We know you’ve heard of the viral ‘flash mob’ phenomenon. But have you ever seen a ‘flash waltz’ unfold?
In 2013, the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance treated patients and staff of Jerusalem’s Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower to a surprise performance of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Waltz of the Flowers,’ crafting one of the best ‘flash waltz’ clips the internet has ever seen.
Music Man readers can watch the magic of classical music unfold in the video above – it’s already amassed more than 5.4 million views to date!
It all begins with just a single harp player, wheeling her huge instrument into the hospital’s entryway. She takes a seat and begins the serene Tchaikovsky performance, instantly stealing the attention of patients waiting for their appointment call.
Before long, two violinists join her out of the blue, with the surprise addition of brass players scattered along the upper levels of the hospital entrance. Then, a horde of classical musicians files out of another room, instruments and sheet music in hand, to join the piece and transform the rendition into absolute perfection.
A crowd of patients and white-coated doctors and nurses slowly gathers around the growing orchestra, enchanted by their ethereal and recognizable waltz. After seeing one young girl in a wheelchair smile brightly at the music unfolding before her, it’s clear the orchestra chose the ultimate place to perform this concert!
Soon, violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, flutists, trumpeters, trombonists, tubists, harpists, clarinetists, oboe players, bassoon players, horn players, and a triangle player are dazzling the entire hospital, as conductor Gaddiel Dombrowner holds their flash waltz together.
But then, the true magic is let loose, as a lady in the crowd removes her red coat to reveal her glittering silver and ivory dress and begins dancing alone to the music in the midst of the audience.
The patients can’t help but get involved themselves; one middle-aged couple takes to the stage to dance a waltz of their own in a tearfully wholesome moment. Then, another lady enters the scene to dance with the pro.
According to the video’s description, ‘the surprise concert was part of Good Deeds Day, an annual event that originated in Israel in 2007 and now takes place in over 50 countries worldwide. On this day volunteers reach out to the less fortunate and the vulnerable.
‘The Academy students enjoyed the day so much that they have decided to schedule regular concerts at the hospital.’