TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich will perform in Taiwan this weekend, marking his third visit to the island and his only Asian appearance this season. Hadelich will take the stage with the renowned Berliner Barock Solisten on Saturday and Sunday (July 12-13), showcasing his arrangement of "Carmen Fantasy" alongside works by Mozart.
"Carmen Fantasy exists in multiple versions, and the one I perform is by Pablo de Sarasate," Hadelich said. "It's captivating and full of character, faithfully capturing the essence of the original opera." The violinist describes himself as a musician who prioritizes authenticity in his interpretations. "I stay faithful to the original, always striving to preserve the spirit of the work as much as possible when performing adaptations," he explained.
According to Hadelich, his collaboration with the Berliner Barock Solisten has been particularly rewarding. "I admire each musician's unique style and depth. The collaboration has been a wonderful experience," he said. He already performed at the National Concert Hall (台北國家音樂廳) on Thursday and will perform again there on Saturday, with a final show at the Tainan Cultural Center (台南文化中心) on Sunday. Through this fresh ensemble arrangement, Hadelich aims to reveal new possibilities in the music.
Hadelich's journey to musical prominence includes remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Born in Italy, he began playing the violin at age five and gave his first concert at seven. His promising career was nearly derailed in 1999 when a farm fire severely injured his face and hands. Despite this setback, Hadelich persevered through recovery and went on to study at The Juilliard School in the United States. At 22, he won the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, a victory that launched him onto the international stage.