Viewers drawn to concerts in cyberspace

Loyal following

Bilibili, which uses bullet screens in videos and livestreams, has a loyal following among young fans. As a result, the concert features performances not only of classical pieces by Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, but also those adapted from popular movies and animations.

Screens will be set up onstage for the musicians to read comments posted by viewers. "It's a different way to interact with audiences, especially young people," Cao said.

In January, the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra launched a series of programs on its Bilibili channel, with musicians sharing stories about classical music.

"We introduce the music in a simple and humorous way, and have attracted many young fans," Cao said, adding that the videos have been watched millions of times. Over the past three months, the number of the orchestra's fans on Bilibili has risen from just 200 to more than 12,000.

Founded in 2012, the orchestra has recruited musicians from around the country, mostly those younger than 30. To bring classical music closer to the public, it has been looking at different types of performance.

For example, the orchestra has held outdoor concerts at landmark sites in Xi'an, such as the Terracotta Warriors Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

It also trains amateur singers in Xi'an every weekend, with courses being held online as a result of the outbreak.

"We've seen many theaters and concert halls cancel their shows and even shut down because of the outbreak. It's affecting musicians worldwide," Cao said. "However, we have also found that many musicians have kept their music going, either playing their instruments at home or connecting with fans online."

The spread of COVID-19 is having a significant impact on large events, including cultural and classical music performances worldwide.

Major venues such as the Royal Opera House in London and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington have closed.

Pianist Yuja Wang, who canceled a European tour, said on her website on March 11: "I am sad to share with you that I need to cancel my remaining solo tour dates in Europe. Unfortunately, due to the current climate of uncertainty, and related logistical challenges, it is not possible for me to continue the tour."

Pianist Lang Lang's concert in Freiburg, Germany, on March 13, was also canceled due to the outbreak.