It began with the innocence of a child, generously donating a few coins to a lone musician on the street in Sabadell, Spain. The musician was passionately playing the opening stanza of Beethoven’s, “Ode to Joy.” Then out of nowhere, various talented musicians joined in and quickly a huge crowd formed on the streets. The number of musicians who participated was well over 100 and even seated bystanders left their meals and drinks to begin filming and enjoying the seemingly impromptu performance.
The Spanish bank, “Banco Sabadell” decided to honor their 130th Anniversary by thanking the city with a special campaign. The campaign was called, “Som Sabadell” and it turned into one of the most beloved flash mobs of modern times. Symphony Orchestra of the Valleys and several respected choirs, Lieder and Amics of l’ Opera and the Choir Belles Arts all joined together to delight the citizens of the city with an amazing and inspiring performance.
The gift of music is truly universal, and numerous people in the crowd captured the rare flash mob of classical musicians performing on the streets on their cell phones. It was obvious from the look of joy on their faces, that the people of Spain have a great appreciation for the arts.
When it was over the blended orchestra and choir had moved the audience to cheers and the youngest children were left speechless. The performance moved many to tears and at the end the performers graciously bowed to the cheering crowd.