How @twosetviolin is shaking up classical music | Brett Yang + Eddy Chen | Australian Story

ABC News In-depth
13 Nov 202331:05
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script details the unconventional journey of TwoSet Violin, a duo of classical violinists from Brisbane who have found international success by combining their musical talent with humor. Despite the challenges of pursuing a career in classical music, they have managed to amass millions of views on social media and embark on a world tour. The script highlights their early beginnings, the struggles they faced, including the physical pain from over-practicing, and their decision to forge their own path by creating engaging content on YouTube. Their innovative approach to classical music has not only won them a dedicated fan base but also the respect of renowned violinist Hilary Hahn. The story showcases their creativity, resilience, and the power of taking risks to achieve one's dreams.

Takeaways
  • 🎻 TwoSet Violin is a comedy duo consisting of two classically trained violinists from Brisbane who have found international success by combining classical music with humor.
  • πŸš€ They have amassed millions of views on social media and are currently on a world tour, performing in major cities and selling out concert halls.
  • 🎭 Their comedic approach to classical music is aimed at making the genre more accessible and entertaining to a wider audience, including those who are new to classical music.
  • 🀣 The duo's humor is well-informed, showcasing their deep knowledge of the craft, which allows them to poke fun at the intricacies and challenges of being a classical musician.
  • 🌐 Initially, they started making videos for fun and as a creative outlet, which eventually led to their online success and the decision to pursue a career as YouTubers.
  • πŸ† Despite facing challenges and health issues, such as psychosomatic pain, they persevered and used their experiences to connect with their audience on a personal level.
  • πŸŽ“ Both members of TwoSet Violin studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and were among the top students, but they chose a non-traditional path to share their passion for music.
  • 🎼 They have collaborated with renowned violinist Hilary Hahn, showcasing their ability to bridge the gap between classical music and contemporary audiences.
  • 🀝 Their success is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of following one's own path, even when it deviates from the expected or traditional career trajectory.
  • πŸ’ͺ The duo's journey demonstrates the value of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks in order to achieve one's dreams.
  • πŸŽ‰ Their performances and videos serve as a reminder that classical music can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Q & A
  • What is the main challenge that TwoSet Violin faced in their career path?

    -TwoSet Violin faced the challenge of pursuing a career in classical music comedy, which is a niche and difficult field to succeed in, even for the most talented musicians.

  • How did the audience composition change after TwoSet Violin's rise to fame?

    -The audience composition changed from a classical music concert's typical 'sea of white hair' to a more diverse crowd, including people who had never heard classical music before.

  • What was the initial reaction of Eddy's parents to his career choice in classical music comedy?

    -Eddy's parents were supportive but likely concerned, as indicated by the mention of them 'gritting their teeth' at the idea of their son pursuing such a challenging career path.

  • How did Brett and Eddy's early life experiences in Taiwan influence their musical journey?

    -Both Brett and Eddy moved to Australia at a young age from Taiwan, and their families encouraged them to be strong and work hard, which contributed to their dedication to practicing and mastering the violin.

  • What was the turning point for Brett that led to a significant change in his approach to music?

    -Brett developed psychosomatic pain, likely due to emotional stress and the pressure to succeed as a musician. Overcoming this pain led to a self-reflective journey and a change in his relationship with music.

  • How did the initial online content of TwoSet Violin differ from their later work?

    -Their initial online content was more exploratory and humorous, with skits based on their experiences as classical musicians. As they grew in popularity, they began to create more polished and relatable content that resonated with a wider audience.

  • What was the reaction of the classical music community to TwoSet Violin's unique approach to performances?

    -The classical music community was likely surprised and intrigued by their blend of comedy and classical music, which was a departure from traditional concert formats.

  • How did the crowdfunding campaign for TwoSet Violin's world tour come about?

    -The crowdfunding campaign was their idea to raise money for a world tour, which they initiated by doing a busking marathon until they reached their funding goal.

  • What was the impact of the collaboration with Hilary Hahn on TwoSet Violin's career?

    -The collaboration with Hilary Hahn, a renowned violinist, helped to legitimize their work in the eyes of the classical music community and brought more attention to their unique blend of classical music and comedy.

  • How did the parody video involving Paganini and Blackpink affect TwoSet Violin's online presence and reputation?

    -The parody video led to a significant backlash from Blackpink's fans, causing a K-pop feud and trolling on their social media channels. However, it also highlighted their ability to engage with different music communities and generate discussion.

  • What is the message that TwoSet Violin hopes to convey to aspiring musicians through their journey?

    -TwoSet Violin aims to show that there are alternative paths to success in music that do not strictly follow the traditional, competitive route. They encourage creativity, self-expression, and finding unique ways to connect with audiences.

Outlines
00:00
🎼 Classical Music Comedy: TwoSet Violin's Rise to Fame

TwoSet Violin, a duo of violinists from Brisbane, have taken the bold step of pursuing a career in classical music comedy, an endeavor that is not only challenging but also financially uncertain. Despite the odds, they are achieving international success, amassing millions of views on social media and selling out concert halls in their world tour. The duo's unique blend of musical talent and humor is attracting new audiences to classical music and garnering them a celebrity status that many classical musicians envy.

05:02
πŸ‘£ Early Life and Musical Beginnings

The script delves into the early life and musical journeys of the TwoSet Violin members. Both were born in Taiwan and moved to Australia at a young age. Their parents, despite not being wealthy, encouraged and supported their musical pursuits. The individuals started learning the violin at a very young age and, despite initial reluctance, developed a deep love for music through rigorous practice. Their paths crossed during a math tutoring session, which led to a lasting friendship and collaboration. The narrative highlights their dedication, the influence of their families, and the pivotal moments that shaped their decision to pursue a career in music.

10:08
πŸŽ“ Training and the Turning Point to YouTube

After high school, the TwoSet Violin members attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where they were among the top students. They initially aimed to become soloists, but the intense pressure and an obsession with perfection led to physical pain and a realization about their approach to music. The script describes a pivotal moment when one of them developed psychosomatic pain, which was eventually overcome, leading to a significant shift in their perspective. This period of self-reflection and recovery coincided with the advent of their YouTube channel, where they started making videos for fun, which later went viral and set them on a new path as online entertainers.

15:12
πŸš€ From Viral Videos to a World Tour

The narrative continues with the duo's decision to turn their viral YouTube success into a full-fledged career. They recount the challenges of transitioning from making short online skits to performing a 90-minute concert, and the excitement of their first live show, which was well-received. The duo's commitment to their new path led them to quit their jobs in orchestras and dedicate themselves to creating content on YouTube. They embarked on a crowdfunding campaign to finance their world tour, which was successfully funded through a busking marathon, demonstrating their entrepreneurial spirit and the support of their fanbase.

20:15
🌟 Encounters with Legends and Creative Explorations

The script describes the duo's encounters with renowned violinist Hilary Hahn, which started during their first world tour. They share their admiration for Hahn and the unexpected opportunity to collaborate with her on a video. This experience, along with their creative endeavors like the 'Ling-Ling workout' and the formation of a fictional classical-pop boy band 'B to the SM,' showcases their innovative approach to making classical music engaging and accessible. The duo's work in blending classical music with pop culture elements, such as K-pop, is highlighted, illustrating their ability to connect with a wide audience.

25:16
πŸ’₯ Controversy and Triumph: The Paganini Parody

The final paragraph details the duo's foray into parody with a video featuring a Paganini reaction to a K-pop song, which unexpectedly led to a backlash from fans of the K-pop group Blackpink. The ensuing controversy resulted in a wave of negative comments and even attempts to cancel a significant concert with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Despite the challenges, the concert went ahead, and the duo's resilience and commitment to their art were recognized. The script concludes with a reflection on their journey, the success of their non-traditional path in the classical music world, and the joy they bring to audiences of all ages.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Classical Music
Classical music refers to a genre of music that has its roots in the traditions of Western culture, including both religious and secular music. In the video, it is the primary focus of the musicians, who are redefining the way classical music is perceived and enjoyed by a modern audience.
πŸ’‘TwoSet Violin
TwoSet Violin is a comedic duo consisting of two violinists from Brisbane who have gained international fame through their humorous takes on classical music. They are central to the video's narrative, showcasing how they have used humor and social media to popularize classical music.
πŸ’‘Social Media
Social media platforms are online spaces where users can create and share content or participate in social networking. In the context of the video, social media is the tool that TwoSet Violin uses to reach a global audience, amassing millions of views and subscribers.
πŸ’‘World Tour
A world tour refers to a series of performances or engagements that take place across various cities or countries around the world. The video discusses the duo's world tour, highlighting their success and the scale of their international reach.
πŸ’‘Violin Comedy
Violin comedy is a niche genre that combines the performance of violin music with humor. It is exemplified by TwoSet Violin, who use their violin skills to create comedic content, making classical music more accessible and entertaining to a wider audience.
πŸ’‘YouTuber
A YouTuber is an individual who creates and shares content on the video-sharing platform YouTube. The video's subjects, TwoSet Violin, are YouTubers who have found a unique niche in violin comedy, leveraging the platform to build a substantial following.
πŸ’‘Crowdfunded
Crowdfunded refers to the process of raising funds from a large number of people, typically via the internet. In the video, TwoSet Violin embarks on a crowdfunding campaign to finance their world tour, demonstrating a modern approach to funding artistic endeavors.
πŸ’‘Busking Marathon
A busking marathon is an extended period of street performances, often done to raise money or awareness for a cause. TwoSet Violin uses a busking marathon as a method to reach their crowdfunding goal, showcasing their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
πŸ’‘K-pop
K-pop, short for Korean pop, is a genre of music originating from South Korea characterized by its catchy tunes and elaborate choreography. The video discusses how TwoSet Violin intersects with K-pop culture through their parody response to a Blackpink song that samples a classical piece.
πŸ’‘Paganini
NiccolΓ² Paganini was an Italian violinist and composer known for his virtuosic skill and unique compositions. In the video, Paganini is referenced in a humorous context as TwoSet Violin creates content around his legend, blending classical and modern musical references.
πŸ’‘Blackpink Drama
The Blackpink drama refers to the controversy that arose when TwoSet Violin created a parody video involving the K-pop group Blackpink. This incident led to a backlash from Blackpink fans, illustrating the power and passion of modern fan culture.
Highlights

TwoSet Violin, consisting of Brett Yang and Eddy Chen, are two classically trained violinists from Brisbane who have found international success by combining classical music with comedy.

They have racked up millions of views on social media and are currently on a world tour performing in major cities across the USA.

Their unique approach to classical music is attracting new, younger audiences who have never experienced classical music before.

They have amassed millions of subscribers and billions of views on YouTube by creating humorous, relatable content about the life of a classical musician.

Brett and Eddy both started playing the violin at a young age and their parents always encouraged and supported their musical pursuits.

Despite their success, their parents were initially skeptical about a career in classical music, as it is a difficult path with few making a living.

They met in a math tutoring class as children and bonded over their shared love of the violin.

After high school, they attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where they were top students and aspired to be soloists.

Brett developed psychosomatic pain in his arms and legs from the intense stress and pressure he put on himself to succeed.

The pain was a wake-up call for Brett to reevaluate his relationship with music and led him to start making humorous videos as a creative outlet.

Their first viral video was a skit where Brett imitates a violinist dancing, showing their ability to poke fun at the classical music world.

They decided to take control of their own careers rather than relying on the traditional, competitive path of competitions and auditions.

Their first concert was a unique blend of comedy and serious classical music performance that was well-received by audiences.

They successfully crowdfunded their world tour through a busking marathon, raising $50,000 in just five days.

Meeting legendary violinist Hilary Hahn on their first world tour was a dream come true for them as big fans.

They collaborated with Hilary on a humorous video doing the 'Ling-Ling workout', a fictional character representing the 'perfect prodigy'.

Their creative video where they had Paganini 'react' to K-pop group Blackpink sampling his music went viral but also sparked controversy.

The backlash from Blackpink fans led to a temporary 'feud' and even impacted a concert they were scheduled to perform in with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Despite the challenges, they are proud of their unique path in the classical music world and are grateful for the opportunities their success has brought.

They serve as an inspiration to others, showing that there are alternative routes to success in the classical music world beyond the traditional competitive path.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: