Backstory

I learnt from my father Antonin (Tony) Vyhnal who learnt from George Seidle at the Prague Conservatory in the 1930's. His methods channelled Sevcik, Kreutzer and Mazas while his performance repertoire included Kreisler, Dvorak and Drdla.

Tony gave me lessons every day for 10 years. During that time I did my violin grades and performed as a young soloist and member of youth orchestras and chamber groups.

That was my musical world until I heard Afro American electric violinist Don 'Sugarcane' Harris playing 'Nightflyer' on the John Mayall led album 'USA Union'.

This performance and that of 'Directly from my heart to you' on the Mothers of Invention album 'Weasels rip my flesh' changed my attitude to the violin forever.