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Ray Chen: 'My goal is to create positive change through the power of music'
🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

Ray Chen: 'My goal is to create positive change through the power of music'

From Dong-A Ilbo · (6h ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Violinist Ray Chen, with 2 million social media followers, is redefining classical performance by connecting with audiences online and on stage.
  • Chen emphasizes 'connection' as his core musical philosophy, adapting classical music for contemporary audiences through innovative communication methods.
  • He co-founded the 'Tonic' platform during the pandemic for global musicians to practice together online and will perform a recital in Seoul on June 4th.

As a publication deeply invested in the cultural landscape, we are thrilled to feature the innovative spirit of violinist Ray Chen. In a world increasingly dominated by digital interaction, Chen stands out as a true '21st-century classical musician,' seamlessly bridging the gap between the concert hall and the online sphere. His ability to connect with over two million followers across platforms like YouTube and Instagram is not just a testament to his musical talent, but also to his forward-thinking approach to engaging audiences.

I will choose a life with music again even if I am reborn.

— Ray ChenExpressing his deep commitment to his musical career in a written interview.

Chen's philosophy of 'connection' resonates profoundly. He understands that classical music, while timeless, must evolve to remain relevant. His co-founding of the 'Tonic' platform, enabling musicians worldwide to practice and connect virtually, is a brilliant example of this adaptation. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community among artists but also showcases how technology can be harnessed to enrich the classical music experience, a perspective often overlooked by more traditional Western media outlets that may focus solely on performance metrics.

I feel the purest joy when a clear connection is formed with the audience on stage.

— Ray ChenDescribing his experience performing live.

His upcoming recital in Seoul on June 4th promises a rich tapestry of musical eras, from Baroque to Romantic. Chen views this performance not merely as a concert, but as a 'course meal' for the audience, offering a diverse palate of sounds and styles. This thoughtful curation aims to spark curiosity and encourage deeper exploration of classical works, ensuring the enduring legacy of composers like Bach, Mozart, Grieg, and Sarasate. It's this dedication to both artistic excellence and audience enrichment that makes Chen a unique figure in the classical music world, and a story we are proud to share.

Classical music has not only survived through change but has sometimes led it. It has adapted through every technological era.

— Ray ChenDiscussing the evolution of classical music.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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