Based; Johannesburg

Adri Naude-Scholtz is a highly respected South African violinist, celebrated for her versatility as a classical soloist, orchestral leader and contemporary performer.

Adri began playing violin at the age of seven, quickly establishing herself as a prodigious talent. Early in her career she was appointed co-concertmaster of the South African National Youth Orchestra, touring internationally in Scotland. She later became a permanent member of the National Symphony Orchestra in 1994, performing both locally and abroad — including in Egypt — and was a founding member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Johannesburg Music Initiative.

After more than a decade focused on classical music, Adri expanded into the light music arena, bringing her expressive violin playing to a wide range of genres. She has performed on Mango Groove’s first album and live with frontwoman Claire Johnston, and shared stage highlights with global icons such as Bono of U2 at Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday celebration in 2003.

Adri’s international experience includes solo appearances at prestigious venues such as Henry Wood Hall (London), while her South African performances have included shows at Sun City’s Superbowl alongside world-class artists like Sarah Brightman. She has also collaborated and performed with respected South African musicians including Steve Hofmeyr, Nianell, Theuns Jordaan, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka and many others.

Her performance credits extend to theatre productions and tours — from Barnyard Theatre shows to national tours with Chris Chameleon’s Klassieke Chameleon, Carnival City productions and more — demonstrating her ability to seamlessly cross musical styles and settings.

A sought-after performer for weddings, corporate functions, concerts and festivals, Adri’s violin artistry spans classical, swing, pop, rock, jazz and Latin, bringing emotive, refined musical expression to every event she plays.