AT GRAND PALAIS TRIBUTE
Violinist Charlie Siem was one of a handful of artists, friends and collaborators of the late Chanel artistic director Karl Lagerfeld to honor the designer at a tribute held Thursday, June 20 at the Grand Palais in Paris. The ceremony, staged by the houses of Chanel, Fendi and Lagerfeld’s eponymous label, celebrated the life and work of the fashion legend with a presentation filled with video of Lagerfeld as well as photos, speeches music, dance and recital of his many of his writings. Siem performed Paganini n.24 Capriccio on stage as Helen Mirren read famous quotes from The World According to Karl, a book of his most outrageous statements. Also appearing and performing at the tribute were actress Tilda Swinton, musician Pharrell and model Cara Delevingne, among a small group of others. Siem performed Paganini n.24 Capriccio on stage as Helen Mirren read famous quotes from The World According to Karl, a book of his most outrageous statements.
“It was an honor to have been part of the tribute conceived by the brilliant Robert Carson and to re-invent Pagannin’s 24th caprice with amazing Helen Mirren,” said Siem. “What a force of nature he was and what an impact he had with his incredible talent and discipline but also his kindness, wit and curiosity.”
The musician was good friends with Lagerfeld, working together on numerous projects, including appearing in his book Little Black Jacket, which he did with former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, and the classic marketing campaign for Dior, which Karl personally photographed.
Siem travels the world performing with the most prestigious orchestras and symphonies, including The Royal, the Moscow and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestras; the Czech and the Oslo National Symphony Orchestras, as well as conductors including
Charles Dutoit, Edward Gardner, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir Roger Norrington, Libor Pesěk and Yuri Simonov. Siem has also performed onstage with stars like The Who, Bryan Adams and Jamie Cullen.
Born in London, Siem studied the violin at the Royal College of Music with Itzhak Rashkovsky, and later with Shlomo Mintz, while attending Eton College and Cambridge University. At only 30 years of age, he became the youngest Professor of Music in the UK (Leeds College of Music). He performs with one of the rarest instruments on the classical music stage — a priceless 1735 Guarneri del Gesù violin once owned by the king of Prussia.
The musician has also emerged a style ambassador for brands like Dior, BOSS, Giorgio Armani and Dunhill. In addition to being featured in their global marketing campaigns, Siem is often called upon to perform at their shows and events. He has been named to Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List in 2014 and 2017.
