Music is often hailed as the universal language. But what about classical music? Would it be appealing for younger generations too?
One double bass community that classical music doesn't pique the interest of young people due to its pace and rhythm. And unlike pop tune, this kind of music also tends to have longer duration that challenges teen's attention span.
But this doesn't apply to those who are members of the Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra (CDYO) group.
With dozens of members ranging from year 6 to university students, the group - which started in 2018 with only three instrumentalists - is exploring classical music with a different touch.
The stigma is that usually classical music is for old people, it’s boring.Hans Sangtoki - Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra's principal conductor
Listen to
Classical music is boring, only for old people? This youth orchestra in Sydney breaks the stigma
SBS Indonesian
19/12/202318:17
This year, the group whose members have Indonesian backgrounds held their second major concert on 16 December at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Hoping to stay true to their roots, CDYO also performed Indonesian song compositions such as Ampar Ampar Pisang and Indonesia Pusaka, in addition to compositions by classical musicians such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Edvard Grieg.
I didn’t think in the future I’d be playing classical music but now it’s like one of my passions.Owen Usain - Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra's percussionist
Not all members of the group had been familiar with music or their instruments before they joined in. Some even have never played any instruments before.
Owen Usain, a Year 9 student and percussionist, admitted that he was previously not interested in music let alone classical music. Now, after two years of studying music with this group, he can play various percussion instruments.
Emily Santoso, a pianist-turned-clarinettist who is in Year 10, shared that it was tricky to play a woodwind instrument but she persevered.
Listen to their stories and more.
Listen to
Young people playing classical music? This is what they've got to say - Owen (L, percussionist) and Dylan Usain (double bassist)
02:23
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Playing the clarinet is more interesting than the piano? - Emily Santoso, clarinettist
02:25
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How is the group's journey to the concert and what are the challenges they have to face? - Hans Sangtoki, principal conductor
04:00
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Second big concert from Cantate Deo Youth Orchestra - Hika Njotoputro (L) and Mahiera Kasumaputri, MC
05:25
