PREVIEW: World-renowned Whistler Molly Lewis to Perform with Skidmore Orchestra
10/16 @ Arthur Zankel Music Center, Saratoga Springs
“I always think it’s a good sign when you want to listen to the music that you’re making…”
While whistling may be a very common thing — it’s practically baked into our subconscious with the tune “Whistle While You Work” — not many folks can claim they’ve made a career out of it. But for Molly Lewis, that is exactly what she’s done.
She discovered her love for whistling at a young age. A big moment of inspiration was when her parents gave her a CD by Steve “The Whistler” Herbst.
“I realized that I could whistle the same way he could,” Lewis said. “So, that was quite formative!”
From there, the artist remained interested in the field and when she watched the documentary Pucker Up: The Fine Art of Whistling, her path was all but solidified. Lewis would go on to compete in whistling competitions, and while she did not win, being around other like-minded artists was validating.
Though Lewis has been releasing music for years, her cover of the Billie Eilish track “What Was I Made For?” featured in the credits of Barbie, helped break her into a mainstream audience. In the years since the movie came out, Lewis’ already productive career has only grown. Releasing her last album, On the Lips, in 2024, she is in the process of making another record. Working with producer Frank Maston, Lewis is very excited about the new material.
“I always think it’s a good sign when you want to listen to the music that you’re making,” Lewis said, laughing. “I just want to listen to these songs all the time; I really like them.”
In addition to staying creatively fresh in the studio, Lewis is constantly looking for ways to expand the possibilities of her live performance. On October 16, she will be doing so in a big way at Skidmore’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. Backed by an orchestra, the world-renowned whistler is set to showcase her skills across a wide range of material. The event is open to the public and admission is free, though RSVPing is encouraged.
This concert in Saratoga marks the first time the artist has performed with an orchestra, with the Skidmore Orchestra providing the accompaniment. Though she can read music to some extent, Lewis relies most on her keen sense of melody and her ear. The concert is set to showcase the depths of her range, from lower-pitched whistles to soaring high notes.
Lewis will be performing a selection of some of her favorite classical pieces as well as special versions of her originals arranged by composer Thomas Stankiewicz. While the process may be a bit nerve-wracking, the concert marks another milestone in the artist’s career.
“It’s been a dream of mine to do this,” Lewis said. “I’m very excited.”
Those attending the event will bear witness to someone who has carved out an impressive niche in an industry that sometimes seems to push out endless variations of the same thing. Lewis is hardly made from a cookie-cutter mold, and her enthusiasm about pushing forward is as infectious to hear as her whistle.
To learn more about the event, please click here.
