two set violin world tour 2023

TWOSET VIOLIN

KUALA LUMPUR GENERAL SALE OPEN NOW!

with Sophie Druml

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts - Weiwuying

Tsuen Wan Town Hall

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Philharmonic Hall - Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS

Guangzhou Opera House

Shanghai Oriental Art Center Concert Hall

Forbidden City Concert Hall

MORE CITIES BELOW

DON'T SEE YOUR LOCATION?

• Visiting Presenter

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24

The classical music world’s favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humour. Don’t miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Please note: A $7 per ticket fee is included in the ticket price.

This event is presented by TwoSet Violin.

• Venue Symphony Center

Merchandise Sales

Purchase your TwoSet Violin merchandise, including exclusive World Tour t-shirts, before, during or after the concert in Grainger Ballroom.

Be the first to know!

Receive special offers and hot-off-the-press news about Lincoln Center.

For more information about how we use the information you provide to us, visit our Privacy Policy .

Upcoming Events

• Reimagining David Geffen Hall

Wu Tsai Series

• Thanks to Our Supporters
• Workforce Development
• Plan Your Event

Venues & Spaces

Wu tsai theater.

• Griffin Sidewalk Studio
• Welcome Center & Lobby
• Grand Promenade

Accessibility

• San Juan Heal
• An Eclectic Dance to the Music of Time
• Lincoln Center Archives
• Poem for Trinity, Madisyn and Tatiana

Lobby Hours This Week

Welcome to your new David Geffen Hall, the home of the New York Philharmonic and the new cultural home for New York. The reimagining of the Hall is centered around a deep focus on welcoming visitors and audiences to Lincoln Center and expanding the possibilities of a concert hall. Thousands of square feet of public space are open daily to the public; improved accessibility features are offered throughout; concerts and community events are open to passersby from 65th Street and Columbus Avenue; and select performances from inside the concert hall are streamed live, free of charge. Be one of the first to experience David Geffen Hall this season. Whether you're returning to the Hall or visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you!

Upcoming events

April 25 at 7:30 pm.

Hilary Hahn and Sounds of Spain

New york philharmonic, david geffen hall, april 28 at 2:00 pm.

Outside Licensee

Spring gala concert, greater westchester youth orchestras association, wu tsai theater, david geffen hall, april 29 at 7:30 pm.

Juilliard Orchestra Conducted by John Adams

The juilliard school, may 01 at 7:30 pm.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Salonen, and Symphonie fantastique

Nina Chanel Abney: San Juan Heal

Jacolby Satterwhite: An Eclectic Dance to the Music of Time

Explore the new david geffen hall.

Reimagining the concert-going experience

Welcoming visitors to Lincoln Center at-large

Building a stronger community together

Host your next event at David Geffen Hall

More about the hall.

Take a Tour of Lincoln Center

Welcome Center

Plan your visit

Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby

Kenneth C. Griffin Sidewalk Studio

Host your event at david geffen hall.

Leon and Norma Hess Grand Promenade

Upcoming events at david geffen hall.

Jump to date

Popular Music

Classical Music

Support Portal

Corporate Fund

Hall of Fame

results for " "

Filtered by:, plan your visit.

David Geffen Hall 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

To reserve parking, call 212-721-6500 or visit the Parking Reservations website .

Contact the Box Office In-person: Box Office is open Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–6:00 pm and Sunday noon–6:00 pm, and remains open 30 minutes after the start of any performance Phone: Call CenterCharge at 212-721-6500 on Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–8:00 pm and Sunday noon–6:00 pm For general inquiries , call Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected]

The Welcome Center and Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby are open to the public on Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–6:00 pm and Sunday noon–6:00 pm; they will remain open through the end of a performance on show days.  

Dine & Sip at David Geffen Hall

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Visit tatiananyc.com  to learn more or make a reservation at RESY Hours: Monday–Saturday 5:00–10:00 pm; Late Night menu Thursday–Saturday 10:00–11:00 pm Contact: [email protected] or 212-875-5222

The Coffee Bar Location: Welcome Center Hours: Monday–Saturday 8:00 am–noon

The Lobby Bar Location: Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby Hours: Monday–Saturday noon–8:00 pm, Sunday noon–6:00 pm; Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 3:00–7:00 pm Made-to-order food is available Monday–Friday noon–3:00 pm; sandwiches and snacks are available daily.

First Republic Bar Location: Leon and Norma Hess Grand Promenade Hours: The bar is open to ticketholders 45 minutes before curtain and during intermission

Lincoln Center’s approach to accessibility mirrors our commitment to create performing arts spaces that are more inclusive of our audiences’ identities and access needs. We have centered accessibility in all aspects of the hall's design, not as an afterthought or add-on. We recognize that access needs must be integrated in the creative process, that the work on our stages reflects our differences and interconnectedness, and that we are creating a space where everyone feels welcome. A range of accommodations is provided for all performances, no request necessary. Click here to learn more.

If you have any questions or requests, contact us via email at  [email protected] or by phone at 212-875-5375 .

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24

The classical music world's favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humour. Don't miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected] .

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to saving BSO and third-party cookies on your device. See our privacy policy .

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24

Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall , Boston, MA

The classical music world's favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humour. Don't miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Getting Here

Plan your visit.

• Dining & Lodging

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

This site, like many others, uses small files called cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website ( Cookie Policy ). However, if you would like to, you can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation

• Back to parent navigation item
• For Subscribers
• Student Hub
• Featured stories
• Teacher Profiles
• Playing Hub
• Featured Stories
• Masterclass
• About the Playing Hub
• The Strad Shop Playing Books
• The Strad Shop Books and Posters
• Latest Magazine
• Magazine Archive
• Competitions
• Accessories
• Stringtelligence
• Editor's pick

• Magazine archive
• Whether you're a player, maker, teacher or enthusiast, you'll find ideas and inspiration from leading artists, teachers and luthiers in our archive which features every issue published since January 2010 - available exclusively to subscribers. View the archive .

The Strad Directory

• More from navigation items

‘Not to be missed’ - TwoSet Violin’s World Tour

2023-07-04T11:26:00+01:00

• No comments

Cecilia Tan reports from Montreal, where Australian duo TwoSet Violin kicked off the Canadian leg of their 2023-2024 World Tour

Photo: Cecilia Tan

Brett Yang, Sophie Druml, and Eddy Chen take their bows at the end of the TwoSet Violin World Tour concert in Montreal, 27 June 2023

Discover more  Featured Stories  like this in  The Strad Playing Hub

TwoSet Violin have hit the road after a long, pandemic-induced delay. The first leg of their 2023-2024 World Tour made initial stops in Helsinki, Berlin, and London, and then traversed Canada this past week. The Australian violin duo’s previous recital tour (2017-2018) made history as classical music’s first crowdfunded tour, and they had initially planned to tour again in 2020. 

Of course, the 2020 lockdowns shut down those plans, but TwoSet’s YouTube presence was well positioned to take advantage of audiences stuck at home, and this Tour will be their first since their YouTube subscriber numbers went soaring. The result is a much different experience for Eddy Chen and Brett Yang, who saw concert tickets in Toronto and Vancouver snapped up so quickly they added second shows in both cities, and who were met outside the stage door in Berlin by a veritable mob of fans, rock-star style. After years of seeing TwoSet through the small screen, people the world over are eager to see them perform in person. 

For fans who missed that first tour back in 2017-2018, and are pining over having missed highlights like hula hooping while playing, two players on one violin, or the enchanting fan-favorite encore of Sarasate’s ’Navarra’: fear not. Brett and Eddy have you covered.

But how does the TwoSet Violin brand of classical music – built on relatable and humorous videos about intonation struggles and performance anxiety, ’roasting’ media representations of classical musicians, and games like charades and ’guess the soloist’ – translate to the stage? Brilliantly. Brett and Eddy have woven together many of their video oeuvre’s themes into an engaging live presentation. Their love of classical music embues every moment, and stokes that love in the audience in a very different way from a typical concert. 

A strong recital programme usually includes musical pieces that showcase the strength of the players, perhaps with a common thread that relates the pieces. TwoSet’s show does by having an actual plot. No spoilers, but I can say the theme is family-friendly: in fact, this show would be the ideal antidote for any young musician for whom practise has become drudgery instead of fun.

Eddy Chen and Brett Yang answering questions from fans prior to their World Tour concert in Montreal, 27 June 2023

The Montreal show took place at Sallé Desilets, a modern, 700-seat recital hall on the campus of Cegep Marie-Victorin, a music, arts, and science university. That afternoon, those with VIP tickets were treated to autographs and photos with Brett and Eddy, and a 30-minute Q&A session, during which the audience peppered them with questions like ’If Eddy was a bubble tea, what flavour would he be?’ (Brett said whatever flavour he was, Eddy would surely be full to the top with pearls.) ’If a composer’s music were a person, whose music would make a good friend?’ (Eddy said Bach’s music seemed like the friend who would always help you with your homework.) 

Read:  ‘A dream come true’: TwoSet Violin’s ‘4 Mil Subs’ Concert

Listen:  The Strad Podcast #81: TwoSet Violin’s Brett Yang on the ‘Empress Caterina’ Stradivari

That evening, the recital itself began in cracking classical fashion. Sophie Druml (First Grand Prize winner, Concours FLAME; 2016 finalist, New York International Piano Competition) who appears frequently in TwoSet videos as ’Sophie Oui-Oui,’ has joined this tour as pianist. She opened the concert with an entrancing rendition of Franz Liszt’s devilish ’Mephisto Waltz’ (No.1, S.514), her playing by turns effervescent and vigorous. The dramatic, ten-minute tour de force set the technical bar high for the evening. 

Things instantly took a less formal turn when Brett and Eddy came onstage, both because of their chatty, personable nature as well as Eddy’s slightly dressed down look – thanks to his luggage being lost between London and Montreal. The informality served dual purpose, though: relaxing and charming the audience and serving as a setup for the plot. After a bit of audience participation, Eddy told the audience he believes ’Violin Charades’ has been such a popular game on their YouTube channel because it ’showcases music’s ability to communicate ideas and evoke the imagination.’ At that, TwoSet excels. 

Brett Yang and Eddy Chen of TwoSet Violin playing one violin

As they did with their 2022 short film and concept album, Fantasia ,  (composed/scored by Jordon He), TwoSet incorporated aspects of their real life experiences into the story. By framing the playing of various well-known pieces – including ‘Méditation’ from Thaïs by Jules Massanet and Csárdás by Vittorio Monti – with the story, TwoSet transformed the performance from a mere ‘recital’ into a message for the audience, conveying the cultural values of classical music, and heightening appreciation for the music itself in a way that a merely ‘flawless’ performance does not. Anyone who has played an instrument can relate to TwoSet’s struggles for perfection and revel in their triumphs, made manifest in the show by both the frame story and the performance itself. While watching TwoSet take the risks they take on stage – in both the daredevil sense involving blindfolds/hula hoops and props, and the musical risks – one begins to realise how much we take classical music for granted. 

One ongoing issue they encounter is unscrupulous ’copyright trolls’ erroneously claiming to own the copyright on music in YouTube videos and thereby taking all the income generated. This happens even with public domain music, such as Bach or Beethoven, even when TwoSet themselves play it. (One company even copystriked Brett playing the Mendelssohn concerto with the Singapore Symphony, grabbing ad revenue for days before TwoSet’s ownership was reasserted!) TwoSet sometimes thwarts these trolls by re-orchestrating well-known pieces into still-recognisable yet utterly new forms, for example ’ Vivaldi Winter, But There’s Global Warming ’:

This method provides an excellent crowd-pleasing segment in the show, combining clever humour with TwoSet’s other best strength: playing together. The applause for Eddy’s off-the-cuff lost luggage jokes was raucous and enthusiastic but utterly outdone by the response to the duets on the programme. TwoSet’s rendition of Halvorsen/Handel’s Passacaglia for Violin and Viola’ – rearranged for two violins – is not to be missed.

By forging their own path, Eddy Chen and Brett Yang have done for classical music what the mainstream classical establishment long yearned for but could not do for itself: they’ve made classical music hip, cool, and exciting for younger generations. Since tickets to TwoSet World Tour shows sell quickly, sign up on their website to receive email announcements of the sale dates for the next leg of the tour. Over 50 cities are listed, and if yours is not there, you can suggest a location.

(Then, go practise!)

Read:  ‘It’s been four years since we’ve been on the road’: Brett Yang on the TwoSet World Tour

Read:  ‘What don’t you want?’: violinist Brett Yang on avoiding burnout and stress

Read more  Featured Stories  like this in  The Strad Playing Hub

Available on The Strad Shop

The number one source for playing and teaching books , guides, CDs , calendars and back issues of the magazine .

In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.

The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.

This year’s calendar celebrates the top instruments played by members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony, Australian String Quartet and some of the country’s greatest soloists.

Find more on The Strad Shop

• cecilia tan
• TwoSetViolin

Advertisement

Related articles

New documentary charts the success of TwoSet Violin

2023-11-15T11:22:00Z

ABC presents the documentary ’How TwoSet Violin is shaking up classical music’ 

‘A partnership between the violinist and the orchestra’ - Nathan Meltzer on the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

2023-09-13T10:00:00Z

Ahead of a performance with the Orpheus Sinfonia on Thursday 14 September, the violinist shares his memories and thoughts on the monumental concerto

’Planting musical seeds of possibility’ - cellist Isabel Castellvi on Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop

2023-08-30T09:07:00Z

The cellist and composer shares how participating in the annual workshop made for a musically enriching experience

No comments yet

Only registered users can comment on this article., more from playing hub.

Unveiling Marco Anzoletti’s Concerto for Violin and Viola: one soloist, two instruments

2024-04-25T13:33:00Z

A concerto from 1915 that requires its soloist to switch between violin and viola is receiving its world premiere on 26 April 2024. Orchestrator Kenneth Martinson shares details about this long-lost work

‘New works come to life in such different ways’ - Violinist Fenella Humphreys on working with living composers

2024-04-25T11:08:00Z

Ahead of the release of her album Prism on the Rubicon Label, violinist Fenella Humphreys shares how varied the musical experience can be when working with different composers, and how rewarding the end result can be

Photo gallery: Patricia Kopatchinskaja’s ‘Everyday Non-sense’ at the Southbank Centre

2024-04-25T10:59:00Z

The violinist and the Aurora Orchestra presented a performance of virtuosity, spontaneity and spectacle at the Purcell Room on 24 April

• Get The Print Edition
• String Courses
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Instagram
• Email sign up"
• Contributors
• © 2024 The Strad
• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Published by Newsquest Media Group Limited, registered in England & Wales with number 01676637 at 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW - a Gannett company

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

• Presidential Search
• Editor's Pick

Pro-Palestine Encampment Represents First Major Test for Harvard President Alan Garber

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Condemns Antisemitism at U.S. Colleges Amid Encampment at Harvard

‘A Joke’: Nikole Hannah-Jones Says Harvard Should Spend More on Legacy of Slavery Initiative

Massachusetts ACLU Demands Harvard Reinstate PSC in Letter

LIVE UPDATES: Pro-Palestine Protesters Begin Encampment in Harvard Yard

TwoSet Violin Review: A Comedic, Innovative Intervention for Classical Music

On the evening of Sept. 26, crowds of people gathered in Symphony Hall in anticipation of the sold-out Boston leg of the TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24. TwoSet Violin — a hilarious Australian comedy duo comprised of two violinists — boasts an impressive following of over four million subscribers on YouTube . For many in attendance, this evening marked the culmination of years spent enjoying the online content of Eddy Chen and Brett Yang — the group’s members — as audience members had another opportunity to witness the duo perform live on their second global tour.

The show commenced with a special guest, Sophie Druml, gracing the stage with a piano performance of Liszt’s “Mephisto Waltz.” While her rendition was exquisitely executed, the piece itself extended beyond ten minutes, toying with the audience’s attention span.

Nevertheless, this initial seriousness quickly gave way to the lighthearted charm of Chen and Yang. They kicked off their performance with a few playful jabs about the art of practicing their instrument before diving into a game of violin charades. In this interactive game, they skillfully imitated a variety of sounds using their violins, drawing uproarious laughter from the audience as they mimicked everything from birds chirping to Yang shedding tears of jealousy when watching a performance by a young violin prodigy.

TwoSet Violin’s ingenuity even extended to creating a unique musical piece from their violin charades, with assistance from Druml on the piano. When specific sounds, such as an ambulance, were featured in their composition, the stage lights responded by flashing red and blue, immersing the audience in a truly captivating and multisensory experience.

The central part of Yang and Chen’s performance revolved around a comedic odyssey, featuring the sudden appearance of an enigmatic figure donning a mask adorned with musical notes on the projection screen. Drawing inspiration from the hit series “Squid Game,” this character claimed to represent ‘The Academy,’ a supposed authority overseeing classical musicians, and declared that Chen and Yang were disgracing classical music. They were challenged to undertake the formidable ‘Ling Ling Exam’ — a whimsically concocted, rigorous musical test tailored for this show — in order to redeem themselves.

The test featured an array of popular classical music pieces, such as Massenet’s “Meditation from Thaïs,” Monti’s “Czardas,” and Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24.” However, rather than delivering these pieces in the traditional static manner typical of classical musicians, they found creative, innovative ways to elicit laughter from the audience. In particular, Chen, Yang, and Druml tackled “Czardas” while blindfolded. Chen and Yang also showcased their signature move of playing the violin while hula hooping , a feat they had previously demonstrated on their past tour and on YouTube.

One of the concert’s most beloved moments for the audience occurred when two fortunate attendees had the chance to select a piece for both Chen and Yang to perform as part of the ‘Ling Ling Exam.’ The selection process involved spinning a wheel, which featured 12 renowned violin concertos.

Chen first performed the opening of Saint-Saëns’s “Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61” while Yang gently coerced a toddler into spinning the wheel so that it landed on Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.”

The culmination of the exam unfolded as the enigmatic figure from ‘The Academy,’ reappeared, announcing his final stipulation: Only one individual could successfully pass the ‘Ling Ling Exam.’ Yang and Chen engaged in a spirited showdown for the coveted title, performing Wieniawski’s “Etude-Caprice Op. 18, No. 4.” In the end, Yang emerged victorious, securing his passage in this examination and a prize of a prestigious solo performance.

However, during the solo winner’s performance, Yang extended a warm invitation to Chen to join him back on stage, emphasizing the idea that classical music is most powerful when shared. Together with Druml, they delivered a captivating rendition of several compositions, including Handel-Halvorson’s “Passacaglia.” While the majority of the exam journey had been marked by humor, this part of the performance adopted a more solemn tone, leaving the audience unsure of how to respond to the shift in mood. The initial commotion from certain audience members posed some challenges for TwoSet Violin in starting their piece and created a bit of distraction not only for the artists on stage, but also for those who sought to enjoy the music in the moment.

Overall, TwoSet Violin’s concert was a breath of fresh air for the world of classical music, bridging the gap between comedy and the traditional formality that classical music often brings to the table. Yang and Chen seamlessly translated their online humor to the live stage, incorporating a unique blend of classical music, comedy, and theater in their performance and ultimately creating a captivating experience that resonated with everyone present.

—Staff writer Allison S. Park can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X @allisonskypark .

Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Twoset Violin World Tour at Benaroya Hall

Twoset violin world tour tickets, benaroya hall - s. mark taper foundation auditorium | seattle, washington.

• | Twoset Violin World Tour

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023

The classical music world's favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humor. Don't miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

About TwoSet Violin

https://www.twosetviolin.com/

Benaroya Hall – S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium

http://www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroya/ (206) 215-4800

TwoSet Violin Announces World Tour for 2023/24

Renowned classical music internet sensation, TwoSet Violin , is set to make a triumphant return with their much-anticipated world tour. The dynamic duo, Brett and Eddy, whose uproarious performances have garnered a global fanbase, are preparing for a spectacular comeback. Prepare to be enthralled as they grace the stage for an unforgettable evening, combining their exceptional musical prowess with their trademark wit.

This unique concert promises an exceptional blend of musical virtuosity and side-splitting humor, making it an event not to be missed. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to witness TwoSet Violin’s magic live on stage, as they embark on this extraordinary comeback tour.

For those eager to experience the magic of TwoSet Violin, securing your tickets is paramount. Given their immense popularity, it’s advised to act swiftly and purchase your tickets before they are sold out. This one-night-only event is sure to leave audiences both entertained and amazed, making it a highlight of the 2023/24 classical music calendar.

The Elegance of Trumpets: Why Are Trumpets So Good?

A fond remembrance of my mother’s imaginary violin and resilient spirit, related articles, renowned violinist emily sun takes custodianship of historic ‘adelaide’ violin, can you play chords on a violin all you want to know, esther abrami headlines elgar festival with debut album showcase, cleveland orchestra violinist transitions to full-time teaching role at cim, 5 intriguing facts about the violin, everything about how to tune the violin revealed.

Musicalinstrumentworld is a musical instrument portal. The main columns include piano, guitar, ukulele, saxphone, flute, xylophone, oboe, trumpet, trombone, drum, clarinet, violin, etc.

HOT SEARCH TERMS

Useful links.

• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 musicalinstrumentworld

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24

Where: https://cli.re/47091-twoset-violin-world-tour-202324 Symphony Hall 301 Massachusetts Avenue Boston , MA 02115

Admission: $99.00

Categories: Music

Event website: https://cli.re/47091-twoset-violin-world-tour-202324

The classical music world's favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humour. Don't miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Share this event

Sponsored events.

PYO Tulips at Ward's Berry Farm!

Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 goes until 05/13

Ward's Berry Farm

Pick-your-own Tulips at Wilson Farm

Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 goes until 05/04

Wilson Farm

The Boston Outdoor Expo 2024

Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 goes until 04/28

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Sesh by The Boston Calendar  |  Advertise Terms  |  Privacy Policy  |  About

• Virtual Stage
• Arts & Culture District
• Youth Programs
• Join Our Team
• Getting Here
• Concert Experience
• Accessibility
• Virtual Tour

TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24

The classical music world’s favourite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly-anticipated comeback tour. Join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humour. Don’t miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Sign up to receive all the latest news and updates from the Chan Centre.

• 24/25 Season
• Season Listing
• Season Calendar
• Subscriptions
• Ticket Information
• Health & Safety
• Directions & Parking
• Theatre Policies
• Accessibility
• Dining & Hotels
• For Penn Students
• For Faculty
• For Everyone
• For K-12 Schools
• Looking Back, Leading Forward
• Penn Performing Arts Initiative
• Giving Opportunities
• How to Give
• Individual Supporters
• Institutional Supporters
• Rehearsal Rooms, Lobbies & Outdoor Plaza
• Rental Services
• Mission & History
• Executive & Artistic Director
• Staff & Board
• Digital Content
• Account Info
• Shopping Cart

TwoSet Violin

World tour 2023/24.

General public tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Friday, August 18. Pre-sale tickets are available only with a promo code beginning on Wednesday, August 16 at 10 AM.

The classical music world's favorite internet sensation is back! TwoSet Violin, the hilarious duo that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, is embarking on a highly anticipated comeback tour. For one night only, join Brett and Eddy for an unforgettable concert experience filled with their unique blend of musical virtuosity and witty humor. Don't miss this chance to see TwoSet Violin live and witness the magic of their incredible comeback tour. Get your tickets now before they sell out! TwoSet Violin is a guest event. No discounts are being offered.

Performances

• Thursday, September 14 @ 7:30 PM

Artist Information

TwoSet Violin - World Tour 2023/24

Chan centre for the performing arts - july 5 & 6 2023, added performance - july 6th.

July 5th sold out in record time! We're pleased to be able to add a second performance on July 6th.

General on-sale for July 6th begins May 1st at 8am. (There is no pre-sale for this performance.)

The pre-sale for July 5th closed on April 26th, when general on-sale for this performance began.

VIP Package "An Invitation to TwoSet Violin's Practice Room"

Includes a VIP pre-show experience featuring:

• Meet & Greet with Brett and Eddy
• Q&A with Brett and Eddy
• Tour Poster signed by Brett and Eddy
• Exclusive VIP laminate
• Prime seats
• Early entry into venue
• Early access to merchandise booth before general doors

Promotional Code

• If you have a promotion, please enter the Access Code here:

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

6265 Crescent Road, UBC Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Phone: 604-822-2697

• Emergency Procedures
• Terms of Use
• Accessibility

• Presidential Search
• Editor's Pick

LIVE UPDATES: Day 2 of Harvard Yard Encampment

‘People Have Spoken’: Harvard Residential Advisors Vote Against Unionization

Jury Finds CAMHS Employee Melanie Northrop Not Guilty of Negligence in 2015 Student Suicide

HUA Problem Solving Team Has Yet to Convene After 2 Weeks

Privacy Breach During School Committee Meeting Could Explain Delay in Greer Contract Talks

TwoSet Violin Review: A Comedic, Innovative Intervention for Classical Music

On the evening of Sept. 26, crowds of people gathered in Symphony Hall in anticipation of the sold-out Boston leg of the TwoSet Violin World Tour 2023/24. TwoSet Violin — a hilarious Australian comedy duo comprised of two violinists — boasts an impressive following of over four million subscribers on YouTube . For many in attendance, this evening marked the culmination of years spent enjoying the online content of Eddy Chen and Brett Yang — the group’s members — as audience members had another opportunity to witness the duo perform live on their second global tour.

The show commenced with a special guest, Sophie Druml, gracing the stage with a piano performance of Liszt’s “Mephisto Waltz.” While her rendition was exquisitely executed, the piece itself extended beyond ten minutes, toying with the audience’s attention span.

Nevertheless, this initial seriousness quickly gave way to the lighthearted charm of Chen and Yang. They kicked off their performance with a few playful jabs about the art of practicing their instrument before diving into a game of violin charades. In this interactive game, they skillfully imitated a variety of sounds using their violins, drawing uproarious laughter from the audience as they mimicked everything from birds chirping to Yang shedding tears of jealousy when watching a performance by a young violin prodigy.

TwoSet Violin’s ingenuity even extended to creating a unique musical piece from their violin charades, with assistance from Druml on the piano. When specific sounds, such as an ambulance, were featured in their composition, the stage lights responded by flashing red and blue, immersing the audience in a truly captivating and multisensory experience.

The central part of Yang and Chen’s performance revolved around a comedic odyssey, featuring the sudden appearance of an enigmatic figure donning a mask adorned with musical notes on the projection screen. Drawing inspiration from the hit series “Squid Game,” this character claimed to represent ‘The Academy,’ a supposed authority overseeing classical musicians, and declared that Chen and Yang were disgracing classical music. They were challenged to undertake the formidable ‘Ling Ling Exam’ — a whimsically concocted, rigorous musical test tailored for this show — in order to redeem themselves.

The test featured an array of popular classical music pieces, such as Massenet’s “Meditation from Thaïs,” Monti’s “Czardas,” and Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24.” However, rather than delivering these pieces in the traditional static manner typical of classical musicians, they found creative, innovative ways to elicit laughter from the audience. In particular, Chen, Yang, and Druml tackled “Czardas” while blindfolded. Chen and Yang also showcased their signature move of playing the violin while hula hooping , a feat they had previously demonstrated on their past tour and on YouTube.

One of the concert’s most beloved moments for the audience occurred when two fortunate attendees had the chance to select a piece for both Chen and Yang to perform as part of the ‘Ling Ling Exam.’ The selection process involved spinning a wheel, which featured 12 renowned violin concertos.

Chen first performed the opening of Saint-Saëns’s “Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61” while Yang gently coerced a toddler into spinning the wheel so that it landed on Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.”

The culmination of the exam unfolded as the enigmatic figure from ‘The Academy,’ reappeared, announcing his final stipulation: Only one individual could successfully pass the ‘Ling Ling Exam.’ Yang and Chen engaged in a spirited showdown for the coveted title, performing Wieniawski’s “Etude-Caprice Op. 18, No. 4.” In the end, Yang emerged victorious, securing his passage in this examination and a prize of a prestigious solo performance.

However, during the solo winner’s performance, Yang extended a warm invitation to Chen to join him back on stage, emphasizing the idea that classical music is most powerful when shared. Together with Druml, they delivered a captivating rendition of several compositions, including Handel-Halvorson’s “Passacaglia.” While the majority of the exam journey had been marked by humor, this part of the performance adopted a more solemn tone, leaving the audience unsure of how to respond to the shift in mood. The initial commotion from certain audience members posed some challenges for TwoSet Violin in starting their piece and created a bit of distraction not only for the artists on stage, but also for those who sought to enjoy the music in the moment.

Overall, TwoSet Violin’s concert was a breath of fresh air for the world of classical music, bridging the gap between comedy and the traditional formality that classical music often brings to the table. Yang and Chen seamlessly translated their online humor to the live stage, incorporating a unique blend of classical music, comedy, and theater in their performance and ultimately creating a captivating experience that resonated with everyone present.

—Staff writer Allison S. Park can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X @allisonskypark .

Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Ravinia Festival 2024: Tickets for summer season go on sale

The 2024 ravinia festival lineup features little feat, james taylor, the violent femmes and more, published april 24, 2024 • updated on april 24, 2024 at 6:10 am.

Tickets to Ravinia Festival' s highly anticipated 2024 summer concert series go on sale at 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to an announcement.

Tickets will only be available on Ravinia's website , the announcement said, with several shows expected to sell out, including James Taylor, Indigo Girls and Melissa Ethridge, Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello, The Beach Boys with John Stamos, Robert Plant and Alison Kraus, O.A.R and Fitz and the Tantrums, ZZ Top and Lynryd Skynard and Roger Daltrey.

Watch NBC Chicago local news and weather for free 24/7

Tickets prices for shows range from $15 to $230, the announcement said. Guests can bring their own picnics, including alcohol into the park, according to organizers.

Earlier this week, the festival posted several "ticket tips" ahead of the public on-sale, with organizers encouraging customers to reset their password and save credit card information before 8 a.m. Wednesday. Customers can also expect to placed in "virtual waiting rooms," while waiting for tickets, organizers said.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

Ravinia Festival's highly anticipated 2024 summer concert lineup and schedule was announced last month, with big names on the lineup including The Beach Boys, Norah Jones, James Taylor and Robert Plant & Alison Krause.

Since the announcement, some additional acts have been added to the bill, including TLC & Shaggy , and a tribute to Whitney Houston with the Chicago Symphony .

Canceled or delayed flight? You're now owed a cash refund, DOT says

Bears stadium plans: Team reveals bold new stadium plans, but not everyone is on board

“With an extraordinary range of concerts and artists, we are excited to offer an inspiring and captivating season for everyone who comes to Ravinia,” Ravinia’s President and CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon said in a release. “Whether in Bennett Gordon Hall, Martin Theatre, Pavilion, Lawn, or Carousel, concertgoers will surely experience the spirit of summer with incredible music under the stars."

In 2023 , Ravinia Festival saw performances from John Legend, Jethro Tull, Santana and Ms. Lauryn Hill.

Here's a look some of the acts listed on the 2024 schedule:

JAZZ, BLUES, FOLK, GOSPEL, and AMERICAN SONGBOOK

● Jazz in June: Battle of the Big Bands featuring Adonis Rose & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra* and Orrin Evans & the Captain Black Big Band , with special guests Kurt Elling and Rufus Reid, plus Ravinia Steans Music Institute Jazz Fellows. The student and professional musicians of the Ravinia Jazz Mentor Program, one of the Reach Teach Play programs, open the night on the Carousel Stage. – June 16 ● Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Big Boi and Danielle Ponder* – June 19 ● Because of You starring Michael Feinstein and the Carnegie Hall Big Band in A Tribute to the Legendary Tony Bennett– June 23 ● Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper* – June 27; Carousel Stage 7 ● Norah Jones and very special guest Mavis Staples – July 14 ● Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers – August 7; Carousel Stage ● Samara Joy* – August 25

GLOBAL MUSIC and LATIN

● Little Feat and Los Lobos on the Can’t Be Satisfied Tour – June 22 ● The Reset: An Immersive Sound Experience with Davin Youngs* – July 11; Carousel Stage ● Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Choco Orta with Caribe Project , July 31 ● Conductor Gustavo Dudamel leads the National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela in two works by South American composers –Alberto Ginastera’s Dances from Estancia and Antonio Estévez’s Mediodía en el llano (Midday on the Plain)-- among other pieces on the program. – August 6 ● Eighth annual Fiesta Ravinia, with Julieta Venegas* and La Santa Cecilia* featured for the main-stage performance of the day – September 15

POP, ROCK, R&B, INDIE, HIP-HOP, COUNTRY, and DJs

● The Flock featuring Jerry Goodman* – June 7; Carousel Stage ● James Taylor & His All-Star Band – June 8 and 9 ● Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and JD McPherson* on the Can’t Let Go Tour – June 12 ● Hauser* on his Rebel with a Cello tour – June 14 ● Michael Franti & Spearhead, Trevor Hall , and Bombargo on The Togetherness Tour – June 15 ● Violent Femmes* play their debut album in its entirety with Chicago Philharmonic and conductor Stuart Chafetz* – June 21 ● Ben Platt* – June 28 ● Roger Daltrey and KT Tunstall* – June 29 ● Lyle Lovett & His Large Band and Clint Black – June 30 ● The Music of ABBA with Arrival From Sweden – July 5 8 ● Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton – July 6 ● The Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos – July 7 ● Norah Jones with very special guest Mavis Staples – July 14 ● Killer Queen: Tribute to Queen featuring Patrick Myers* as Freddie Mercury – July 27 ● Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello* – August 8 ● Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge – August 11 ● Robert Glasper* and J. Ivy* – August 14 ● Gaelic Storm* and The High Kings* – August 22 ● O.A.R., Fitz & the Tantrums, and DJ Logic* – August 23 ● The Roots, Digable Planets , and Arrested Development – August 24 ● ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd on The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour – August 29 ● Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Alejandro Escovedo – September 8 ● Crowded House* – September 11 ● Queen! featuring resident DJs Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini, and Garrett David, hosts Lucy Stoole and Nico, and special guests – September 14; Carousel Stag

FALL PERFORMANCES

● Shelly Berg Trio* – October 26; Bennett Gordon Hall ● Alexander Hersh^, cello, Victor Santiago Asunción, piano, present Beyond Borders, with works by Debussy, Wiancko, Britten, Schumann, Say, and Sollima. – November 2; Bennett Gordon Hall ● PROJECT Trio* – November 9; Bennett Gordon Hall ● Ryan Townsend Strand , tenor, and Karina Kontorovitch , piano, present Letters to Jackie, a newly conceived song cycle based on the letters sent to Jacqueline Kennedy by the American people following the assassination of her husband, the 15 settings in Letters to Jackie represent the collective grief of a nation and the power of community and healing in a time of great tragedy. – November 16; Bennett Gordon Hall

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

● July 12 – The CSO opens its 88th summer season at Ravinia with Alsop and two featured soloists, soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha* and pianist Michelle Cann.* In an evening of American music, the orchestra opens with Aaron Copland’s beloved classic Appalachian Spring followed by James P. Johnson’s Charleston, highlighting this early jazz piano leader’s influence and the iconic dance of the same name. Rangwanasha is in the spotlight for Samuel Barber’s evocative portrait of a small boy in the American South, Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The program wraps with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, with Cann at the keyboard making her CSO debut. ● July 13 – South African cellist-composer Abel Selaocoe* joins Alsop and debuts with the CSO performing his Four Spirits, which “takes the concerto format to thrillingly unprecedented places” (Bachtrack). Themes of ancestral wisdom, faith, and community permeate the program, as the piece is put in perspective alongside Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Fifth Symphony and its distinct explorations of fate. ● July 19 – Conductor Ted Sperling joins the CSO with special guest vocalists to celebrate two iconic pop songwriters, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon. ● July 20 – Alsop and the CSO take the stage for Gustav Mahler’s final major work for orchestra, Symphony No. 9. Voted as the greatest symphony of all-time in BBC Music 2 Magazine, the evening-long work has beguiled audiences since its 1912 premiere by Bruno Walter and the Vienna Philharmonic. ● July 21 – Winner of the gold medal at the International Chopin Competition and recipient of many esteemed prizes, Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino* reunites with Alsop and makes his Ravinia and CSO debuts performing Fryderyk Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. In the second half of the program, Alsop explores symphonic storytelling during the turn of the 19th century, leading the CSO in Richard Strauss’s tone poem Don Juan and Maurice Ravel’s choreographic symphony Daphnis et Chloé (Suite No. 2). ● July 25 – Mendelssohn's hit violin concerto, played by Augustin Hadelich^, is in the spotlight as Alsop leads the CSO. Also featured on the program are Bernstein’s joyous Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Stravinsky's timeless Firebird Suite. Conductor Alena Hron , the 2024–26 Taki Alsop Fellow, guests on the podium to lead Geroge Walker’s Icarus in Orbit. ● July 26 – The centerpiece of Breaking Barriers 2024 is a space-themed concert complete with visuals and introductions by NASA specialists. Alsop conducts the orchestra in Holst’s The Planets, followed by a suite from Falkenberg’s The Moons Symphony. Audiences will see science come alive and hear from planetary scientists, including Astronaut Nicole Stott together with the composer, as they discuss how Falkenberg’s symphony offers new perspectives for humanity to contemplate our home in the cosmos. ● July 28 – Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship alum Carolyn Kuan leads this year’s Tchaikovsky Spectacular, complete with Ravinia’s signature cannons in the 1812 Overture. Making her CSO debut, she opens the program with the complete music from the first act of The Nutcracker. Desirée Ruhstrat also makes her CSO debut as the soloist for the cherished Violin Concerto. ● August 2 – Conductor Valentina Peleggi, another TACF alum, returns to Ravinia and the CSO, following a guest appearance during last summer’s Breaking Barriers Festival, to join with esteemed pianist Jorge Federico Osorio on Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto. Peleggi will also lead Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini and Respighi’s Pines of Rome. ● August 4 – Music director, conductor, and arranger Kevin Stites explores the music of legendary performer and film composer Henry Mancini for the annual Gala Benefit Evening. Curated and hosted by actor Rob Lindley, “Mancini at 100: The Music of Henry Mancini, from the big screen, to the small screen, to the stage and beyond” features Broadway vocalists Jessie Mueller* (Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Norm Lewis* 3 (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables), and Karen Mason* (Sunset Boulevard), with all three making their Ravinia and CSO debuts. ● August 9 & 11 – The CSO delves into operatic repertory as a semi-staging of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Idomeneo is conducted by Los Angeles Opera (and former Ravinia) Music Director James Conlon in the Martin Theatre. The work, set in Crete in 1200 BCE and telling a story from the Trojan War, shines light on a talented group of singers. Starring are tenor Matthew Polenzani as Greek king Idomeneo, soprano Andrea Carroll* as princess Ilia, and soprano Alexandria Shiner* as princess Elettra. ● August 10 – Conlon will lead an all-Mozart program with the CSO in the festival’s Pavilion between the opera performances. The program will feature both of the composer’s G-minor symphonies—the “little” No. 25, K. 183, and the “great” No. 40, K. 550—along with the Violin Concerto No. 5, welcoming James Ehnes as soloist on the violin. ● August 18 – Conductor Jonathan Rush, a frequent Ravinia guest in recent seasons and former assistant to Alsop, returns to the CSO podium. Chicago native Rachel Barton Pine takes the stage with Rush and the orchestra as the soloist for José White Lafitte’s Violin Concerto and Niccolò Paganini’s La Campanella

This article tagged under:

• Make a Gift
• Directories

Search form

You are here.

• Events Calendar

UW Symphony with Concerto, Composition Competition Winners

David Alexander Rahbee conducts the University of Washington Symphony and winners of the UW Concerto Competition—Kai-En Cheng, violin; Rachel Reyes, flute; and Ella Kalinichenko, piano—in a program including winning concerto excerpts, a UW student composition by graduate student Yonatan Ron, Silvestre Revueltas's Sensemayá, and Overture to  Le roi d'Ys, by   Éduard Lalo.    

Flute Concerto, op. 30a: Hisatada Otaka (1911-1951) Allegro con spirito–Lento–Molto vivace Rachel Reyes, flute

What Stood Still Goes Down Hill: Yonatan Ron (b. 1992) Ryan Farris, conductor

The Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto (abridged) :  Chen Gang (b. 1935) & He Zhanhao (b. 1933)  Kai-En Cheng, violin

-Intermission-

Ella Kalinichenko, piano

  Ryan Farris, conductor

Program Notes

Hisatada Otaka (1911-1951) was a highly respected Japanese conductor and composer credited with composing the first Japanese flute concerto and cello concerto. Otaka spent his early years  studying composition, conducting, and piano between Vienna and Japan then officially returned to conduct the Japan Symphony Orchestra in 1940. From his long lasting personal relationships with excellent flutists, he developed an affinity for the flute and saw his Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 30b (1948/51) as inevitable. Otaka’s works blend German Romanticism and Japanese aesthetics. The lively first movement of the concerto explores the “beauty of sound structure” and begins with an improvisatory theme that diverges into impressive virtuosity. The lyrical second movement contemplates a “nostalgia for nature” and the energetic final movement boasts a “natural flow of sounds and lets every consecutively emerging sound presage the next element of the flow.” After Otaka’s sudden passing in 1951, his student Hikaru Hayashi completed orchestrating the final movement. Hayashi also consulted flutist Masao Yoshida who premiered the work for revisions to the flute solo part. The piano reduction is arranged by his son, Atsutada Otaka. –Rachel Reyes

What Stood Still Goes Down Hill is a reflection on an experience I often had during my youth – where I would quietly practice scales in my room on a poor-sounding, cheap classical guitar, while noises from the rest of the house would intervene and blend with it. These external sounds came from various sources, ranging from the music-records my father would change compulsively in the neighboring room, through early 2000s TV shows my mom would watch in the living room, to the Videogame-sounds that popped out from my older brother’s room next door. As the piece unfolds, what initially presented itself as familiar, gradually becomes more difficult to recognize and distinguish as an independent sound unit — given that it fuses and blends with the surrounding sounds, as if melting into the ever-transforming textural masses carried by the rest of the orchestra. The piece involves immediate imitations of rapidly cascading passages among the strings, where descending scales are set to play a 1/3, 1/5 or 1/7 of a second apart, making it difficult to grasp the independence of each individual desk, resulting in a perplexing effect. –Yonatan Ron

The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto, composed in 1959 by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, merges traditional Chinese melodies with Western orchestration. Inspired by the legendary tale of doomed lovers transformed into butterflies, this piece is renowned for its emotional depth, conveyed through the violin's portrayal of the main characters, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. This concerto is a masterpiece of cultural fusion, incorporating pentatonic scales and imitating Chinese folk instruments within a Western symphonic framework. It follows a single movement divided into sections that reflect the narrative's emotional spectrum, from joy to despair, culminating in a poignant finale. The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto has achieved global acclaim, becoming a symbol of East-West musical integration and a beloved piece in the violin repertoire for its storytelling prowess and innovative composition. – Kai-En Cheng

Beethoven began contemplating ideas for the Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor as early as 1796, but he only began the composition process in earnest during autumn of 1799. By April 2, 1800, the first movement had essentially reached completion, yet the rest of the concerto movements would not be completed until 1803! Despite the prolonged compositional process, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 exhibits a remarkably cohesive vocabulary and a tightly structured form. The first movement, marked "Allegro con brio" (fast with spirit), introduces the pervasive influence of C minor, a key Beethoven associated with pathos and a sense of dramatic, even desperate, struggle. The orchestral introduction begins gently, yet swiftly transitions into a powerful contrast with a second theme: a melodious tune in the relative major key. Once the stage is set, the soloist enters with impetuous scales that introduce the statement of the main theme. From here the music goes on a journey of main themes adorned with virtuosic flourishes, and captivating exchanges between soloist and orchestra. After the first orchestral tutti, the main theme is reintroduced in the sunny key of D major. However, this doesn't last for long as the music quickly drives towards the commanding C minor entrance of the cadenza. The cadenza further expands the dramatic character of the concerto with powerful octaves and exhilarating arpeggio runs, highlighting Beethoven’s virtuosic nature. Following the customary trills concluding the cadenza, the orchestra re-enters and, together with the pianist, drives the first movement to a powerful end! –Ella Kalinichenko

Inspired by a 1934 poem by the Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén,   Sensemayá   is perhaps the most famous work by Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas. The full title of Guillén’s poem translates to “Chant for Killing a Snake” and depicts a folkloric Afro-Cuban ritual of killing and sacrificing a snake with glass-like eyes. The essence of the poem, which pits life against death, and the snake against its executioners, is ideally captured by Revueltas, particularly in the version for full orchestra premiered by the composer at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City on Dec. 15, 1938. “The obsessive rhythms [the work is in 7/8 and occasionally 7/16 time], the slithering, pictorial wind writing, and the threatening brass all combine to create a raw evocation of the ceremony,” wrote one critic, “comparable to what Stravinsky did for pagan Russia in  The Rite of Spring.” -Ryan Farris  

Édouard-Victoire-Antoine Lalo completed his education at the Paris Conservatoire before working as a violinist, teacher, and later composer. In 1865 he married contralto Julie Besnier de Maligny, who encouraged his interest in opera and inspired him to write Le roi d’Ys . The plot revolves around the King of Y’s, an ancient mythical city submerged off the coast of Brittany. The overture was completed in 1888. The opening statement revolves around a regal theme, painting a picture of the grand hall of the submerged palace. Several themes from the opera are heard, featuring woodwind solos, brass fanfares, an extended cello solo, all suggesting the emotions of love, longing, betrayal, and fate that all unfold during the opera. The music then builds in intensity with renewed vigor, creating a sense of drama and anticipation, bringing the work to a rousing conclusion. -Mica Weiland

 Biographies

Rachel Reyes is a performer and teacher from Snohomish, WA. Recently, Reyes won the 2024 UW Concerto Competition and 2023 National Flute Association (NFA) Masterclass Competition. She performed at the NFA convention in Phoenix, AZ and was a fellow at the 2023 Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival. Other winnings include the 2023 Jacqueline Avent Concerto Competition, 2022 Arizona Flute Society (AFS) Graduate Competition, and 2021 AFS Collegiate Competition. She serves as a Teaching Assistant and studies with Donna Shin in pursuit of a DMA at the University of Washington (UW). She currently performs with the UW Symphony Orchestra and Modern Music Ensemble. Rachel received her MM from Arizona State University (ASU) where she studied with Dr. Elizabeth Buck. At ASU, Reyes performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Studio Orchestra, and 5quint Wind Quintet. She also completed her undergraduate studies at UW. In addition to national performances, Reyes has performed in the Philippines and in China. In 2019, she went on a performance tour and taught in China with the UW Wind Ensemble. She has spent summers at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Brevard Summer Music Institute, and ARIA International Summer Academy.

Born in Montclair, NJ, (1992) and raised in Israel, Yonatan Ron began his musical journey at age 10, learning classical guitar and music theory. He studied independently under composer and guitarist Ruben Seroussi, head of the composition department and Guitar performance at Tel-Aviv University. Ron participated in the CEME festival held by ‘Meitar Ensemble’, hosting figures such as G.F Haas & Philippe Leroux, among others. He was among the first young composers accepted into Meitar Ensemble’s “Tedarim program” from 2015 to 2016. Ron obtained his B.A. in 2021 from The Koninklijk Conservatorium, The Hague, NL. Currently pursuing his M.M. in Composition at The University of Washington under the guidance of Prof. Huck Hodge and Prof. Yigit Kolat. Ron’s works are published in the ‘Israeli Composers League’ and are frequently commissioned by The Israeli Music Festiva. Yonatan received several awards, including: ‘CCC’ (Calefax Composition Contest) 1st Prize award - 2018. The ‘The Israeli Prime Minister Award for Music Composition’ - 2019. The ‘Abraham and Felicija Klohn Prize’ - 2019, and the ‘Siday Fellowship for Musical Creativity’ in 2018 and 2019. Ron’s music involves seemingly ordinary materials that follow gradational transformations, often until a point of unrecognizability. He employs techniques associated with early music, and is inspired by fields ranging from painting, through meteorology, to mathematics and psychology.

Kai-En Cheng is a senior pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Economics, with a minor in Data Science. Born into a family deeply immersed in music—his mother a pianist and his brother, I-Hao Cheng, a violinist studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, Kai-En's passion for music was nurtured from a very young age. He spent the majority of his elementary years under the guidance of Prof. Mikhail Kopelman at Eastman, a crucial period in his early development as a violinist. Upon returning to Taiwan after his elementary education, Kai-En made his mark in the competitive scene, securing numerous awards in both municipal and national violin competitions, a testament to his skill and dedication. Currently, he is a student of Prof. Ronald Patterson. Kai-En's journey showcases not only his exceptional musical talent but also his strong academic aspirations. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in Data Science, while continuing to advance his violin studies.

Ella Kalinichenko is a rising pianist from the state of Washington, whose musical journey is defined by dedication, talent, and a deep-seated love for the art of music. Ella earned her Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Pacific Lutheran University, guided by Dr. Oksana Ejokina, and is now pursuing her Masters at the University of Washington under the tutelage of Dr. Christina Valdes. In addition to performing solo, Ella discovered a passion for collaborative piano, becoming a trusted collaborator among her peers. Regularly assisting fellow students in audition preparations and recitals, she has also plugged herself to school and community choirs, contributing to the local musical landscape. Within her local church, Ella assumes a vital role in the school of music offering her skills as an accompanist for choirs and soloists. Her commitment to fostering musical unity and inspiration has made her an integral part of the congregation. Ella’s outstanding performances, whether solo or as collaborative pianist, have been raved about by faculty, students, donors, and community members. Ella has had multiple opportunities to perform as a soloist with orchestra as well as participate in masterclasses throughout Washington and Oregon. Beyond academic pursuits, Ella's recent professional engagements include performing in Benaroya Hall in Seattle, working with Tacoma Symphony, taking part in the music organizations of many local festivals and conferences, and teaching piano privately from her music studio at home.

David Alexander Rahbee

David Alexander Rahbee  is currently Senior Artist in Residence at the University of Washington School of Music in Seattle, where he is Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of Orchestral Conducting. He is Music Director and Conductor of the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra and founder of the UW Campus Philharmonia Orchestras. He is a recipient of the American-Austrian Foundation's 2003 Herbert von Karajan Fellowship for Young Conductors, the 2005 International Richard-Wagner-Verband Stipend, a fellowship the Acanthes Centre in Paris (2007), and is first prize winner  in conducting from The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts for 2020. His work at UW has earned national recognition. In 2021 he was praised by The American Prize as “Consistently one of the most courageous and comprehensive [orchestral] programmers working in higher education in the U.S. today…”

Dr. Rahbee has appeared in concert with orchestras such as the Seattle Symphony, RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, Kammerphilharmonie Berlin-Brandenburg, Guernsey Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony, National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, Orchestre de la Francophonie, Orchesterakademie der Bochumer Symphoniker, the Dresden Hochschule orchestra, Grand Harmonie, the Boston New Music Initiative, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Loja (Ecuador), Savaria Symphony Orchestra (Hungary), Cool Opera of Norway (members of the Stavanger Symphony), Schönbrunner Schloss Orchester (Vienna), the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, the Kennett Symphony, and the Divertimento Ensemble of Milan. His collaborations with the Seattle Symphony include assistant conductor for the performance and recording of Ives’ Fourth Symphony, and as guest conductor for their Native Lands project and the North American premiere of Páll Ragnar Pallson's Quake with faculty cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir . He has collaborated with several prominent soloists such as Sarah Chang, Jon Kimura Parker, Yekwon Sunwoo, Glenn Dicterow and Jonathan Biss. He has been a guest rehearsal conductor for numerous young orchestras, such as the New England Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, The Symphony Orchestra of the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music at Chapman University, and the Vienna University of Technology orchestra. He has served on faculty of the Pierre Monteux School as Conducting Associate, has been resident conductor of the Atlantic Music Festival and guest conductor at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.

Dr. Rahbee was an assistant at the Vienna State opera from 2002-2010. As part of his fellowship and residency at the 2003 Salzburg Festival, Dr. Rahbee was assistant conductor of the International Attergau Institute Orchestra, where he worked with members of the Vienna Philharmonic. He has been selected to actively participate in masterclasses with prominent conductors such as Kurt Masur, Sir Colin Davis, Jorma Panula, Zdeněk Mácal, Peter Eötvös, Zoltán Peskó and Helmut Rilling, and counts Nikolaus Harnoncourt to be among his most influential mentors. From 1997-2001, David Rahbee was founder and conductor of the Fidelio Chamber Orchestra in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Dr. Rahbeeʼs principal conducting teachers were Charles Bruck and Michael Jinbo at the Pierre Monteux School. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in violin and composition from Indiana University, a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory in orchestral conducting, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Montreal in orchestral conducting.  He has also participated in post-graduate conducting classes at the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Vienna. His brass arrangements are published by Warwick Music, and his articles on the music of Mahler have appeared in journals of the International Gustav Mahler Gesellschaft, among others.

In addition to being awarded first prize in conducting from The American Prize for 2020, he was awarded 2nd place in 2019. He has also placed among winners for five consecutive years for The American Prize Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award for Orchestral Programming, recognizing his programming with the UW Symphony and its affiliated ensembles for every season since he joined the faculty. The UWSO has also been a finalist in the category of orchestral performance in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Dr. Rahbee is co-editor of Daniels’ Orchestral Music (6 th edition) and Daniels’ Orchestral Music Online (DOMO), the gold standard among conductors, orchestral administrators, orchestra librarians as well as other music professionals and students researching for orchestral programming.

• Faculty Performances
• Performances
• Student Activities and Performances
•   Instagram