Photos courtesy of Wolf Trap/Mallory Synder
Hot summer nights in Vienna, Virginia, can only mean one thing—another unforgettable concert at the Filene Center at Wolf Trap. The venue’s 2026 season continues to deliver standout performances, and Tuesday night was no exception as acclaimed violinist Lindsey Stirling brought her electrifying Duality Untamed Tour to a packed house.
Backed by a powerhouse drummer, a talented guitarist, an energetic troupe of dancers, and a rocking opening act, Stirling transformed the stage into a spectacular fusion of music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. If you’ve never experienced a Lindsey Stirling concert before, as was the case for me, you’re not simply attending a concert—you’re witnessing a breathtaking visual and musical extravaganza that leaves you wanting longer after the final note has been played.
The evening kicked off with pop-rock band PVRIS, who did an outstanding job setting the tone for the night. Armed with their electrifying, edgy sound, the Massachusetts trio immediately had the audience bobbing their heads and swaying to the music, priming the crowd for the spectacle still to come.
Lead vocalist Lynn Gunn greeted the audience with a simple, “How are you doing?” before launching into the opening number, “Dead Weight.” The track’s pulsing beats, swaggering hip-hop influences, and aggressive, driving rhythms instantly won over the audience, with people clapping along from the very first chorus. One concertgoer standing just a few rows in front of me was so captivated that she danced through virtually the band’s entire set.
From the first note to the last, Gunn’s commanding vocals and magnetic stage presence kept the audience fully engaged. By the time PVRIS performed “Ghosts” and “Oil & Water,” I had already declared myself a new fan. Midway through the set, “Gimme a Minute” offered a different flavor, pairing an infectious groove with a strong, laid-back beat that was impossible not to enjoy.
Following the song, Gunn shared a humorous story about a case of mistaken identity. A young fan believed she was about to meet Lindsey Stirling but instead found herself meeting Lynn—whose birth name is Lyndsey, albeit spelled differently. As fate would have it, Stirling’s tour bus was parked right next to PVRIS’s, and now the band is opening for her on the Duality Untamed Tour. Talk about karma coming full circle.
The mood shifted with the atmospheric “Senti-mental,” giving the audience a brief chance to catch its breath while maintaining the evening’s momentum. Before launching into the closing song, “Goddess,” Gunn dedicated it “to all the ladies and the gays” in attendance, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. She capped off the performance in style, ripping through the song while effortlessly playing her guitar one-handed—a fittingly badass ending to an impressive 11-song set.
One of my favorite parts of covering live music is discovering artists I’ve never experienced before, and PVRIS was one of those welcome surprises. They delivered a dynamic, energetic performance that left a lasting impression, and after seeing them live, I’m certain this won’t be the last time I dive into their catalog.
After a brief 15-minute intermission, it was finally time for the night’s main event. At exactly 9:04 p.m., the lights inside the Filene Center dimmed, and the audience’s anticipation reached a fever pitch.
Before Lindsey Stirling took the stage, fans were treated to a cinematic introduction projected onto a massive screen at the back of the set. The short film wove together clips from Stirling’s music videos spanning her career, blending fan favorites with newer material. Accompanied by a dramatic voiceover that established the evening’s narrative, the montage set the tone for the theatrical journey that was about to unfold.
As the final moments of the film faded, Stirling emerged high atop the stage’s elevated riser to a roar from the crowd. Without missing a beat, she launched into a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” From the very first notes, her boundless energy was on full display. Descending the riser with her signature blend of graceful choreography and virtuosic violin playing, Stirling immediately commanded every inch of the stage, making it clear that the audience was in for far more than just a concert—it was a full-scale performance spectacle.
The evening’s setlist struck a perfect balance between longtime fan favorites and newer material, with several inventive medleys showcasing Stirling’s creativity. One standout was her rendition of “Sandstorm,” which Lindsey shared was the song that sparked her love of EDM. Midway through the show, she welcomed the new Grammy-award winning electroacoustic duo ARKAI to the stage for a stirring performance of their collaboration, “High Noon.” Another memorable moment came with a nostalgic mashup that seamlessly blended the ’90s dance classic “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” into Stirling’s “Roundtable Rival,” culminating with a thrilling nod to “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Lindsey’s ability to weave together songs from different genres and eras demonstrated that her musical creativity truly knows no bounds.
As a Harry Potter fan, one of my favorite moments of the night was hearing Stirling perform “Hedwig’s Theme.” Experiencing John Williams’ iconic composition live was breathtaking, and I have no doubt the legendary composer would be proud of this imaginative interpretation. The performance became even more magical when one of the dancers, dressed as a young witch, appeared to float gracefully above the stage while Lindsey commanded the audience below.
Following the fourth song of the set, Lindsey paused to address the crowd with her trademark warmth and humor. “Oh, my goodness, you guys, I love this venue. Every time I come here, I sweat myself to death. Thank you for coming to my party,” she laughed. In that moment, it truly felt less like a concert and more like an unforgettable celebration, with everyone in attendance happily along for the ride. She also took a moment to praise the opening act, PVRIS, before telling the audience, “This is my dream—you are living in it.” It was a dream we were all grateful to share, and Lindsey’s genuine appreciation for her fans made the experience even more special.
Not only does Lindsey Stirling play the violin with breathtaking skill, but she also possesses an angelic singing voice that perfectly complements her musicianship. That vocal talent shined during “Foreverglow” from her 2019 album Artemis. After the performance, Stirling shared that she wrote the song following the loss of both her father and a close friend. Despite their passing, she explained that writing the song helped her realize their presence continues to live on in her heart, making the performance all the more moving.
She then introduced what she called “a breathing song” by sharing another heartfelt story about her father. A gifted storyteller, he understood the power of a well-timed pause. Inspired by that lesson, Stirling performed the beautiful instrumental “Serenity Found,” a piece that encourages listeners to slow down, breathe, and simply be present in the moment. As the music filled the venue, I found myself closing my eyes and taking slow, deep breaths throughout its four-plus-minute runtime. It created an overwhelming sense of calm and peace, and by the time it ended, I knew I had discovered a new addition to my personal playlist for moments of reflection and relaxation.
Did I mention that Lindsey also performs incredible aerial acrobatics while playing her violin—sometimes even upside down? Watching her seamlessly combine virtuosic musicianship with breathtaking aerial artistry was nothing short of astonishing. I haven’t been this captivated by an aerial performance since attending numerous Cirque du Soleil productions and the P!nk concerts I’ve covered over the years. Anyone who can master both disciplines and execute them with such grace and precision deserves the highest admiration.
The evening concluded with “Eye of the Untold Her” from her 2024 album Duality, bringing an unforgettable night to a spectacular close. To call the Duality Untamed Tour simply a concert would be selling it short. From the powerful opening notes of “Kashmir” to the soaring finale of “Eye of the Untold Her,” Stirling, alongside her drummer, guitarist, and exceptionally talented dancers, transformed the evening into a magical, immersive experience that delighted both the eyes and the ears. Even now, as I write this review, I can vividly relive the wonder and artistry of the performance. Every detail reflected the creativity, passion, and dedication that Stirling and her team poured into this production.
If the Duality Untamed Tour is coming to a city near you, don’t hesitate—go. It’s more than a concert; it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired long after the final note has been played.
FINAL GRADE: A++
For more information on the Duality Untamed Tour, go to Lindsey Stirling Tour — Lindsey Stirling
LINDSEY STIRLING
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