The Shirtless Violinist

Matthew Olshefski (a.k.a. Matthew Olson[1]) is a YouTuber from the Seattle area commonly known as "The Shirtless Violinist".

Matthew Olshefski
Also known asMatthew Olson
Born (1984-01-02) January 2, 1984
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsViolin
Years active2016–present
Websitewww.shirtlessviolinist.com

Olshefski (pronounced Ol-shef-ski) began playing the violin at age 3 and has since become a professional musician and teacher.[2] Olshefski began performing shirtless while on a vacation trip down the Pacific Coast, when Olshefski's boyfriend used an iPhone to video Matthew playing the violin outdoors overlooking the Ocean.[3] Olshefski is openly gay and his music often incorporates LGBTQ elements.

Early life

Olshefski started playing the violin at 3 years old. Along with his younger brother and sister, Olshefski formed a trio called "Two Hits and Miss". They played nationwide, with the support of their parents and music teachers.[4]

Musical performance

Olshefski has accompanied Josh Grobin and Andrea Bocelli during Seattle performances.[2] In addition to being a solo performer, Olshefski has also been a Concert Master.[5]

Since 2016 Olshefski has produced music videos, covering music such as "Over the Rainbow"[6] the theme from Stranger Things,[7] the theme from Game of Thrones[8] and "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman.[9]

In September 2016, Olshefski organized a charity challenge. At the end of a video he encouraged videos to post a picture of themselves giving to a local charity on social media for a chance to be featured in an upcoming music video.[1]

Olshefski's music sometimes includes gay themes, such as his music video based on the Disney movie The Little Mermaid.[10][11] Other examples include music from Star Wars,[12][13] Cinderella and Moana.[14] In 2018, Olshefski performed a duet with gay singer/songwriter Tom Goss of Ed Sheeran's song "Perfect".[15]

References
  1. "Shirtless Violinist covers Katy Perry, launches charity challenge". Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  2. Reddish, David (2018-03-17). "Meet Matthew Olshefski, the concert violinist with a heart of gold & pecs of steel". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  3. Why "The Shirtless Violinist" ditched his shirt (in Indonesian), retrieved 2018-06-19
  4. "Why The Shirtless Violinist Can't Stop, Won't Stop Making (Half) Naked Music". Cosmopolitan. 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  5. "Exclusive: Interview With The Shirtless Violinist". Instinct. 2016-10-21. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  6. "The Shirtless Violinist performs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" – New Day Northwest". KING. Retrieved 2018-06-18.
  7. Browning, Bil (2017-10-31). "This shirtless violinist playing the 'Stranger Things' theme is what you need today". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2018-06-18.
  8. "This shirtless violinist playing the "Game of Thrones" theme is the most extra thing you'll see today | 98.7WFMT". 98.7WFMT. 2017-07-10. Retrieved 2018-06-27.
  9. 'Shirtless Violinist' Collaborates With Pianist Over FaceTime For 'Never Enough' Cover, retrieved 2018-06-19
  10. "Please Watch This Shirtless Violinist Recreate "The Little Mermaid," and Try Not to Cry". Cosmopolitan. 2017-08-22. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  11. "This shirtless violinist turned The Little Mermaid into the gay fairytale of your dreams". Gay Times. 2017-08-19. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  12. "Star Wars Gay Love Story Is Here Thanks ShirtlessViolinist". Instinct. 2017-11-27. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  13. "The Shirtless Violinist puts a gay twist on Star Wars". Gay Times. 2017-11-28. Retrieved 2018-06-26.
  14. "This Shirtless Violinist hopes to inspire with his music (and abs)". Gay Star News. 2018-05-01. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  15. "Tom Goss and the Shirtless Violinist Collaborate on a 'Perfect' Duet: WATCH – Towleroad". Towleroad. 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
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