The crowd at Friday After 5 got a major surprise on August 22 as the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra coordinated a flash mob during the set break of Rachel Timberlake’s performance. What made it especially unique was that it wasn’t a “flash mob” in the traditional sense. Instead, it was an unannounced performance that seemed to pop out of nowhere and grew to include a full string section and choir. Maestro Nicholas Palmer started the impromptu ensemble rendition of “Ode to Joy,” which gradually escalated into a small orchestra and 40-member choir joining in for the performance. The event was recorded and will be used as a promotional video for the upcoming OSO season.
Behind the scenes, OSO members rehearsed in the recital hall at the Owensboro Symphony Academy while the unsuspecting Friday After 5 crowd enjoyed live music on the main stage. After final instruction, the members secretly got into place for the flash mob. Organizers synchronized the flash mob to begin during a set break in the courtyard so no noise would interfere. OSO got the idea from a YouTube video of a Spanish Orchestra doing a similar flash mob and decided it would be a great way to build excitement and advertise the beginning of the new season. “Being part of the first large organized flash mob like this ever in Owensboro was an awesome experience!” Nick Palmer said.
“Having a full orchestra and chorus perform the very inspirational finale from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is something I will never forget” It’s certainly something the Friday After 5 crowd tonight will never forget as well. See the video for yourself at..
