Esther Duerinck

ESTHER: She’s the chick with the licks

Pronunciation: “Es” (eng. As) - “tur” (like in turtle) “Due” (duu like the German ü) - “rink”

Esther Duerinck (Belgium, based in Gothenburg since 2023) was born in a family of musicians in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, and has been playing classical violin since she was eight years old. After many years of classical studies in Belgium and Sweden, she is now based in Gothenburg. She performs as a freelancer in several professional orchestras and ensembles in Sweden and abroad and teaches private lessons in violin and piano.

By being surrounded by many different music styles from early on, Esther has always had a big interest in trying different things. It was finally in bluegrass that she found the perfect mix of the joy of playing folk tunes, the happy yet heartfelt music, the freedom of improvising, and a great community. She started going to local jams in Antwerp in 2022, learned a lot from jamming with members of the Belgian band Rawhide, and after moving to Gothenburg with its vibrant bluegrass scene, started performing with local bands 49 Fingers (2023-2025) and Rookie Riot (2024-present).

Navigating between the classical orchestra life and the bluegrass scene has been keeping her life versatile and exciting and her mind mentally sane. Esther is a dedicated, passionate musician who always brings a big smile to every rehearsal and to the stage. She learns new fiddle licks daily and doesn’t back away from a challenge.

Who are your heroes when it comes to bluegrass music?

“It’s from fiddlers Stuart Duncan, Alex Hargreaves, and Maddie Denton that I probably learned the most about the bluegrass playing style. Brittany Haas and Darol Anger made me think out of the box with their exceptional groove and cross-over solos.”

What do you love most about playing your instrument?

“Jamming fiddle tunes and giving people goosebumps with the sounds of the fiddle in slow songs.”

Why are you excited to be in this band?

“When the five of us met for the first time, we just all instantly liked each other. Being five female players makes for an easy-going and kind work process where everyone is very respectful and sweet to each other. Plus, these girls are all great players with experience in different fields (and countries) of bluegrass that I can’t wait to learn from.”