ABOUT BALINT | Balint Varga

ABOUT ME

Name: Balint Varga (BAH-lint)

Composer / Writer / Producer/ Arranger / Orchestrator

Home: Brooklyn, NY

Nationality: American / Hungarian

Education:

Berklee College of Music (composition/conducting)
Béla Bartók Conservatory (jazz theory)
Metropolitan College of Budapest (business communication)

Languages: English, French, Hungarian

Award: US Green Card for extraordinary abilities based on his achievements in his field.

Affiliation:

Lehman Engel BMI Musical Theatre Workshop
Dramatists Guild of America

Notable venues: Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall, Birdland, Joe's Pub, Bastille Opera House, The Strathmore.

Theater as a compositional form captivated me at a very young age, as music possesses the power to convey compelling narratives.

My artistic vision focuses on exploring human relationships and the complexities of human nature, revealing the inherent vulnerability of the individual. I revel in exploring themes across a vast array of forms and musical styles.

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. I have encountered countless cultural influences, sounds, celebrations, and fascinating individuals — all of which have inspired and enriched my creativity. My music reflects a diverse spectrum of influences, from world ethnic traditions to Romanticism, Gypsy jazz to iconic American film scores, NY underground brass ensembles to Afro-Cuban and traditional Japanese music.

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, profoundly shaping my art and maturing 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.

MY YEARS IN PARIS

No doubt, my art has been profoundly shaped by the years I spent in Paris, where I met my mentor and friend, Scott Alan Prouty. A brilliant musician and inspiring educator, Scott taught me everything I know about music today. I was just a teenager who had moved to Paris alone, and he immediately believed in me. I will never forget how he would set before me hundreds of piano vocal scores from various musical theater shows and have me sight-read them one after another, without allowing me to stop or overthink. My fingers felt disconnected from my body. Then we would analyze the scores, improvise on them in various styles, and conduct them along with the original cast recordings. And then, we would repeat the process, again and again. It was exhilarating and transformative. We were living on music instead of food and fresh air.

Those two years were the most exciting, intensive, and productive education of my life. Our friendship, forged through endless hours of musical exploration, became a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Scott's infectious passion for music showed me the path to becoming a true composer and artist. He and ma mère d’accueil, the loving Eliane Grisoni, to whom I’m enormously grateful as well, helped me build stamina, persistence, dedication, and humility toward the life I chose, all while providing a safe and nurturing environment. I would not be the musician I am today without them.

DEDICATION

I could not have achieved my dreams and goals without my amazing parents who've always believed in me even in the most challenging times, the coolest sister I could ever wish for, my beautiful wife, who is the most fun person I've ever met, and my children, whom I love for eternity.