VÁRDAI – non SOLO CELLO / Film Screening Followed By a Discussion

Still only in his 30s, István Várdai is already one of the most sought-after cellists in the world, a versatile artist serving as artistic director of the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra and as a professor of cello at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna while also holding master classes all over the world.  This portrait film, shot over the course of four years, explores the meaning of talent. Is it a blessing? Or is it, especially when combined with a sense of mission, a burden that makes life difficult? Eszter Száraz’s portrait film will be presented together with András Batta who will interview both the subject and the creator of the work. The film shows Várdai collaborating with leading contemporaries from around the classical music scene – Péter Eötvös, Vikingur Olafsson, Kristóf Baráti and Lawrence Foster – who teach at their posts in Vienna and at a master class in Italy, in Boccherini’s native Lucca, while also providing a closer look at the man himself. An inspiring and honest portrait documentary about an artist who can justifiably serve as a role model for younger generations as well.

This programme is held in Hungarian.

TRIONfilm Productions 2024 / Produced with the support of the National Film Institute of Hungary.