Australian actress Cate Blanchett plays a fictional female conductor and composer in Todd Field’s film Tár, which follows the story of Lydia Tár, exploring the international classical music scene.
The character is based on Eva Brunelli, who conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in a full concert for the first time as a female conductor in 1923, according to Fidelio.hu.
Cate Blanchett, who plays the lead role, had very extensive training as a conductor and pianist in preparation for the part.
Although Blanchett learned to play the piano as a child, she had to develop her instrumental skills to a higher level. She took lessons from Emese Virág, a teacher at the Budapest Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. The actress first met the pianist during a previous stay in Budapest.
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