In a town square in Sabadell, Spain, near Barcelona, a street musician is standing beside his double bass. A little girl walks up and drops a coin into his hat. He picks up his bow and begins to play.
The tune is one many of us know by heart: Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” from his Ninth Symphony.
At first, a few people stop to listen. Then another musician walks up and joins in. Then another, and another. One by one, more musicians step out of the crowd, carrying their instruments, until a whole orchestra is playing in the middle of the square.
Then the singers arrive, and soon a full choir is singing along.
More and more people gather around to watch, many of them smiling from ear to ear. Children crowd in close to see the musicians up close.
The performance was put together by Banco Sabadell to celebrate its 130th anniversary and to pay tribute to its hometown. About 100 musicians and singers took part, from the Vallès Symphony Orchestra and several local choirs.
Beethoven wrote this music nearly 200 years ago, and today it is also the anthem of the European Union. Yes, this performance was all planned. But that doesn’t take away the magic. The video has now been watched tens of millions of times.
Watch the little girl at the start. She’s the one who made it all happen, with just one coin.
Did this put a smile on your face? Share it with someone who could use a little joy today.
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