Jozsef Tallosi’s music rings out through the halls of Sunshine and Footscray hospitals, giving a lift to patients and staff alike. He spoke to Tate Papworth about his love of violin and classical music.
What’s your connection to the area?
I’ve been playing the violin at Footscray and Sunshine hospitals for about eight months now. Tuesday at Footscray and Wednesday at Sunshine.
What spurred you into volunteering your time?
I love playing the violin. A musicians unwritten task is to let people hear something they don’t know. A lot of people come up to me and ask what music I’m playing. I like to think they go home and look up the composer. I love spreading good music.
I bet the patients and staff appreciate your music?
I get lots of comments. I’m not a comment hunter at all. It’s really lovely when people do come up to you and tell you they love it. Some people even stop for 5-6 minutes and listen. They’re the real listeners. If after that they say they love it, then that means a lot.
When did you start playing?
All my life. The violin was bought for my brother who is two years older than me. That didn’t work out that well and my father asked if I wanted it. I said yes and it went from there.
Where did you learn?
I was taught in a normal school in Budapest. I moved out to Australia in 1986, but I’ve made sure I keep playing. I came to Melbourne – I’ve done other jobs, but the violin has always been with me. When I first got here, some weeks I worked 70-75 hours, but I’ve always managed because of the violin.
