Vanessa-Mae Biography: Career, Age, Net Worth, Olympics, Height, Boyfriend, Albums

Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson, known professionally as Vanessa-Mae, is a Singaporean-born British violinist, pianist, and crossover performer whose innovative fusion of classical music with pop, techno, and jazz has redefined the genre.

Rising to fame as a child prodigy with her debut album The Violin Player (1995), she became one of the youngest artists to top classical charts, blending virtuosic skill with modern flair.

Beyond music, Vanessa-Mae competed as an alpine skier for Thailand at the 2014 Winter Olympics, showcasing her adventurous spirit.

Her dynamic performances and global influence have made her a trailblazer in both music and sport.

Profile

• Full Name: Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson
• Stage Name: Vanessa-Mae
• Born: 27 October, 1978
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Singapore
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Violinist, Pianist, Performer, Alpine Skier
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Pamela Soei Luang Tan, Vorapong Vanakorn, Graham Nicholson (adopted father)
• Siblings: Unknown
• Partner: Lionel Catalan
• Children: None
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson was born on October 27, 1978, in Singapore to Pamela Soei Luang Tan, a Chinese semi-professional pianist, and Vorapong Vanakorn, a Thai businessman.

After her parents’ divorce, she moved to London at age four with her mother, who later married Graham Nicholson, a British attorney whose surname Vanessa-Mae adopted.

She grew up without publicly known siblings, immersed in music from an early age.

Starting piano at three and violin at five, she displayed prodigious talent, studying with Professor Lin Yao Ji at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music at eight.

She became the youngest student admitted to the Royal College of Music in London, honing her classical technique while exploring crossover styles.

She is of Chinese-Thai-British heritage, though she keeps religious beliefs private.

Career

Vanessa-Mae launched her musical career as a child prodigy, performing Beethoven and Tchaikovsky concertos by age 10 with orchestras like the London Philharmonic.

Her debut album The Violin Player (1995), released at 16, blended classical violin with techno and pop, featuring hits like “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor,” which charted across Europe and sold over 1.5 million copies.

Albums like Storm (1997) and The Classical Album 1 (1996) showcased her ability to merge Vivaldi with electronic beats, earning her a global fanbase and awards like the BRIT Award nomination for Best Female Artist.

Her performances at venues like the Royal Albert Hall captivated audiences with her energetic style and custom electric violins.

Beyond music, Vanessa-Mae pursued alpine skiing, competing for Thailand under her father’s surname, Vanakorn, at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where she placed 67th in the giant slalom.

This bold pivot, inspired by her love for adventure, drew media attention despite a temporary ban for manipulated qualifying results, later overturned.

She returned to music with albums like Choreography (2004), collaborating with composers like Vangelis, and continues to tour, performing at festivals and private events.

Recent work includes composing for film soundtracks and mentoring young musicians through masterclasses.

Vanessa-Mae’s fearless blending of genres and her athletic pursuits cement her as a cultural icon who defies convention.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @vanessamae
• Facebook Handle: Vanessa-Mae
• Twitter Handle: @vanessamae

Personal Life

Vanessa-Mae shares a long-term relationship with Frenchman Lionel Catalan since the early 2000s, maintaining a private partnership with no public record of marriage or children.

She resides primarily in Kensington, London, with additional homes in Switzerland for skiing.

Discography

• The Violin Player (1995)
• The Classical Album 1 (1996)
• Storm (1997)
• The Original Four Seasons (1998)
• Choreography (2004)

Net Worth

Vanessa-Mae has an estimated net worth of $10 million.

She earns through album sales, global tours, and high-profile performances, with additional income from endorsements and her Olympic skiing venture.

Her early commercial success and investments in property, including her London and Swiss residences, contribute to her financial stability in music and beyond.