Balint Sapszon is a multi-award winning composer and concert pianist born in Budapest. Composing entirely new themes performed by players from the most prestigious Hungarian symphonic orchestras, Balint helped breath new life into my 25 year old film. We had many discussions on a musical approach that would steer away from scoring it as a traditional Christmas movie. As the film s title is derived, winter solstice is seasonally the coldest, darkest time of the year. For some, it can be that way on an emotional level. Balancing that against the winter solstice also being a time of celebration and renewal with the onset of holidays would be Balint s challenge, and he delivered masterfully. Brilliantly underscoring the soulful performances of leads Michael Kelley and Mary McCloud, Balint musically guides Nick's Christmas Eve journey through the chilly streets of Chicago with the lonely heartache and eventual tranquility I always wanted a score to project. When I now think of Solstice, gone are the memories of music written for other films I had once used as temp tracks. I have found a new love in this score Balint has provided giving the picture its own unique identity exceeding anything other composers could have provided. From the quiet piano melodies to the full, majestic orchestral sweep he has imbued our little story with, I will always be forever grateful. --Jerry Vasilatos, Director

1. Nitestar Fanfare
2. The Gift
3. The Drive Home
4. Couch Talk
5. Ruminations
6. Snow for Christmas
7. The Long Walk
8. Reflections
9. Reconciliation - End Titles
10. Budapest Scoring Studio 22