I have MANY favorite soloists - especially ones specific to individual genres. 

So, my top favorites are not only virtuosic Classical musicians, but violinists who have mastered/love other genres.  More men come to mind, but I also like Hillary Hahn.

Rachel Barton Pine   Her Awards & Honors

Rachel is known for her Classical to Baroque music - also Celtic, Jazz & Rock/Heavy Metal.  She is right at home with extended string instruments like the 6-string EV and Viola d'Amore. 

Roman Kim  - his fabulous Classical music impresses me, but I'm still blown away by his arrangement/cover: Deep Purple's Highway Star with Solo Violin Transcription! 

I can't take my eye off of Roberts Balanas!  He loves to have fun & applies his Classical virtuosic style to his amazing Solo arrangements of Pop & Rock classics!  First realized how great he is when I saw his arrangement of the Sea Shanty, The Wellerman with Solo Violin Transcription!  ...but he's done amazing Solos before and since that one. 

Oops, almost forgot Aleksey Igudesman!  He does it ALL!  We've posted some of his videos (along with Two Set) in the Laugh a Day Thread, but here's an extensive look/link to his many fabulous PROJECTS!

There are videos & discussions pertaining to these artists scattered throughout the forum, but I discover amazing new talent each week. 

Have you had a chance to look through the threads under the Great Performances Topic? 

Why do you feel that talking about great violinists is an 'off music' topic?