Bio
Ann Marie Calhoun is an internationally acclaimed rock violinist and a master of her instrument in many diverse genres of music. Her extensive experience as a rock violinist includes a world tour with the legendary Jethro Tull as a featured guest and a world tour with virtuosic guitar player Steve Vai as a member of his String Theories band. Ann Marie’s violin playing has also been featured in tours with Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart (Euythmics). She performed at the 2008 Grammy’s as a soloist with the Foo Fighters. Additionally, she has performed/worked with Mick Jagger, Jon Bon Jovi, The Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, Damien Marley, Switchfoot, Colbie Callait, Joss Stone, and many other acclaimed artists.
Ann Marie’s unique background and training has made her one of the most sought-after violinists in the industry. Her classical technique and discipline are balanced with a rare ability to improvise and groove in other genres of music.
She began her formal studies of classical violin at the age of three, and earned a fellowship with the National Symphony Orchestra while she was still in high school. While Ann Marie was winning prestigious awards in the classical community, she was also branching out in improvisational styles of music, including bluegrass fiddle, jazz violin, and rock violin. She also studied world music through a tour with “Kantara” (an Arab-Appalachain fusion band), and by being a featured soloist with “Yanni” during his live Acapulco performances to be aired by PBS in spring of 2009.
News
Sherlock Holmes News »
Ann Marie will join renowned composer Hans Zimmer to write the film score for the new Sherlock Holmes movie directed by Guy Ritchie.
Mandela Day News »
Mandela Day is an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them. Ann Marie performed at this fabulous concert with Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Dave Stewart, Arethra Franklin, Josh Groban, and Italian icon Zucchero.
Animation News »
Ann Marie will star in Mass Animation’s first animated short, “Live Music.” Ann Marie will play the part of “Vanessa," a violin that falls in love with an electric guitar (played by legendary guitar player, Steve Vai).
Live Music will be produced and directed by Yair Landau, former vice chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and president of Sony Pictures Digital. The project is backed by Intel Corp and launched through a Facebook page where animators can collaborate in a competition to animate the short over the web.
Deepak Press release »
Ann Marie is collaborating with internationally best-selling author Deepak Chopra and musician Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) on a project that will combine Deepak’s poetry reading with original music composed by Ann Marie and Dave. Keep posted for both live performances and a CD!
