We launched our series, entitled “Quarantine Minutes,” so as not to lose touch with one another even during these difficult times. We will speak with our musicians to hear how they are dealing with their new circumstances in light of the coronavirus epidemic. How have their lives changed? Are they able to find anything positive in their situation? What music do they recommend for you? How have they transformed their ways of making music? We hope you enjoy our conversation with violinist Balázs Bujtor.
What music would you recommend for our audiences while they are isolated at home? What do you listen to and what do you like to play to improve your mood?
Bach and Mozart, for sure! Apart from the music of these two gentlemen, I listen to jazz.
What do you do in the time you otherwise would have spent with the orchestra? With whom do you make music at home, and how?
I’m fortunate: I married well for so many reasons – my wife, Erika Kovács, is also a violinist, so we play duets together every single day.
Have you learned anything new during the quarantine? Have you perhaps picked up any new habits?
Definitely! I learn a lot of duets while in quarantine. Joking aside: nothing new so far, because I’ve always known just how important a hug or a kind word may be.
What do you miss the most right now?
The hugs I just mentioned; social life and making music together.
What do you like about the quarantine?
Two things: first, that this way, we will hopefully survive. Second, that after a long time, I have once again begun composing. Just a violin duet so far, but still: I am creating something.
Is there anything in your life for which you never had time before, but always wanted to do - and now you’ve been able to try it?
To play a full race weekend in my Formula-1 video game: including three free practices, a warm-up and a full-distance race. I now had time for that. To pay tribute to Italy, hit so hard by the epidemic, I raced in the Italian Grand Prix, driving a Ferrari. I won. And the Italians will win, too.
Tune in to our Quarantine soirées each night! Visit our website andFacebook page every evening from 7:45 p.m. If you would like to support our series, we would appreciate it very much.
