Kristel Birkholtz is an award-nominated violinist, singer-songwriter, composer and live performer whose career combines classical training with an adventurous approach to contemporary music. Holding both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of the Witwatersrand, where she specialised in performance and received recognition including a music scholarship and an award for outstanding string playing, Kristel has developed into one of South Africa’s most versatile violin performers. Her work spans classical, jazz, pop, rock and contemporary crossover, allowing her to create performances that can be equally sophisticated, atmospheric or high-energy.

As a live artist, Kristel performs regularly for concerts, festivals, corporate events, weddings and private occasions. Her repertoire and performance formats range from acoustic and electric solo violin to distinctive speciality productions including Red Carpet Violin, LED Violin, EthAerial Violin, Beauty and the Beat, VioRimba and Cherry Pill. She has also performed extensively with ensembles, bands and musical theatre productions, bringing an expressive and highly adaptable style to every setting.

Kristel is equally accomplished in the recording and creative space. She has released multiple albums and recordings as a solo artist and collaborator, while her original work as a singer-songwriter with Cherry Pill has taken her music beyond the traditional violin repertoire. Her recording career includes a SAMA-nominated release, while her original composition *Wildflower* was recognised internationally with a Bronze Medal from the Global Music Awards and a semi-finalist position in the International Songwriting Competition.

For event organisers, Kristel offers far more than background music. Her ability to move between refined live ambience and visually engaging feature performances makes her a compelling addition to launches, gala dinners, weddings, awards ceremonies, red-carpet events and corporate experiences. Whether performing a beautiful solo arrangement, bringing energy through electric violin or creating a memorable speciality act, Kristel combines musicianship, professionalism and showmanship to make live music a defining part of the occasion.