This week Bill previewed the new film Following the Ninth, a documentary exploring the worldwide cultural and political influence of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. “Ode to Joy,” has inspired flashmob performances by musicians in countries around the world. We have collected some of our favorites here and hope they inspire you, as much as they inspired us.
Hong Kong
In a shopping center, the Hong Kong Festival Orchestra performs, trading in their tuxedos for T-shirts.
Germany
Choir Without Borders performed on Nov. 9, 2009, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall at a train station in Leipzig, Germany.
Japan
Although not a flash mob, this arena filled with 10,000 singers performing “Ode to Joy” left us speechless.
Spain
A Spanish bank organized a performance of “Ode to Joy” on a market square in Sabadell to celebrate their 130th anniversary.
Connecticut, US
In a small flash mob, the Hartt School of Music and Hartford Chorale perform in Hartford, Conn.
