Professional violinist CALLS OUT classical music TikToks 

ALRIGHT practice break is OVER. Need a motivation boost? Go see what the other practicers are doing on Tonic: tonicmusic.app/join-in 🎵

I saw your clip playing in Paris with Emilio and I thought “well it’s scripted, but it sure as heck makes a great performance”

You came all the way to Paris because of my TikTok video?! Wow what an honour 😍

I always lost music competitions to violinists younger than me, so of course I had to flex on that girl. Now....go practice.

I'm always happy to see Ray promoting Tonic, in the past few months there have been so many new people joining it's such a big difference to when I joined! And everyone is really supportive, and it's a great way to stay motivated and keep the streak up 😄

12:17 Ray looks SO SAD because he wants BADLY to BE THERE to play the violin himself 😂

That Stravinsky clip at 7:54 never fails to put a smile on my face. Revisited the original video several times over the years and it's always helped with cruddy days. Don't let people say orchestral music can't be fun.

He seems like a nice, down-to-earth guy despite being one of the best violinists in the world

Just saw the Paris vid....holy s&*t!!! I would cry if I was able to witness that!!! What an awesome vid!!

the segment with the conductor also conducting the audience really got me. it's such a clever way to protect from issues like 1. audience clapping when they shouldn't, and 2. audience getting too distracted. fantastic stuff

Shoutout Matt Kent w/ the Lacrimosa adaptation. If you ever get chance to see him live, don't miss out. Incredible performer and it's such a privilege to watch him perform!

the Vivaldi video on tiktok of them playing together is how I found Ray Chen. He's so awesome, sounds like a fun person to be around. Makes me want to learn violin. Been binging his videos lol

That part around 5:30 is from the Vienna New Year's Concert. It's the final encore (after the Blue Danube), during which the audience claps, directed by the conductor. The demand of tickets is so high that you need to pre-register one year to even participate the drawing of tickets to next year's concert. It's also broadcast on radio and television. I always watch it!

Right from the beginning: all I can see is one of the world's most famous Strads just casually being an audience member on Ray's couch.... listening to words like "TikTok" and "video". So mind-blowing to think that someone as brilliant as Stradivari had no idea about *videos* or *the internet* back then and probably couldn't even begin to conceive such ideas. I remember reading that Stradivari used to literally walk around the town [in his early days as a violin maker] and knock on people's doors asking if they'd like to purchase one of his violins. *That's* how hardworking people used to promote their work!

You played with so much passion and excitement when I watched your video in Paris. Your music always touches the heart and soul of the listener. You are truly amazing!!!

The piece Dudamel was conducting was the Radetzky March (I’m pretty sure) and it is such a fun piece to listen to. Many recordings have the conductors also engaging with the audience, and it’s just rlly amazing

LOOKING FORWARD FOR YOUR PARIS VIDEO, RAY!!! sorry i got very excited LETS GOOO.

I love how you wanted to see when the conductor realised he got pranked! And I love how you analysed if the last video was pre-planned. I was wondering if your version was pre-planned and now I know it’s not! So so cool! ❤❤❤❤❤ So love the ending! 🎉

I saw your video playing in Paris with that last piano player, you were amazing as always.

Another big fun surprise moment is in the Tchaik 6th symphony, about halfway through the first movement. You get so completely drawn in by the serene clarinet solo as it slowly descends, getting calmer and calmer and calmer and BAM. It's so much fun to play.

Sir, I love how you are so encouraging to other artist that have 1/1000 the talent that you do. Music is such a wonderful way to express yourself when words can't. When you take the time to "read between the lines" of each individual artist, you will really find the "magic" of what makes music so great. Thank you, Mr. CHEN. You make music fun. 🎻

I’m not a violinist, though I have the Hungarian background. I saw this clip with Emilio. He’s a classical player and I loved the fun you had together playing Vivaldi. Super cool!

我是看到Emil短片尋找到這個頻道！很喜歡你的演奏，後來才發現你是台裔，而且回來過台灣，很高興得知有這麼厲害的大人物存在並熱愛古典樂，真的好帥❤

Sweet! I saw the second part first on Emil’s channel not knowing this is the first part!! I’m so happy! Awesome duo ❤

This one is going to be long... 😂 1) Great that you've picked these nice TikToks - not something 'bash-able' 👍 2) The Lacrimosa-based-song has great vibes! 3) I hope the 'Bond' concert audience was warned somehow beforehand, because some people could've ended up in real shock - otherwise great show idea 😁 4) the 'Conduct Us' part reminds me I need to practice my social skills more 😭🤭- it must be great to meet in person, such people who try to break the barriers, that divide us socially, in such heartwarming ways 💕 5) 'Interstellar' soudtrack makes me want to learn how to play pipe-organ even more!!! 😍I usually say that violin is my favourite instrument, but the truth is 'violin ❤= pipe-organ ❤' in my heart. (I'm Xaver Varnus' but also our local church's Ivona organist's fan. 😄) I picked to learn violin out of the two instruments, for 'totally-not-guessable-reasons'... 😉😜 (And 'Interstellar' film has just the the kind of storytelling I truly enjoy: epic packaging covering a deep, universal tale 💝) 6) Generally, the whole 'Paris' piano + violin(s)' part looks 'totally-not-staged' 🤣😜🤣 it's enjoyable nonetheless 🤗 I've got a thought or two about the other parts, but this comment is already terribly long 😆 so... ...That's that, thanks for the video Ray!

damn i did not expect the lacrimosa thingy to turn out so good o_O

PRACTICING... diligently EVERY day on Tonic. Thanks Ray !!

What a fun idea!! The ending!! I loved it

Vienna philharmonic new year concert 2017 (Dudamel) was the one of my favorite year (I watch every year on TV/streaming). He was having such fun! And so cool you really went Paris to play!

Such trailer as waiting screen is just on point!

I shared your Vivaldi video with Emilio today on my Facebook. My aunt teaches Suzuki but I wanted her to see your video. Great video.

I went to the Firebird Suite at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as a teenager, I was obsessed with Fantasia 2000 and when I saw it was playing I immediately asked to go. I did fall asleep during that gorgeous peaceful piece, and was startled awake by the bird awakening. It was amazing though, I was so glad it woke me up cuz that’s my favorite part (after the ending bit, idk music terms) and I would have been upset if I missed it.

Pensacola, Fl symphony has this amazing conductor that stops and speaks to the audience about each piece explaining the music and it's history. And he encourages questions about it. It was so refreshing and engaging to go to their concerts.

I saw u already in that video with the last guy playing Vivaldi, it was so amazing!

That tictok brought me to your channel! Am now a sub!

I didn't realize Vivaldi was the trailer and I was just confused how Ray was gonna call out TikToks while performing. lol.

I'm not gonna lie, I smiled at the Dudamel concert tiktok, it looks so fun and everyone seems to be enjoying it!!!

RAY IS SUCH A COOL GUY. Reminds me of a modern day version of Leonard Bernstein... reaching out to we musicians in such a magnanimous way... which he would NEVER have to do. THANKS RAY !!!

Can't believe Ray actually went to paris on like a thought. Goshhh, this guy's impulsiveness! Thats what I need in life.

Agree that Tonic community is sooo encouraging ❤ hard to see an unpleasant comment no matter what's your level

Thank you for sharing TonicMusic....I am on fire and inspired to practice more.

I love the RU-vid video where a guy from the audiences jumps in to sing the tenor part with Lisette Oropesa. in her encore.

Wanted to see this for so long wow

What a freaking cliffhanger of ending, why are you hanging us out to dry like that haha

Only Ray can fly business to Paris only to track down a tik tok musician and to play with him.

Estuvo genial tu interpretación en París y este vídeo me encantó ❤

My first classical concert was your performance of the Tchaikovsky concerto with the Seattle Symphony ~2 years ago. Tchaikovsky's 4th symphony was on the 2nd half of the concert. While we unfortunately didn't quite get a scream like with the Stravinsky here (7:54), at the start of the finale after the 3rd movement you could feel the whole audience jolt awake!

Omggggg I saw the video with Emile first and then I saw this one and it was like a movie at the end 😂 I was anxious jajajajja!! Love your work!! ❤

These choices were wonderful, happy holidays!

Radetzki-Marsch ist ALWAYS played last at the Austrian Vienna Symphonie New Years concert :) A must watch every year as a true European (Austrian, German, Britisch Citizen) - Can definitely recommend! Is broadcasted internationally nowadays :) Always on the 1. of January in the late morning (Central European time)

Quite randomly, but I really love the 30 seconds when you film your travels on the plane and walking on the street; it feels so nice and real! You should do some vlogs when you're touring and traveling! I miss the backstage videos!

Love watching Ray's content ALWAYS but 1000 bonus points for the Snatch movie(?) flight clip :D PS: Where are the Tonic stickers !??!?!

So funny I just came from the last clip in this compilation featuring you, on the pianist channel, and I found out about you from TwoSetViolin I believe. I loved this video so enjoyable. ❤

I came here from the video that Emilio Piano made with you playing Vivaldi! lol

11:00 this is amazing talent musically vocally , this is 1 way to spread classical to younger generations mixing into pop (eg. Coolio+Canon in D)..I got goosebumps !

So this is the video that started the vivaldi with emilio.❤❤❤

That Strauss Piece Radetzkymarsch was in a commercial for corn in Germany a few decades ago, with animated scenes of corncobs marching to the music and some lyrics about marching corn added. This childhood memory is burned into my brain - and many other Germans - and I can't listen to that piece without visualizing that old tv commercial. You can still find it on youtube by searching for "Bonduelle Mais marschiert".

I have downloaded Tonic but haven't used it yet. I had my final class for the year yesterday, so is a good time for me to start using it to help me keep motivated until class starts again next year.

I'm so happy to see a clip by Mike Chen here! He's incredible and definitely super nice and passionat!

Ray, can you make a video on what exactly a conductor does in a concert and how it plays an effective role?

This video lead to collaboration with him😊 I look forward it, your video in Paris😂

At 5-15 years, I’ve met Emma from TheSeaStrings and she is such a sweetheart! I’ve had lessons from her too 🎻

Vienna Philharmonics! Radetzkymarsch 😊 and conductors always direct the audience when they play that piece 😊

One of my favorite classical pieces ❤ Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Winter is my favorite section 🥰

absolutely love your videos Ray. thank you for your frequent posts

You guys were great in Paris! 🎉

I replayed the 8:00 moment several times! Music having an impact! 😀I love the conductor's reaction too... just a restrained smile gradually appearing!

Hahaha love the audience conducting!! So fun!

Ray, that could happen. For Easter four of us as musicians got together knowing we were going to play two hymns for church but we had no idea how we would play them or what it would sound like. We sat down and jammed together.

7:40: This TikTok reminds me of a P.D.Q. Bach concert I attended. The orchestra was warming up and then all the musicians gradually stopped playing and slunk down in their seats. A stage hand came on and, holding up the two ends of an over-sized extension cord, dramatically plugged it in. The musicians sat up and continued tuning! Such a fun way to get the audience ready for the P.D.Q. Bach experience. (Forget violin concertos; you haven't lived until you've played a concerto for Horn and Hardart.)

Was listening to Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto once during a Power Nap, first two movements was just really nice, then came the third, I literally sat up like zombie when it started😂

Ray, in a concert, there are obviously great violinists in the orchestra, possibly able to do what you do, but they stay in the orchestra. What motivates one to be the soloist? Is it just a realization that you have something special that others just don’t have or just don’t want to put THAT much dedication in, to be like you? And then there is ego… but you have a tremendous charisma and charm in your playing. This could be said for Hilary Hahn or even Karolina Protsenko (

Omg the birthday thing would make me cry if I saw that live!! 😂

4:38 sounds like Part 1 of the Suzuki "Twinkle Variations"... ear training intended for beginners learning to play without sheet music. It's a show-off piece that kids would play in their first year-end recital for the parents. Great conducting of the "Radetzky March" by G Dudamel. 9:30 a total beginner conducting an orchestra is like the Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) comedy skit where he goes to a Christmas market and comes across some musicians. Mr. B picks up a baton and starts to conduct "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". The last 1 is quite amazing. The piano guy started as a solo and then switched to playing the same piece "Interstellar" as accompaniment with 2 violin solos. The thing that turn people off Classical music is the lack of audience participation. The majority of the Classical concerts we go to everybody is expected to sit quietly for the duration. Anybody who makes noise including sneezing or coughing, the next person would do the "Sh-h-h-h-h" to remind him/her to keep quiet.

I wish I was as dedicated to practising as Ray is to finding the pianist, even if he's gotta travel all the way to Paris for that.

Oh, and I also meant to say, Ray Chen, how impressed I am with your skills on what is my favorite instrument. I like anything with strings (along with many more instruments) but the violin is my favorite. I don't know if anyone else interprets it this way, but I classify violinists into two categories. Some have a masculine style of playing while others have a more feminine sound. The sound doesn't necessarily match a person's gender. For example Karen Briggs (like many females) has a masculine style/sound while Mary Simpson's style/sound is more feminine. (Neither style is better than the other.) BTW> You, Ray, have what I call a masculine style/sound and it's awesome.

14:28 - WORST Cliffhanger EVER!!!!!!!!!!! 😜😜😜😜😜😜😂😂

Just in time ✨❤

You silly man, you did the exact same thing, surprise the soloist on the piano!

11:20 lacrimosa guy really rizzed us all up -also first comment of 2024, HAPPY NEW YEAR YALL, BEST WISHESSS

11:10 - That MatKent guy is really creative AND talented (Multi-, at that). It was reall joy listening to his voice 🔥🔥😍😍👌👌

The interstellar ramdom collab could totally happen! Its as probable as your collab with Rob!

The ending to this video is underrated!

Nearly 5 years I have been playing violin and I am still at beginner level but close to intermediate level. I did a grade 3 abrsm violin performance exam 2.5 years from starting as an adult.

I've seen the 2nd last one before. It's by far my favourite one

See the pianist is also world class and has soloed with the polish phil and various other symphonies. I can actually believe it’s kinda real with very few practice sessions if both guys are at the top of the world in terms of skill.

0:16 sir. it is midnight. my neighbors will hate me 😩 (however, i played the violin only this morning, in fact, i had a really productive and super fun violin lesson this morning) also omggg i saw that video of you and the french guy on instagram, how fun to learn the backstory 😂

Ray: Its a bit of sus... 🤔 Also Ray in another video: Is that Vivaldi?

The rude comments you mentioned reading are something every musician could do without. Although I'm not a musician, I have noticed something that most musicians seem to have in common. When I see negative remarks in the comments from people who claim to be musicians themselves, sometimes I can't stop myself from striking back at them. They think the internet is a place where anyone can be anything they aspire to be. But they often give themselves away. What I've noticed is that in any field - music to construction, impostors are quick to criticize and they don't mind being rude either. But a real musician is far less likely to openly insult the skills of another musician. It's true of other professions, but to a lesser degree. I can't confirm this theory, but of the few times I have outright accused a person of pretending to be a musician when he isn't (because of his rude comment/insult directed toward a musician in a video) I have never received any kind of response from the person I called out. I know there will always be exceptions, but I have to believe that most musicians are above such childish behavior. In fact, judging from the few famous musicians I have met, they seem to be relaxed, easy-going people (as opposed to uptight like some celebrities can be.) Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

since i started watching ray chen videos again i think i found my motivation to practice LMAOO

In view of TwoSet not posting, Ray has become my daily practice motivation. Could you please shame me into practicing a little more through the video? A "go practice, you disappointment" at the end wouldn't go amiss either.

I honestly also wondered about your performance with him.

LMAO NO WAY I SAW THE TIKTOK WITH THAT PIANIST

10:29 OMG this give me chills 😊 13:07 I have just saw the video of you playing with him😂

It's by Strauss Sr :) And yeah, the Vienna Phil play it every year at the New Year's concert

Hahaha he's playing with emiliano with really high excitement like 2 best friends playing in rivalry 😂😂😂

I'm practicing scales with this video in the background. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO NOT PRACTICE.

Didn't Paganini intentionally weaken strings to have them snap mid performance and just keep going? Definitely a pro move! :D

My son would have that enraptured look of reverence when he heard classical music that he liked. When he was still in his walker he would hurry up to the stereo and listen in silence all the way through, if he liked it! If he didn't he would voce his opinion loudly and with body language! 😅 If it was an opera he disliked he would turn and leave the room with a very obvious look of disgust on his little cherub face! He was such a snob! 😂❤

5:46 The song is called Radetzky March.