The Violin Alone

The unlikely pairing of two modern visionaries, Vilmos Oláh, a Hungarian violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, contemporary classical composer from the heart of Montana, has resulted in a new piece of music unlike anything written before. Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone is an extreme concerto that pushes the boundaries of music and our notion of the possible. Oláh must play the solo and orchestra parts simultaneously. It presents a seemingly impossible task; he must emulate flutes, oboes, clarinet, and timpani, and must move his bow towards the bridge in an exact position to capture crisp brass punch of a trumpet fanfare.

It’s a reflection of the violinist, the composer, and the unquenchable human spirit of eastern Europe. When facing endless occupations, wars, and suffering, the Hungarian people have continually risen to prevail while revealing a richness of deep feeling, a wealth of soul, and indelible spirit. It is this powerful force that Funk captures in a work that requires courage, perseverance, and phenomenal technical skill, creating a vehicle where one man alone can stand as a collective.

Music is becoming simply a commodity - a global sound. Perhaps “Concerto for the Violin Alone” will become a blueprint for the future, and alter the way composers and musicians think and create. Two modern pioneers, from different worlds sharing the same voice, embark on a thrilling journey to reimagine what music can be.

Ticket price: 1800 HUF

Director: Scott Sterling

Cast: Vilmos Oláh, Eric Funk. Jay O. Sanders