Ray Chen Breaks a String – Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Ray Chen breaks a string during a performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, conducted by Ludovic Morlot.

Proudly Performed and Filmed at Benaroya Hall in Downtown Seattle

2021–2022 Masterworks Season Sponsor: Delta Air Lines

[m.barrera]

After so many exchanges, at the end of the concert they were trying to figure out who had their violin, hahaha

[johnchessant]

Rare audience laughter during a classical performance :D

[violinhunter]

Initially, at the exchange of violins, the difference in sound is really evident. As it goes along, it becomes less apparent. Ray manages to extract HIS sound - to a degree - from the substitute fiddle. Bravo!!!

[sungpackhong]

He is always so powerful and energetic. His bow strings are often torn off during performance. I love his passion

[giocosovelasco]

Ray: **breaks string**
Meanwhile the concertmaster: finally... i have acquired *THE STRAD!*

[daniiiieelle]

The piece is called Tchaikovsky violin concerto in D op 35

[jaredoaks]

The seamlessness of the teamwork is moving to me.

[DennisBLee]

Absolute professionalism by Ray as well as the entire orchestra. Bravo!

[redawsome]

Tchaikovsky violin concerto never been this exciting

[aedegroot]

Off all the moments of this concerto for this to happen, right before the cadenza is kind of brutal

[dudeforcaster]

Interesting to hear the tonal difference between the 2 instruments. The concertmaster's violin, although louder, sounded quite shrill by comparison.

[Tea-xmub]

That has to be the coolest thing I've ever seen haha! He didn't miss a beat despite the string snapping

[wendymarvell]

00:22 so everybody's been talking about the passing of the violin and the comedic effect at the end but I'm thinking WOW THE ORCH IS SO AMAZING FOR FOLLOWING RAY'S CUE THERE TO MOVE BACK A COUPLE OF MEASURES SO HE CAN SWAP VIOLINS AND STILL MAKE IT TO THE ENTRY OF THE NEXT PHRASE

man, if I were there, and then he suddenly moved back I would be so lost HAHAHAHHAHA


also, another one: as soon as he gets the new violin he plays as if he wants to break the string again HAHAHHAHAHA
(I'm not saying this as mockery, it's actually very hard to play that well. As expected of a world class violinist)

[mikethefish]

I would love to see the full performance... and then the ovation at the end by the audience and orchestra for a magnificent recovery!

[rontyler]

In any sport or endeavor, it's a treat to watch a real pro at work.

[percyvolnar]

The way they handed his violin through the string section was incredible. Seattle Symphony never fails.

[HaifaaAmni]

0:24 omg that part is rlly good. usually it's rlly fast but him playing it slow is like heaven

[liamnevilleviolist]

I just wanted to mention that (until 0:08) is part of my favourite section of the entire Tchaikovsky concerto. Ray is playing a theme here on its second happening, and then it starts to really but I'm so glad to see that the string snapped during the dissonant modulation and not before with the beautiful harmonies!!!

[trippceyssens]

It happened again, at tonight's performance of Korngold's Violin Concerto! Really funny to see it happen another time

[mikeg]

This is my 3rd time watching this video. Amazing! Nice recovery!