Who doesn’t love a big surprise? And the beauty of our modern day technology, is that it’s so easy to capture surprises, special moments, and the reactions to them on camera.
And of all the fun surprises, flash mobs have to be at the top of the list. Preceded only by proposals and people coming home to their unsuspecting loved ones after years away. They all have the power to bring a tear to your eye, but flash mobs also make you want to get up and dance!
Banco Sabadell (one of Spain’s biggest banks) wanted to throw a little surprise of their own in honor of their 130th anniversary.
So they concocted a vibrant plan to celebrate in their home city of Sabadell, and rolled it into their “We Are Sabadell” marketing campaign.
One evening in Plaça de Sant Roc, an unsuspecting crowd gathered around a musician standing with his cello. He was dressed formally in a tux, and had left a top hat out in front of him for tips.
He stayed silent until a young girl walked up and placed a coin into the hat, then immediately began playing Beethoven’s famous “Ode to Joy”.
Then seemingly out of nowhere, another woman carried her instrument through the crowd, and sat down next to him.
The crowd grew larger and larger as they played.
But they were just getting started.
More and more musicians started to join them outside the Plaça’s Banco Sabadell.
Just when you thought the impromptu orchestra would be full, another would come out of nowhere.
More people holding instruments from flutes and drums to violins and even a conductor continued to arrive.
That little girl must have been in absolute shock after what she started!
She stood front and centre where it all began as the musicians continued to gather.
Meanwhile, other children were finding creative ways to get the best view!
Naturally, the growing crowd was amazed and pulled out their cameras and phones to record it.
The musicians were not just amateurs who all happened to be in the same place at the same time all with their instruments… though that would have been an even crazier surprise.
But they were some of Spain’s best orchestra musicians from all over the country, including the Lieder, Amics de l’Òpera, Vallès Symphony Orchestra, and the Coral Belles Arts choir.
The band and choir filled the square with the classic symphony piece, widely regarded as one of the best of all time.
Those who knew the words mouthed along, some danced, some cried, and some just watched in awe. It will give you goosebumps even to watch as a recording.
The band trailed off and became quiet, before the conductor instructed them to quickly play a few final notes at full volume to close the show.
They really went out with a bang!
The video quickly went viral and has amassed almost 90 million views.
Those who were lucky enough to be there in the moment were deeply moved. As was everyone else around the world who watches the video on YouTube!
Some even believe it had an environmental impact…
Others believe it’s worth sharing with alien species. I can’t say I disagree.
Even the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra gushed about the performance, saying some have called it the most beautiful flash mob they’ve ever seen.
Sabadell brought a massive group of strangers (and internet viewers, like us) together through the beauty of music.
It’s undeniable that music has a special ability to cross social and language barriers.
This is just one reason you should always throw some change to buskers!
Watch the video below for the full symphony flash mob performance!
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