Fans who missed Justin Bieber: Never Say Never in theatres can look forward to owning the story on DVD and Blu-ray when it drops this Friday. Those who did catch the film might recall a brisk, endearing moment on a Stratford street where Bieber once busked, pausing to chat with an 11-year-old violinist named Jennifer Saunders. A recent sit-down with Jennifer reveals how that moment has influenced her life since the cameras kept rolling, turning a casual street scene into a source of ongoing motivation and musical curiosity for the young performer.
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Was Jennifer Saunders a fan of Justin Bieber before meeting him? Yes, she was, and she has always enjoyed his music and admired the energy he brings to the stage. The interview paints a portrait of a young musician who followed his rise with genuine warmth and a hunger to learn from in-person moments with artists she admired.
Did Saunders know about the moment in advance? Not at all. When the cameras rolled down the street, she briefly thought it might be news coverage or some other big happening, and she had no clue this small encounter would become a memorable moment in the documentary.
Did she get to see herself on camera? How did it feel to watch that moment again? She watched the film and wishes she had spoken a bit more. She was quiet and visibly surprised, processing the spontaneity of the scene as the memory settled in.
You seemed to stay composed; were you nervous inside? She recalls feeling mostly shocked rather than anxious, a mix of awe and focus that kept her cool in front of the camera and a global audience.
How long has she been busking? She began playing the violin when she was four, which means roughly seven and a half years of busking experience, shaped by countless performances on bustling street corners and the unfolding rhythm of everyday life in Stratford.
What motivated her to busk? She learned the violin around age three and heard about busking in town. Curious, she gave it a try, found joy in the immediate connection with listeners, and has continued since then, driven by a simple love of sharing music with strangers who become listeners, if only for a moment.
Where does she hope playing the violin will take her? She dreams of joining a symphony, following in the footsteps of her teacher, Andrea Barstad, and she wants to perform in front of audiences who respond to the emotion and precision of live music.
Does she play any other instruments? Yes, she also plays the piano and clarinet, expanding her versatility beyond the violin and enriching her overall musical voice.
What’s her favorite song to play? On piano she enjoys Cruella de Ville, on violin she favors the piece titled the rot, and on clarinet she loves Minuet, a trio of tunes that showcase her range and curiosity.
Has meeting Justin Bieber changed her approach to music? A little bit, yes. She has always liked his music, but the experience fuels a deeper drive to busk and to keep exploring who she might meet next, inspiring more bold performances and experimentation with repertoire.
If you had a chance to meet anyone else, who would you pick? She counts Taylor Lautner among her dream meeting targets, a reflection of her fandom and her sense of stepping into the world of popular culture with curiosity and awe.
Is there anything else you want to share about the experience? Bieber encouraged following dreams, and Saunders intends to do just that, carrying the memory of the moment as a reminder to stay dedicated and open to wherever music leads.
Thank you, Jennifer Saunders!
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