Kirsty Bows is a South African electric violinist and vocalist known for combining accomplished musicianship with contemporary music, fashion and high-energy performance. Based in Cape Town, she has developed a distinctive performance identity built around her electric violin, signature couture glove and ability to move effortlessly between classical influences, pop, house, jazz and contemporary music.
Classically trained, Kirsty studied violin under respected violinist Suzanne Martens at Stellenbosch University’s Conservatorium of Music, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree. Her classical foundation, combined with her interest in songwriting, vocals and contemporary production, has enabled her to develop a modern approach to the violin that extends well beyond the traditional concert setting.
Kirsty has performed on both South African and international stages, with appearances at prestigious events including the HSBC World Rugby Sevens, Investec London, Finkenstein Castle in Austria, the Abu Dhabi 6G Summit and the Qatar Airways Cup. Her international work has taken her across Europe and the Middle East, strengthening her reputation as a sophisticated performance choice for premium global events.
In South Africa, Kirsty’s performance credits include the Forbes Woman Africa Conference, the Kolisi Foundation launch, the opening of Table Mountain’s VIEWS by De Grendel, and the Business and Arts South Africa Awards. She has also shared performance platforms with respected South African artists including Jimmy Nevis, Msaki and Craig Lucas.
Her relationship with fashion and visual performance is an important part of her brand. Kirsty has performed as part of fashion productions, appeared in a Sony Alpha Cinema campaign, and has collaborated with fashion and lifestyle brands. Her ability to combine music, movement and striking visual presentation makes her particularly effective for events where entertainment forms part of the overall creative experience.
She has also collaborated with drummer Darren Petersen, creating contemporary violin-and-percussion interpretations of popular music, including their mash-up of Dr. Dre’s “Still D.R.E.” and Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair.”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Cape Town-based electric violinist and vocalist
- Bachelor of Music – Cum Laude, Stellenbosch University
- International performances across Europe, the Middle East and South Africa
- HSBC World Rugby Sevens
- Qatar Airways Cup
- Abu Dhabi 6G Summit
- Investec London
- Performance at Finkenstein Castle, Austria
- Forbes Woman Africa Conference
- Kolisi Foundation launch
- Performer at the BASA Awards
- Featured performer at Stellenbosch University’s Matieland Homecoming Concert
- Has shared stages with Jimmy Nevis, Msaki and Craig Lucas
- Collaborations encompassing music, fashion and visual performance
- Signature repertoire spanning pop, house, jazz, contemporary and classical influences
With her combination of technical musicianship, contemporary repertoire, movement and striking visual presentation, Kirsty Bows offers considerably more than a conventional violin performance. She can provide elegant ambient music for arrivals and dinners or deliver a high-impact featured performance designed to command the room.
Her versatility makes her particularly suited to corporate events, gala dinners, luxury functions, weddings, fashion events, product launches, international conferences and high-profile private celebrations.
