TwoSet Violin swept the audience away on Oct. 14 at Symphony Center in Chicago. Brett Yang, Sophie Druml and Eddy Chen delivered a stunning performance featuring many classical pieces, including “Zigeunerweisen” by Sarasate, “Winter” by Vivaldi and “Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Garde, accompanied by pianist Sophie Druml. From their silly videos, to their classical performances, Chen and Yang have contributed much to the classical community, inviting many Gen Z audience members to be engaged in the community.

Chen and Yang, the partnership behind the popular TwoSet Violin channel on YouTube, have created their fandom by incorporating unique challenges and elements to their videos, diversifying the traditionally serious classical community. They have created many series of “Sacreligious” games and challenges, which they included in their concert. 

One of the many things that I enjoyed at their concert were their unconventional violin techniques, like playing with toilet paper, holding the violin like a cello and playing while lying down. While this may seem odd to many others, this unique style is the foundation that Chen and Yang used to create their fandom, and of course, engage the audience. 

Although some aspects of the concert were not to my taste, such as the “brainrot” references that they used to keep audience members actively engaged. However, I really liked their serious performances, like Sarate’s Navarra towards the end.

I, along with the majority of the audience, appreciated the time and effort that Chen and Yang incorporate into their performances. Even though playing modern day compositions while a spinning cat is being projected on a big screen may be looked down upon, their talent shouldn’t be discredited as it is difficult for many modern day classical musicians to have success. This is especially hard in a time where there are many genres that are far more interesting/popular than classical music. 

If you are a classical fan, or simply curious, I think that Yang and Chen have made a wonderful concert experience for many classical, and future classical enthusiasts, a memorable night. The duo has successfully begun to break the stigma around classical music, and make it an inclusive art for any generation to enjoy.