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Adam Summerhayes: Music shaped by instinct

2025-06-20T09:15:00

AdamSummerhayes by Hugh Miller 2024

Adam Summerhayes is a violinist and composer who combines his flair for improvisation and a love of folk music with a classical training and technique. He speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about his latest projects and his very special instruments

Everything started with a small, 1/16- or 1/32-size violin perched on a curtain rail in his childhood bedroom. Adam Summerhayes doesn’t remember who put it there or even asking for it to be taken down; all he remembers is the sensation once it was in his hands. He recalls immediately playing it and making up a tune…

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