When this South Korean orchestra played Twilight hit “A Thousand Years,” they deeply touched fans with their emotional performance. Layers Classic created a simply beautiful orchestral version of Christina Perri’s ballad, and the cello melody will really tear your heart out. The group began the song with a gentle piano part, before cellist Dae-Youn Kim played an aching melody. Dae-Youn really has the Midas touch, as he makes the melody sound like a voice crying out.
Layers Classic had a lot more up their sleeve though, as soon as the violinist Jay took the lead melody, and I can just about guarantee he’ll give you goosebumps. After the two soloists had their moment to shine, a full string section dropped in, creating a lush and nuanced arrangement. With performances like this, The Music Man is confident in saying that Layers Classic is one of the most talented classical crossover groups out there.
Layers Classic uploaded their take on “A Thousand Years” to YouTube on December 17, 2022, and it has since been viewed 5.4 million times. The group’s cover made a real impression on viewers, who added comments such as “The first time I heard this I was getting ready for work, I stopped dead in my tracks and was in awe! I had tears running down my face. I love this song but to hear this orchestra perform it was magical!” and “This song is so powerful, every time it just goes through my soul.”
It probably won’t surprise The Music Man readers to hear that Layers Classic have produced a number of viral YouTube videos. Another popular cover from the group is their version of “My Heart Will Go On” from the Titanic soundtrack. The cover was captured during the same live performance as “A Thousand Years,” which took place at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul, South Korea. The cellist and violinist again trade gorgeous melodies on the cover, which gained 11 million views on YouTube.
Layers Classic is a South Korean orchestra that performs both traditional classical music and contemporary music in a classical format. In addition to performing chart music hits, the group creates classical versions of songs in various styles such as tango, jazz, folk music, and game soundtrack music.