A Christmas spent in Paris is destined to become a lifelong memory. But, just last month, holidaymakers and locals alike were treated to an unforgettable festive flash mob performance of the haunting holiday hit, “Carol of the Bells,” organized by the YouTube-famous street musicians Julien Cohen and Violin Phoenix. And it’s already earned the title of being the “biggest flash mob ever”!
This enigmatic performance has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 2.6 million views within its first week online. Music Man readers can watch the magic unfold in the video below!
Brewed with suspense, mystery, and wonder, this Christmas clip begins with three young choir boys in white church robes singing from an open window, surprising the mass of bodies beneath them patiently waiting for the Christmas lights of the Comité du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to flicker into brilliance.
As awe-struck Parisians turn in surprise to spot the choir, more windows above the busy street light up, revealing more and more singers filling the windows and street with their angelic voices.
All the while, a tiny young girl named Elsa slowly makes her way down a red carpet on the cobbled street below, creeping closer and closer to a huge red button inscribed with the ominous words, “Do Not Touch.” Dotted on either side of the red carpet are orchestral musicians, dozing in “sleep,” who rise like a row of Sleeping Beauties once Elsa taps them awake, each adding their cello to the choir’s mix.
Before long, pro pianist Julian Cohen has perched at the grand piano, as military-dressed brass and woodwind musicians fill the empty windows that gaze down on the scene, letting their music pool into one mesmerizing vintage flow. Maxime Morise and Christopher Cohen of Violin Phonix highlight the music with their fairy-tale riffs, while Elsa daintily presses the forbidden red button, illuminating the Paris Christmas decorations with golden light.
But then, the unthinkable occurs. Twelve-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson rises up on a platform like a new Brian May playing Buckingham Palace, to deliver a spellbinding solo like a true rock god. “Carol Of The Bells” has always possessed a spine-chilling, gothic effect, but to hear Olly’s heavy metal take laid above a live orchestra and choir makes this rendition practically unmatchable.
This isn’t the first time Olly has taken part in a viral flash mob video, however. Want to see more of this kid’s unbelievable skills? Just check out the Bohemian Rhapsody flash mob in our second video above!
The festive streets of Paris were transformed into a stage for an unforgettable performance, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Julien Cohen and Violin Phoenix have truly captivated audiences worldwide. To dive deeper into this enchanting experience and relive the magical moment, explore the links provided below.