When I was six or seven, I woke up one morning to the sound of beautiful orchestral music coming from the living room. I was instantly drawn to it and wanted to know more.

“Mom, what kind of music is this?” I asked.
“It’s called classical music,” she replied.
And a lifelong love began.

I eagerly went through every CD in our home collection that included classical tracks. Some of the pieces that caught my young ears were the first movement of Mozart’s String Quartet in B-flat Major, K. 458 (“The Hunt”) and The Skater’s Waltz by Émile Waldteufel. Many of the CDs were actually labeled “music for prenatal care.” While I can’t say my fascination started before I was born, classical music certainly played a big role in shaping my emotional world during childhood.

My family supported my precocious taste in music and bought more classical music CDs. I devoured them at every chance I got—and naturally, I began to crave hearing them live.

My mom, a music lover herself, bought a subscription to our local symphony, which was successfully building its brand after hiring a renowned conductor. I loved going to the monthly concerts with her and my unknowing younger brother. I especially remember the conductor always ending the program with Radetzky March as an encore—an uplifting finale that became part of my childhood soundtrack.

When I was old enough to afford tickets myself, I found immense joy in browsing concert programs and carefully choosing which performances to attend.

My love for classical music laid the foundation for appreciating many other genres over the years—pop, ambient, sacred music, film scores, video game music, and more. Whenever I burn out on one genre, I always find myself coming back to classical. I also developed a fascination with the classical arts and literature that have stood the test of time—curious to understand what gives them such lasting power.

During the 2024–2025 season, I subscribed to my city’s ballet, opera, and symphony—some of the best in the world. Through that experience, I gained a new appreciation for the value of live performance and stagecraft. I marveled at the stunning stage design, costumes, and direction that bring even more richness to the music at the core.

It all confirmed something I’ve come to believe deeply: classical music lies at the foundation of so many forms of art. And for me, it remains a wellspring of inspiration, comfort, and wonder.