ‘either classical or modern,’ but virtuosic and cross-genre.”
That turning point allowed her to find her authentic voice: technically grounded, yet creatively free.
The Violin as an Extension of the Body
The relationship with one’s instrument evolves over time. How would you describe yours today compared to the beginning?
“In the beginning, I lived the violin as a challenge. I had to be precise, flawless — it felt like a constant test.
Today, I experience it as a stage partner and narrative tool. It’s an extension of my body and my personality. On stage, I no longer think only about intonation or bow technique — I think about energy, presence, connection.”
Her relationship with the instrument has become less rigid and more visceral.
“The violin is no longer just something to execute. It’s a way to communicate power, fragility, sensuality, and strength.”
The Search for a Personal Sound
For Lisa Agnelli, personal sound equals artistic identity.
“Without a personal sound, identity does not exist.”
She works on three interconnected levels:
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Technical: bow control, pressure, speed, contact point.
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Electronic: effects such as reverb and delay, used as extensions of intention — never as masks.
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Physical-emotional: breath, posture, inner focus.
“I’m not looking for a ‘perfect’ sound. I’m looking for a recognizable one. If someone hears a phrase and says, ‘That’s Lisa,’ then I’ve achieved my goal.”
The Message on Stage
When you step onto the stage, what message do you want to convey?
“Freedom and happiness.
The violin is often perceived as elegant but distant, almost elitist. I want it to feel powerful, close, physical. I want people to understand that virtuosity and classical roots are not museum pieces — they are alive.”
For Lisa, performance is not about proving technical skill.
“I don’t go on stage to demonstrate ability. I go to create an experience. If someone tells me, ‘I’ve never heard the violin like this before,’ then I’ve succeeded.
I want the audience to feel they are part of the show.”
A Message to Young Violinists
Lisa’s advice to young musicians reflects her own journey:
“Study as if you had to perform Bach tomorrow morning. But think as if you had to invent something that doesn’t exist yet.
Technique is the foundation — without it, there is no freedom. But the world doesn’t need perfect copies. It needs personality.
Don’t be afraid of contamination. The violin can belong anywhere: a theatre, a club, a rock square.
And above all: don’t wait for permission to be different. Become it.”
About Lisa Agnelli
Lisa Agnelli is an Italian violinist recognized nationally and internationally as a pioneer of virtuosic pop rock violin. After rigorous classical training and important orchestral collaborations, including work with the Zurich Symphony Orchestra, she developed a groundbreaking instrumental pop rock project that blends classical technique with contemporary performance language.
She has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Eros Ramazzotti, Simon Le Bon, Clean Bandit, Renato Zero, Andrea Bocelli, and Christian De Sica. Her performances combine live music, scenography, lighting design, and technology, transforming the violin into a modern and universal voice.
