From Paganini to pop culture parody, TikTok is transforming the way young audiences discover classical music. With short-form videos blending virtuosic performance, meme culture and digital storytelling, a new generation of artists is reaching millions – and reimagining what it means to be a classical musician in the 21st century.
This trend is echoed in Australia, where organisations like the Australian Youth Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have launched TikTok channels aimed at younger audiences. But some artists are still sceptical.