TPO Flash Mob on Virgin Train
In July 2014, a plucky and young TPO climbed aboard an iconic Virgin Pendalino train at London Euston, for their first-ever ‘flashmob’ public performance. Swapping their brightly coloured t-shirts for everyday ‘civvy’ clothes, they quietly boarded the train bound for Birmingham International station, passengers already sat down in their seats. Unlike any other day-trip out, the destination was not what they were gearing up for…
As the train roared down the tracks, TPO put their plan into action: one by one, each musician surreptitiously brought out their musical instruments – from Violas to French Horns – and got into position. When no passenger was looking, the first few jaunty notes of the infamous pop classic from Dexys Midnight Runners ‘Come on Eileen’ could be heard making its way through the carriage. 
As more musicians appeared from behind the rows of seats, playing the song down the aisle, all the unsuspecting passengers looked up from their devices in surprise. Very soon, everyone began to smile and laugh as they sussed out what was going on! A quiet and mundane trip on the train had transformed into a marvellous surprise where ordinary people could enjoy and appreciate a fun, intimate and accessible way of uplifting live music from a community orchestra. 
The whole day was a huge success for us and for VirginTrains who had co-organised the event, as TPO began its mission to prove itself just how different an orchestra can be from its traditional image and that orchestral music is for everyone! 
