Backstage with Ray Chen: San Francisco Symphony

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Ever wonder what the soloist is doing before he/she walks out onto the stage? Practicing? Eating? Or perhaps doing some sort of secret warm up technique that ensures a successful concert? Well now you get to see what happens! Join me backstage at one of the most prestigious venues - Davies Symphony Hall with the San Francisco Symphony and conductor Cristian Macelaru!

[@RayChenViolinist]

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[@Ellie-iz4pz]

"Alright now, UNPREPARED!" Ray trying to surprise himself is seriously the best thing😂

[@roiiluz6620]

what piece is it?

[@veloqis]

@@roiiluz6620: Symphonie Espagnole by Edouard Lalo.

[@florailonastahl2609]

LingLing workout 😆

[@rambomhtri]

How can you make jokes like that when your head is telling you that in just 2 minutes you're gonna be in front of hundreds of people and critics watching you, every step, little error, every out of tune note, every bow movement? This was a really rich experience to watch in a video. It may seem just a random backstage video, but I felt for a moment 1% of your pressure, and I find these kind of videos really interesting because we always see the stage violinist but never the human violinist behind. Thank you, I'm delighted.

[@remember9097]

Broo, this comment is just beautiful..

[@enshk79]

That’s what I’ve been thinking exactly. It’s mind boggling how well he can handle that pressure. I’d die from stress. And that’s why I’m not a world class concert musician

[@inezspuijman5815]

I love how he's always super excited about eating a sandwich😂

[@hello_iamjenny5931]

Same

[@ScionSchnee]

Because backstage meal always tastes the best. - Ray 2020

[@kristenapostol6288]

I love these videos because they make professional musicians seem so much more human

[@nocturnalhiraeth]

Then comes 3:15

[@user-il2ue2ip1f]

"Don't come in!.. I'm naked!" continues to laugh maniacally

[@wendyy.8401]

I actually felt nervous watching this.

[@Roescoe]

Same, the silence was deafening.

[@Isi-km2ln]

Me too, because Ray is just so natural that I felt with him nervous

[@EduArt_Violin]

@@Roescoe x297

[@clemens9428]

As a musician myself my nervousness climaxes how closer he gets to the point of going on stage. When he stood at the side of the stage my heart was pounding :D

[@feimimi]

Bro same omg

[@wifebeater69]

Agreed, I can't imagine being a soloist. Being in the orchestra already makes me nervous!

[@sofiaeleanore5002]

*Ray Chen being a ling ling for 6 minutes and 45 seconds straight*

[@charlietian9843]

ray better than ling ling

[@NaruCale]

@@charlietian9843 Ling Ling is every composer and soloist combine. No one can dare to be equal or greater than Ling Ling. 😊

[@francislastufka2688]

so true..."oui oui"

[@varunsathya1912]

@@charlietian9843 true ling ling wrote the piece

[@charlietian9843]

@@NaruCale except ray is real

[@Pattydupre5]

Honestly, this man is reinventing how we approach classical music. I love it.

[@katie4623]

This was so interesting for me. I've never been backstage right before a show before. I actually felt nervous for you although I was also surprised that you still feel nervous.

[@chamallow989]

I am far from being a soloist, but the feeling of having to go on stage, and the relief when you are done must be universal xD

[@mprz052]

but then you usually have to do it multiple nights in a row lol

[@hannahz6444]

"oh, it sounds so much better on violin" offended pianist

[@hannahz6444]

@@SelenaGiline can't fight that, I also play violin... piano is still the superior instrument tho

[@rimoumamari7346]

Sounds way better on a strad

[@sterlingwu3970]

@@hannahz6444 *tRiGgErEd*

[@santimazo4037]

@@hannahz6444 you Pharisee...

[@b.quinchana]

@@hannahz6444 You fool. The viola is the most superior.

[@sohyeonryu781]

So this is it! I remember my feelings before every concert starts. Arrive at the hall, grab some snacks and drinks, buy the program book, sit on the audience seat, waiting for the music. Those thrill, excitement, expectation. It's from completely opposite side but I think there are some commons. I remenber hearing his violin behind the stage door, when I was sitting in the front line. This is so real :) It reminds me of many things🎵

[@nishikata24]

“Wow so many people!” “Sandwich time!” “Say hi to the camera!” Hi camera This is great!

[@drandrewtan]

Shortest concerto ever! It was over in seconds! Don’t know why Ray was so nervous eh?

[@Roescoe]

Yeah I'm not sure if he even played a single note.

[@varunsathya1912]

Very funny, andrew.

[@JSB2500]

The short ones are the worst! 😮😂

[@feathersmcgraw4650]

I just realized that Chen’s fingers are long and beautiful ... ;-;

[@fionarozario]

So calming to know that someone as awesome as you also goes through the same feelings that we beginners go through before a performance...I screwed up my exam piece for grade 4 because I was nervous 😟

[@veloqis]

My teachers have always told me that the best defense against nervousness is being very well-prepared. I have always found that to be quite true. Of course, there's always going to be some degree of nerves for almost any player, but a little bit actually helps your performance.

[@islarebecca8604]

Your exam will have been fine. I messed up all my pieces and made up a few scales in grade 5 and still somehow passed

[@fionarozario]

princess of pain 😀

[@kennethhwang3425]

A wise woman, who is a triathlete, once told me that it never feels less painful, you just get stronger.

[@haslindamahmood2131]

You should try acting or comedy next. Your personality is infectious

[@veloqis]

Ray's already made several comedy videos!

[@anikabhawalkar2814]

3:39 that smile- he knows he nailed it :)

[@jestonlupiano]

“Comes out of a Tesla” that’s how you make a good impression

[@lorengigi3564]

Omg I was in that concert!!

[@KSfan4ever]

The overwhelming beauty of sound that Ray entices from that incredible instrument blows my mind.

[@ofsabir]

*I want more of this series*

[@neraknerak1]

He's such a little kid at heart! It's so cute.

[@AshleyHKim-se6tf]

this video conveys soo much nervousness &excitement energy..😂 it really gets extra nervous when you‘re in a waiting room alone.. and it feels much more comfortable to have friend or someone to talk to before the concert even though you know you‘re gonna be performing a solo.

[@jessicavasquez7991]

Him changing his accent when in America is just so cute 😂

[@Maria-fm5nw]

Thank you do much for sharing this moment with us :)

[@lillyyangflute]

Awww Ray thank you so much for sharing this with us. You’re so amazing! All the best from Australia!

[@Rien0815]

So cool 👍🏻 Thank you for sharing that with us 🎉

[@JoseWui]

You need to continue making more backstage videos! Love these

[@sebsubZz]

Very interesting!

[@pam1830]

LOVE this! I’ll remember this at my recital in a few weeks. SO FREAKING NERVOUS and I’m an amateur.

[@rec2you]

Oh, the excitement before the performance! I felt it with my whole body!

[@neoniahazelwood9263]

Ray always looks great and I love his voice, outstanding performances and great sense of humor.

[@Peechiness]

I'm seeing Ray's Recital this Sunday Nov 3 in SF again actually. Cannot wait!!!!

[@mingchin8699]

Ray Chen is really funny! Keep up the good work on this channel!

[@manafjamal4965]

Love you man you are among the reason why i still love playing the turturing instrument and to be oneday like you hopefully attend one lovely concert played by these golden fingers much love 😘

[@carolinebray82]

I'm glad you can still play, the wall thing is calming, and that you ride in a Tesla model X, rock out Ray Chen 🎻🤗🎼👍🤘

[@neilcam]

That was great fun! Used to love going to Davies Hall to see concerts when I lived in Santa Cruz, 100km south of San Francisco. The SFO also used to put on concerts in nearby San Jose as well, which were easier to get to, but didn't have that cachet that Davies Hall has.

[@carolineandtigger]

I enjoyed this video very much. Thank you for sharing.

[@elmundodelamusicaescolar3834]

Fantastico , eres una persona real , no pierdas tu humor eso te caracteriza como una gran persona Grande Maestro

[@NeoAnthony]

Such a mental atmosphere!! Ray is such a pro!

[@garysandiego]

This guy is so...nice. And a fantastic violinist

[@CaptainRon1913]

I would love to play this video on the big screen in my Son's orchestra class, then have you walk into the class and have some musical fun with the kids. You are truly an inspiration. Keep up the great work Rey, cheers!

[@islarebecca8604]

I play in a youth regional group and backstage for us is like a mad house.

[@benedicttambiga7725]

I Also Punch Air as A WarmUp...

[@jennieliang6861]

好爱backstage系列！多多更新please!!!!

[@user-wj3jv5jo9b]

love your playing❤️❤️

[@marvinloay1442]

Nice to have a backstage view once, got the privilege of seeing you this februari in the Netherlands

[@edyuentt]

Great, Ray. Good show

[@willy_wombat]

Such a likeable nice guy. And great musician. 🥰

[@user-nx4pq1ly5l]

"Don't come in, I'm naked", fly check" 😂😂😂 Ray, you made my day !

[@levinabenita3487]

I've been in many piano competition when i was young and I definitely nervous everytime. I can even feel how nervous you are rey and maybe I am even more nervous than you XD. But one thing that I find can help me prepared backstage is jokes and comedies. I remember on several occasion when I was left laughing and filled with joy just before I went on stage bcs of my friends are joking or telling me funny stories, it somehow soothe me and make me somehow feel more confident and play smoothly

[@Cellooboy]

I love your backstage video! Please do more

[@unfinishedcgirat]

I was at this concert and it's nice finding this video months later. :P

[@serenadeforwinds]

As a inexperienced musician i must say i freak out when i have to play in front of people... But just seeing even Ray Chen guets nervous makes me feel really better... Makes me feel Human. Thank you Ray Chen!

[@Elfango]

Keep up the great content, you should have more subscribers, really.

[@MattB90]

This was the best video ever! When we are allowed to have concerts again can we get the entire day of the concert vlog??! i know its asking a lot but I promise to buy a ticket to your performance the next time youre in NY :)

[@RodrigoGarciaViolin]

Maestro You’re great!!

[@euomu]

Such a beautiful creature

[@antoniuspirus]

Para mim, melhor violinista da atualidade.

[@chenyua02]

Keep up the great work!

[@prodvi333]

Я прям вместе с ним заволновался, этот трогательный момент выхода на сцену)

[@tirzakharisma3566]

Even if I never play in a stage like this, I remember my nervousness before I performed. Now I don't perform, I hardly play piano again... but I miss the feelings of this achievement.

[@saraferrandez.violist]

Love it!

[@03333032]

He was the youngest winner of our Belgian Queen Elisabeth concours in 2009.

[@jennieliang6861]

just love Ray so much haha

[@nancyjfs]

Thanks to TwoSet Violin I now know about you. Next time you play with the San Francisco Symphony, I'll be at your concert! I have loved watching your videos!

[@loc12345pro]

So many emotions in only ~7 minutes

[@charlottebai5906]

Your fingers are sooooo pretty !

[@garychangarychan]

I love this violinist!:)

[@naomitiefenbrunn2857]

This is gold

[@adaliaht.spears639]

I love your humor. XD

[@wric01]

Getting psyched to do the job is indeed high pressure.

[@akikokoide5705]

Great Video!!! Thanks.I see your humble & humorous personality as such a great violinist. YOU get nervous?

[@rogert5854]

Thank you for sharing with us. Have a most wonderful 2019! Peace and all good! :)

[@tallfrog1234]

thats what happens when I am in my seat, you were great. I was there!

[@waverly2468]

One of my favorite recordings of this is Mischa Elman, part of the "Big Violin Box" on Amazon that you can get for around $6.

[@melancholicruby2873]

I wonder when are you going to perform a concert in the Philippines? I wanna hear you live!

[@practicboi40hrs46]

Is it just me or does ray always have the best interpretations

[@abbyyyay]

Hihi do you know what song he played ??

[@RapidBlaster]

@@abbyyyay Lalo, synfonie espagnole

[@violinplayer0595]

How are u so good! I AM SO JEALOUS

[@alicewu4277]

We were there👍👍

[@kaorubanana405]

I love this scene from 2:19❤️❤️

[@portraitbyelise2309]

0:18 OMG, that epic arrival ! I didn't see that coming 😂. Are you Bruce Wayne Ray ?

[@reilywang1409]

More, more backstageeeee

[@bizet7416]

3:52 “WOW I’m not nervous anymore”-Ray “I’m to hung over to be nervous”-Two sets mix of Paganini

[@user-se5kj4ir2j]

Sandwich time is the best time!!

[@EmanuelEstradaYarce]

Haha thanks for sharing this. I'll have to try going to the corner with my head against the wall to see if it really works.

[@bobhall1515]

I love Davies. I sang with the chorus of the sfs. The Sfsc. I wish I could have seen you there.

[@titanik5160]

Ray chen is proffesional violinis i wish you succses

[@nataliefuchsova1927]

Omg, i was so nervous watching this video xd

[@user-pp1wd2im1e]

nice!!

[@YNGVIRTUOSOVIOLIST]

Yeeeeees Ray!!!!

[@JinnyLeeViolinStudio]

I was so nervous when you said 2 min. lol

[@ElopeStudio]

Another talented stand up comedy genius lost to the violin army

[@joanmdelarosa7753]

Jajajaja oh god my friend i was nervous too jajajaja watching this video!!!!

[@Cindy-qo2uo]

you are so super cute, thanks for sharing this!

[@derrickseo503]

OH it's at the Walt Disney Concert Hall! I've played there 5 times now! Dang I wish I payed a solo. I just played the Mendelsohn at Colburn (Zipper Hall) YESTERDAY! Maybe when I'm 15...

[@derrickseo503]

Sorry I spelled things wrong.

[@RosieDuck]

1:39 when you have an actual bruise from the violin tho... :o

[@JacquelineTrieu]

Gülhis that’s what i thought!! it *is* a bruise though right? 🤭

[@kristintripp967]

@@JacquelineTrieu , it’s called a “violin hickey.” 😝 For real. Google it.