A Moment With ‘Evangeline Victoria Music’

ABIA steps into the spotlight with Melbourne-based wedding violinist Evangeline Victoria.

Image Lost In Love Photography

These days, to hear Evangeline Victoria play the violin is to be left breath taken, but she admits, when she began learning at the age of six, it was tricky.

“It took a very long time to actually get a nice sound out of the violin,” she laughs.

Clearly though, she persevered. The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music graduate now performs as a soloist at weddings, events, elopements and special occasions throughout Australia, and internationally, offering her extraordinary talent in a range of musical genres — from Beethoven to Beyoncé — with a captivating blend of skill, personality and enthusiasm.

We spent some time with the sought-after musician to chat string instruments, atmosphere and her passion for telling love stories through music.

Image Kate Robinson Photography

Tell us about your wedding entertainment service.

I’m a solo violinist and entertainer. I have played many different musical genres, in many different settings, but I love the wedding and event space, so perform mostly for weddings, elopements, events and special occasions.

Music can hold so much meaning, so I play music that my couples love, music that has meaning to them and will remind them forever of their celebration of love. I ensure that each wedding day has that extra touch of magic, and that every note I play has quality, connection and passion.

I don’t try to make couples fit my music, I make my music fit them and offer an extensive list of songs and pieces from all genres and generations, paired with beautiful, minimalistic and expressive accompaniments, to match the mood and create a beautiful atmosphere for each wedding or elopement.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

Learning the violin organically introduced me to the wedding industry early on, as I played in string ensembles and occasionally had the opportunity to perform at wedding ceremonies. I fell in love with performing at weddings, almost instantly. There was something so special about creating music that told a love story.

Not long after I graduated a friend asked me to play at her wedding, and while I was preparing for her big day I had an epiphany, realising that I could combine my passion for music with a career in the wedding industry. I spent Melbourne’s Covid lockdowns building my business and reaching out to industry professionals and venues. Then, on 1 November 2021, the day Melbourne came out of its final lockdown, I launched Evangeline Victoria Music. I had three weddings booked that month, and word-of-mouth spread so quickly that by the start of 2022 I had a full year’s worth of bookings ahead of me, and I haven’t looked back since.

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Image Ashley K Wedding Photographer

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

I am based in Melbourne, Victoria, but play Australia-wide and internationally. I will travel across country and ocean to serenade my couples!

When did you start playing the violin?

My Dad was very musical and played piano and woodwind instruments, but I wanted to learn the violin and insisted that he learn it with me. I started playing the violin at primary school when I was six years old, and one of my fondest memories is my first violin lesson — me, four other kids and Dad all attempting to play. It was his support and encouragement that inevitably shaped me into the musician I am today.

Do you play any other instruments?

I learnt the viola at university, I have music theatre vocal training and my Dad also taught me to play the piano as a young girl, but evidently the violin is my favourite. I think the type of music that the violin attracts is something that I’m naturally captivated by. I also love how versatile it can be and how easily it can convey emotion. It has very naturally become an extension of my arm and a part of my personality.

Image Lei Lei Clavey Photography

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What genres of music do you play? And which are your favourites?

I play all musical genres and I love them all! Although I’m classically trained, I have spent a lot of time dabbling in some very contemporary and modern styles and have built a repertoire and skillset that explores a wide range of modern and classic styles, including pop, rock, classical, folk, Celtic, klezmer, RnB, EDM, contemporary, jazz, theatre, and world.

I’m all about my couples choosing music that conveys their personality and tells their love story. Whether it's Beethoven, Beyoncé, or the Black Eyed Peas, I can bring a favourite song to life.

Do you have any favourite occasions at which you’ve played?

I love all my weddings, and I’ve played at so many wonderful and special occasions but one of the best experiences of my career was playing for the opening of a television show. I got to play on top of a hill, in the middle of a field at sunset, while fireworks went off around me. You can see what I mean in the video below.

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Image Sophie O’Keefe Photography

What should couples look for in a wedding entertainer? And how far should they book in advance?

They should choose vendors they vibe with and that they enjoy being around. Ideally, also choose those who’ll place the same amount of importance on their wedding day as they do. I always spend as much time as I can with my couples, to get to know them and their vision, to help me create an even more tailored and unique experience for them.

I have couples booking me anywhere from three to 18 months before their wedding, but I can book out very quickly, especially during peak wedding season, so the sooner the better.

What makes your wedding entertainment unique?

I believe that I am more than a musician, I’m a storyteller, so I spend a lot of time with my clients, getting to know them, so that I can tell their love story.