We are fans of Mozart and Beethoven, as well 'South Park' and Borat. We believe that we can attract many people who eschew the serious ambiance of concert halls and don't go to classical music concerts because of such reasons. However, there is a 'serious humor' on the stage: funny and ridiculous. That is important!

The quote, "We are fans of Mozart and Beethoven, as well 'South Park' and Borat. We believe that we can attract many people who eschew the serious ambiance of concert halls and don't go to classical music concerts because of such reasons. However, there is a 'serious humor' on the stage: funny and ridiculous. That is important!", comes from Aleksey Igudesman, a violinist and composer known for blending classical music with comedy in his performances. In this statement, Igudesman emphasizes the crossover between high culture (like Mozart and Beethoven) and more contemporary, irreverent humor (such as South Park and Borat), highlighting his approach to make classical music more accessible and entertaining.

Igudesman and his creative partner, Richard Hyung-ki Joo, aim to attract audiences who might feel alienated by the often serious ambiance of traditional classical music concerts. By blending classical music with humor, they seek to make the concert experience more relatable, allowing audiences to connect with the music in a new way. They want to appeal to those who might not typically attend classical performances because they find them too formal or inaccessible.

The concept of "serious humor" is central to Igudesman’s philosophy. He believes that humor on stage doesn’t necessarily have to undermine the seriousness of the performance. Instead, humor can coexist with deep, meaningful artistry, making the experience both funny and profound. By mixing ridiculous moments with musical expertise, Igudesman creates a performance that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, allowing the audience to appreciate classical music through a more playful lens.

Ultimately, Igudesman’s quote highlights the importance of blending genres—in this case, classical music with comedy—to reach a broader and more diverse audience. He is redefining what it means to appreciate classical music, showing that it can be both serious and fun, intellectual and lighthearted, all at once. This fusion of humor and musical excellence breaks down barriers and allows for a more inclusive approach to enjoying art.