My name is Bálint Varga. I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary. I’ve been living in NY for the past 10 years and have been working as a composer, writer, interdisciplinary artist, and immigration advocate. 

My artistic vision focuses on exploring human relationships and nature, observing the intricate complexity and inherent vulnerability of the individual. I revel in exploring themes in a vast array of forms and musical styles. Throughout my travels and work experiences around the world, I have encountered countless cultural influences, sounds, celebrations, and fascinating individuals that have inspired and enriched my creativity. My music reflects a diverse array of influences, from world ethnic music to romanticism, Gypsy music to great American film scores, NY underground brass ensemble to Afro-Cuban and Eastern Jazz. The foundation of my art is built upon strong melodies, complex harmonic structures, vocal sound effects, and soundscapes.

​

I started playing piano at age 4. When I turned 17 I moved to Paris where I started my first professional work at the Bastille Opera House. First, I graduated from Béla Bartók Conservatory, later I moved to America and studied composition and conducting at Berklee College of Music. After graduation, I settled in NYC (interesting fact: I also hold a BA degree in business communication and studied psychology). 

​

As a teaching artist, I worked at Broadway Dreams to train the next generation of theater performers for music. My work has been performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall, Birdland, Bastille Opera House, and 54 Below.

I received my US Green Card for extraordinary abilities based on his achievement in my field. I am the recipient of the Charles Mayer Grant, the Lily Award, I am a Jonathan Larson Grant finalist, and a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and the Lehman Engel BMI Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop. 

​

I also collaborated on Broadway workshops such as Elton John’s Tammy Faye or Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell, and on Mariah Carey’s Christmas show, Josh Groban's Impossible Dream, and Forest Whitaker’s Benefit Concert.

Commissions: Gia Forakis Company, Peculiar Project Works, Tobe Art Productions. 

​

Ongoing projects: Yasuke - The Black Samurai, d'ILLUSION - The Houdini Musical, Reflections, Where We Rush To Disappear, Gailley and the Tale of the Fate Keeper, Hypatia and the Heathens. 

​

 

A LITTLE MORE

As a true traveling gypsy, I've had the privilege of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and exploring different cultures. Though New York has been my abode for the past decade, my wanderlust has taken me to many places where I've worked on exciting projects. Growing up in Hungary and studying classical music has deeply influenced my emotional connection to music and my compositional style. Moving to Paris at a young age and being alone allowed me to reflect on my identity and aspirations, which greatly impacted my art and matured me as an adult.

Moving to the United States to study composition and orchestral conducting at Berklee was a daunting task, especially without knowing English. However, music was our common language, and collaborating with talented musicians from around the world was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Theater as a composition form captivated me at a young age, as music has the power to convey a compelling narrative. While lyrics are important, I am personally drawn to intricate and sophisticated compositions that convey a range of emotions and ideas.

Throughout my travels, I've had the opportunity to engage with local musicians and performers, learning about different cultures and their unique musical styles. I believe that a great composer must be an excellent arranger, orchestrator, and master of their instrument. By studying various ethnic music and instruments, I've discovered countless new universes and have been inspired by billions of new ideas, perpetually fueling my thirst for knowledge.

​