The Philadelphia Orchestra surprised passengers on a flight to Beijing during an impromptu pop up show. The plane was stuck on the tarmac for hours waiting to take off when the players on board decided to take out their instruments and play a performance for bored passengers.
"Renowned for its distinctive sound, desired for its keen ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences, and admired for an unrivaled legacy of "firsts" in music-making, The Philadelphia Orchestra remains one of the preeminent orchestras in the world," said the orchestra's website.
The Huffington Post reported that they played a rendition of Antonin Dvorak's "American" String Quartet No.12 Finale.
The New York Daily News reported that a cellist, two violinists and a viola player took out their instruments and sheet music. "Several passengers were chosen to hold up sheet music while others whipped out their smartphones to tape the impromptu concert."
The concert took place among the isles of the plane and was caught on camera and posted on YouTube by the orchestra. The performace was five minutes long.
"The Philly musicians were leaving Beijing for Macao as part of their Fortieth Anniversary Tour of China commemorating the orchestra's historic 1973 visit to the country,"reported The Huffington Post.
"After serving as the US' first cultural ambassador to China in 1973, the orchestra launches the next chapter of its relationship with the People's Republic-with performances and residency activities in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, and Macao," says the orchestra's website.
Music Director, Yannick Nezet Seguin said on the orchestra's website, "To my beloved Philadelphia audience: As proud as I am of my first season as music director, I have to say I think my second season will be even better. We will offer you a great journey and hope you will follow us and be part of these great connections throughout the entire 2013-14 season."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
