October 15, 2024

The University of Minnesota is looking for an internationally renowned pianist to join their faculty — for the grand salary of $47K a year. Because, you know, nothing says 'world-class artist' like budgeting for ramen and bus fare!

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In this week’s email:

The big idea: TwoSet Violin bids farewell after 11 years
Making news: Joshua Bell takes the baton at New Jersey Symphony
Talking points: Arts Council England reflects on opera report missteps
Laugh of the week

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

Weekly selections are based on sales numbers and albums we simply love and think you NEED to hear!

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THE BIG IDEA

TwoSet Violin Bids Farewell After 11 Years

After over a decade of viral success and reshaping the classical music world through humour, Australian violin duo TwoSet Violin — Brett Yang and Eddy Chen — have announced they’re stepping away from content creation.

In a heartfelt message shared on Threads, the pair wrote, “This will be the last piece of content we post as TwoSet Violin… It’s been a wild ride with you all for the last 11 years.” Fans across the globe are saying their goodbyes, with the duo leaving behind a legacy of laughter, music, and thoughtful conversations about the pressures of the classical world.

From YouTube to Worldwide Fame

TwoSet Violin rose to prominence by blending classical music with comedy, making the often-intimidating genre more accessible. Their YouTube channel, launched in 2013, became a hub for young musicians and classical music fans alike, as Brett and Eddy poked fun at music stereotypes, shared their struggles, and humanized the often high-brow world of classical performance. Over the years, their witty sketches and comedic challenges earned them more than 4 million subscribers.

Addressing Mental Health in Classical Music

Beyond laughs, the duo used their platform to address significant issues in the industry, particularly mental health. With humor as their vehicle, they shed light on the high-pressure environment many classical musicians face, creating a space for open dialogue.

A Golden Milestone

In November 2022, TwoSet celebrated a massive milestone: surpassing four million YouTube subscribers. To mark the occasion, they performed alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, playing on two 1708 Stradivarius violins from the maker’s ‘Golden Period’—a dream come true for the pair.

While this may be their final act as TwoSet Violin, Brett and Eddy's influence will resonate for years to come in both the classical music community and the digital world.

TOUR DE HEADLINES

(L-R) Midori Komachi (Photo: Shizuki Kumanada); Imogen Holst (Photo: George C. Beresford)

Uncovered Imogen Holst Violin Concerto to Receive First Public Performance — Violinist Midori Komachi will give the first public performance of Imogen Holst’s Violin Concerto on November 24, 2024, nearly 90 years after it was composed. Discovered in the Britten Pears Arts Archive, the concerto is rooted in folk traditions, and Komachi’s performance will be accompanied by the Elgar Sinfonia under Adrian Brown. | The Strad

New Orchestra Launched in London to Support Emerging Musicians — The newly launched Chromatica Orchestra in London aims to support emerging musicians by offering performance opportunities and collaborations with early-career conductors. In their debut concert on October 8, 2024, they performed works by Copland, Barber, and de Falla, and involved secondary school students in a unique side-by-side performance. | London Post

Eighteen Treated for Severe Nausea in Stuttgart After Opera of Live Sex and Piercing — Florentina Holzinger’s controversial opera Sancta in Stuttgart left 18 audience members requiring medical attention for severe nausea, following scenes featuring live piercing, unsimulated sex, and the use of real and fake blood. The Austrian choreographer, known for provocative performances blending dance and vaudeville, sparked further debate with her reinterpretation of Paul Hindemith’s Sancta Susanna, which has been criticized by church figures but remains a sellout in Germany. | The Guardian

Meet the Chihuahua Taking a Starring Role With Scottish Opera — Bridget, a chihuahua with stage experience, is stealing the spotlight in Scottish Opera’s latest production of Don Pasquale. Playing a key role as a dog disguised as a cat, Bridget impresses audiences, with her backstage support coming from daughter Charlotte and granddaughter Rita, who also have a history of performing, ensuring that the doggy dynasty continues to shine on stage. | BBC

MAKING NEWS

Joshua Bell (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony)

Joshua Bell Takes the Baton at New Jersey Symphony

World-renowned violinist Joshua Bell is stepping into a new role with the New Jersey Symphony, becoming its first-ever Principal Guest Conductor starting in the 2025–26 season.

What’s up: Bell will lead the Symphony for one major program each season through 2029, with more collaborations yet to be announced. This marks the continuation of a decades-long relationship with the orchestra, most recently highlighted by Bell's performance and conducting debut with them in 2023.

A bit of background: Bell’s impressive career as a violinist has seen him perform with every major orchestra and lead as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. His upcoming stint at the New Jersey Symphony adds another conducting feather to his cap.

Not just a musical virtuoso, Bell’s accolades include six GRAMMY nominations and honors like the Avery Fisher Prize and Paez Medal of Art. Oh, and did we mention he plays a 1713 Stradivarius?

Sounds like New Jersey’s in for some seriously refined strings.

TALKING POINTS

Photo courtesy of the Arts Council England

Arts Council England Reflects on Opera Report Missteps

Arts Council England (ACE) has admitted it overlooked key areas in its recent analysis of UK opera, specifically educational initiatives and access programs.

Catch-up: The report, Let’s Create: Opera and Music Theatre Analysis, sparked a backlash after highlighting diversity issues and overstretched funding, all while failing to delve into the sector’s strength in learning and community participation.

In response: As reported in the Stage, ACE acknowledged its shortcomings and laid out plans for improvement, including fostering talent development and balancing new and traditional opera. With the opera sector facing major challenges — ranging from a lack of diversity to data collection woes — ACE remains optimistic, citing widespread interest in innovative approaches and a renewed focus on touring and new work.

Still, with funding pressures mounting, the road to reform won’t be smooth. But ACE seems committed to fine-tuning its strategies and supporting opera’s future.

GAMES

Nothing says Monday like a mini-crossword .

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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