‘More powerful and relevant than ever’ - violinist Charles Yang performs a moving encore

In an encore following a performance with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), violinist and vocalist Charles Yang performed his rendition of ’A Change is Gonna Come’ by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke.

’A Change is Gonna Come’ was released as single in 1964 and is widely considered one of Cooke’s greatest and most influential compositions. The song was inspired by events in Cooke’s life, particularly when he and his entourage were denied lodging at a segregated motel in Louisiana. This prompted him to create a work that voiced both his own struggles and those of the African American community during the Civil Rights Movement.

Yang commented on the virality of his video on social media: ‘I am at a loss for words of the overwhelming reception y’all have given my performance here,’ he said.

’Thank you for listening, for sharing, and thank you Sam Cooke for your profound song that is more powerful and relevant than ever in today’s time.’

The Grammy Award-winner and member of Time for Three made his DSO debut in the performance, performing Kris Bower’s concerto For a Younger Self.

Playing

In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.

Teaching

The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.

Calendars

The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.