In the early morning hours of October 15, 2024, fans of the world’s favorite classical music duo were stunned by a message posted on one of their social media platforms: “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. We’ve all grown up together, and it’s kind of surreal that we’re ending our chapter here. Thank you for all the laughs, the genuine encounters in real life and all the special moments we’ve had with you online and offline. Much love, Brett and Eddy.’”
The news sent shockwaves through their global fanbase. Known as TwoSetViolin, Australian-Chinese violinists Brett Yang and Eddy Chen had built an online empire over the past eleven years, promoting classical music in a way that resonated with millions. Their YouTube channel, with over a billion views, started with humorous takes on violin playing and the quirks of classical music, which quickly amassed a dedicated following. Over time, they expanded their influence, producing hundreds of videos, touring internationally, and collaborating with world-class musicians. Their rise even earned them an invitation to the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition in Brussels, a classical music competition held in honor of the Queen of Belgium.
Since starting their channel, Brett and Eddy have grown their community base. Their content has ranged from light-hearted skits about violin and self-esteem struggles to insightful discussions on mental health and social media’s impact on young musicians. They also created the iconic character “Ling Ling,” a fictional prodigy who came to embody their aspirations and ideals as musicians. Ling Ling became a symbol of the perfection and dedication they humorously strived for, resonating with fans as a reflection of their shared dreams and challenges in music. They brought joy to classical music lovers and newcomers alike.
TwoSetViolin’s most popular videos explored and expanded on the concept of a musical “prodigy”—young musicians with exceptional talent. While highlighting the brilliance of these gifted children and advocating for their recognition, Brett and Eddy also challenged traditional notions of what it means to be a prodigy. Beyond countless hours of practice, natural talent, or accolades from prestigious competitions, they emphasized that true mastery stems from a musician’s mindset, motivations, and passion for their craft. Through their unique approach, the duo inspired millions, even those who had never picked up an instrument, to explore and appreciate the world of classical music.
However, their recent message suggests that this chapter has come to an end, and their presence on the internet may be gone for good.
Currently, TwoSet’s YouTube channel contains only 29 publicly available videos, a significant reduction from its extensive catalog. Both Brett and Eddy have also wiped nearly all of their personal Instagram posts, leaving just three, a move that left fans around the world in shock and dismay. Renowned violinist Hilary Hahn, a world-class musician, reacted by commenting, “So many congrats on a job well done! And thank you for everything you have done for the musical community. Not just classical! You guys rock.”
The internet is abuzz with speculation and controversy surrounding the sudden disappearance, but for now, it appears that TwoSetViolin, as fans knew it, is over.