Australian Pianist and Actor Lindsay Farris Cast in the New Alan Ball, Elton John HBO Series 'Virtuoso'

Australian pianist and actor, Lindsay Farris, has landed a role in Alan Ball’s new HBO series, Virtuoso, produced by Elton John.

The new show is a period drama set in the 18th Century and tells the story of a group of talented classical musicians from across Europe who are enrolled at a prestigious musical academy. Ball, known for his work with the popular HBO series True Blood, is set to write, produce and direct the hour-long drama.

Farris studied piano at the Central Coast Conservatorium in Australia before moving on to acting, studying at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts Young Actors Studio. He has been slated to play the role of Heinrich, an Austrian piano prodigy.

Farris has an impressive list of top Australian theatre credits to his name, including roles for Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir Theatre and Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre Company. He notably appeared as Dakin in the critically acclaimed production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys at the Sydney Opera House in 2013, and has starred in two films by Australian horror director Joseph Sims.

So far, only the pilot for the new series has been commissioned but the project has backing by John and his husband, David Furnish’s, production company, Rocket Pictures. The two also will also serve as executive producers on the show. Ball has also recruited Peter Macdissi, who is known for his work in the popular HBO series Six Feet Under. Macdissi will also star in Virtuoso as the infamous composer Antonio Salieri.

The pilot for Virtuoso is set to start filming in the spring in Budapest. A release date for the series is yet to be announced.