<P> The co-production also allowed for shooting in Canada, China and around Europe, including the cities of Vienna, Shanghai and Montreal . Girard, McKellar and producer Niv Fichman went location scouting at the beginning of production, visiting Prague and Hong Kong and meeting writers who helped correct foreign - language dialogue . Ultimately, they decided they needed to film in Vienna and Shanghai to properly depict those cities . In Cremona, Italy, Girard visited violin - making schools and met some people who made the instruments, recruiting some as extras . </P> <P> The most challenging part was securing permission from the government of China to simulate the Cultural Revolution in Shanghai, with Fichman travelling to China seven times before the government allowed shooting, which took place only five days later . Shooting in Shanghai took place on Hong Zhen Old Street in the Hongkou District . Hundreds of Chinese police, with guns, closed the streets where shooting took place, due to the 450 extras loudly calling for revolution . Fichman claimed "there was the possibility that we were going to cause a riot". The action in the Montreal segments was the most complex, which Girard said put the greatest strain on himself and the cast . Filming completed after six months, with shooting on 60 of those days . </P> <P> Girard was not a true musician, mainly working with it as a film director . The film score was written by composer John Corigliano, with every violin solo in the film performed by violinist Joshua Bell . The conductor was Esa - Pekka Salonen . The score is mainly of the Chaconne genre, while the ostensibly Romani music was also actually written by Corigliano . Bell said he was eager to join the film crew, citing his enthusiasm for Corigliano's work and his use of form . Corigliano, looking for a romantic musical performance, also referred to Bell as the ideal choice for a musician, calling him "an aristocrat as a violinist". Girard stated Bell and Corigliano were involved from the outset, and reviewed every version of the screenplay as it was in development . </P> <P> Much of the score had to be written before principal photography, which is rare in film . Since the violin movements seen in the film had to match Corigliano's music, real - life child prodigy Christoph Koncz was cast . However, Girard tied up two musicians to actor Jason Flemyng to help him give his performance as a violinist, the "Octopus" method . After shooting completed, Corigliano finished "Anna's theme". </P>

Who played the violin in the red violin