The Guide: Vice-presidential seal of approval for Irish violinist

When the vice-president of the United States pays you the ultimate compliment - ''If I had your talent, I'd be President'' - you must be good. And that's exactly what Joe Biden told violinist Gregory Harrington this year, a sentiment echoed by Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump, who said his playing was ''the sweetest music this side of heaven''.

Raised in Dublin, the acclaimed violinist has made New York his home, and ...