Stuck on China tarmac, Pa. orchestra plays concert

[June 07, 2013]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A string quartet from The Philadelphia Orchestra made a lengthy flight delay quite enjoyable for a plane full of lucky passengers in China.

Two violinists, a cellist and a viola player were aboard a flight that was delayed for three hours on the tarmac in Beijing on Friday. They took out their instruments and played an impromptu concert for the appreciative -- if captive -- audience. Several passengers whipped out smartphones and began recording as the orchestra played a selection from Dvorak's "American" string quartet.

The instrumentalists were greeted with cheers and applause as they wrapped up their 5 1/2-minute performance.

A video of the quickie concert was posted online.

The ensemble recently launched a tour of China, 40 years after it became the first U.S. orchestra to visit the country.

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Online:

Video of concert aboard plane:
http://bit.ly/195BrrC

[Associated Press]

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