Donnacha Dennehy: The Second Violinist performed by the Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam

A sensational modern opera, The Second Violinist is a brooding thriller electrified by an otherworldly, almost compulsive score. This is the result of an artistic partnership between world-renowned Irish playwright Enda Walsh – co-author of Bowie’s musical Lazarus – and composer Donnacha Dennehy.

The Second Violinist is about an ordinary person whose life is ruled by social media, morbid fantasies and violent video games. Seeking solace and beauty in a grim world, the violin player turns to the music of Italian Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, only to have it become an obsession. The Second Violinistwon the prestigious FEDORA–GENERALI award in 2017.