Which is truly the master – the man or the instrument? Does the instrument itself demand a standing ovation or does the master channel the souls of those whom have played the prized instrument before him? Does the instrument have a soul itself? Truly it is a mystical treat when listening to Edvin Marton play his prized Stradivarius. The instrument seems to be part of him, almost as if he were born with his violin as an appendage or as if the pair sought each other out as star-crossed lovers, destined to be together forever. To hear Edvin Marton play is a treat to the senses. He has a huge following in Asia, Europe, Eastern Europe and the United States. Edvin has had the honor to play for some of the most notable people this world has ever known, as well as, having the opportunity to grace almost every country on the face of the planet with his masterful music and prowess. The music he plays is as fine as woven silk that floats as mist does on a cool summer’s water. Edvin Marton didn’t just happen to fall into greatness; 
he honed his skills over many years, much like the musical greats we’ve come to revere: he was a child prodigy. Marton was playing masterful compo sitions at the age of five. Even as a child he had a gift so profound that all those that heard it were filled with high emotion. That same gift brought him from a modest home in Hungary to the Central Tchaikovsky Music School in Moscow to study under a musical great named Leo Lundstrem. As time progressed he gained even more mastery, combining what he learned from his parents, both of whom where talented violinist. By the age of 12 he had far surpassed many of his contemporaries and went on to study with Eugenia Tchougaeva whose teaching prepared him for his first major concert with the Moscow Orchestra at the age of 12. Marton later moved to Budapest and was enrolled into Liszt Ferenc Academy of music where he took part in a master violinist class under Ruggiero Ricci. Under the tutelage of Ruggiero, he won prizes such as, best participant and the Grand Prize of the International Course Competition in Berlin. From hence he was catapulted into the National Philharmonic Concert Agency in Hungary as a young soloist, making him a sought after name in the world of music.
Fame grew increasingly for the young star and as did his skill. Soon, his presence was required by all who were graced by his unfathomable talents. The great violinist found himself at The Julliard School of music in New York City and after much success, he would attend school in Vienna where he would graduate from a renowned music academy. Marton would then grace the stages of concert halls in over 30 countries, from Asia to the Middle East, Europe to the United States, and everywhere in between. He played at the Olympic Games in 2006 and played for gold Medal athletes, such as the esteemed Evgeni Plushenko, Tatiana Totmiania and Maxim Marinin. Edvin was nominated for and won an Emmy Award for Best Composition. He has worked with other famous musicians including Seal and Gloria Gaynor. Edvin’s music is loved worldwide and his music has been known to bring various cultures and generations together as one – feed the soul and cause the heart to soar. His music is so touching and heartfelt that upon hearing it, The Princess of Brunei was moved to request a concert appearance by Marton, held in Dubai.
Now, the Brilliant Lecture Series has the opportunity to bring to you one of the greatest musicians of our time, to play, to let his violin give the lecture and to put on a concert never seen in Houston. We are honored to announce Edvin Marton, for one show, for one night. See the legendary Stradivarius and hear the mystical music of Edvin Marton.
As you may have seen, America’s own Golden Girl will be in the Chair next! Comedy legend Betty White is one of the funniest and busiest actresses in Hollywood and at 90 years old shows no signs of slowing down. The seven-time Emmy Award winner has created unforgettable roles in television and film, has authored books and won numerous awards, including those for her lifelong advocacy for animals. Join us for a rare and candid conversation with one of the most beloved women in America on Saturday, September 22nd, 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm at the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater.