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Singapore Airlines had a mini orchestra playing on a flight from Perth

Passengers on a recent Singapore Airlines flight from Perth received quite the (loud and beautiful) surprise when members of an orchestra randomly pulled out their instruments and performed at 39,000-feet.

Passengers on a recent Singapore Airlines flight from Perth received quite the (loud and beautiful) surprise when members of an orchestra randomly pulled out their instruments and performed at 39,000-feet.

One violin, two cellos, a clarinet, a viola, a horn and a bassoon brought the sweet sounds of Franz Schubert’s Octet in F major D803 to the A350-900 aircraft as it flew towards Southeast Asia.

Captured on video, the performance started in Business Class, where members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) had a considerable amount of room to spread out and bring musical joy.

Singapore Airlines orchestra 5

They then travelling to Premium Economy where the sudden reduction in aisle space did little to distract them from delivering the classic piece.

Singapore Airlines Orchestra 3

And then they moved into Economy where passengers (even those watching Lion – check out the entertainment screen) were so into the mini concert…

Economy Class Singapore Airlines

… they were practically climbing on seats to capture it on video.

Singapore Airlines Orchestra

Although appearing random to guests, the performance was organised by Singapore Airlines to celebrate its 50th anniversary of flights from Australia.

In addition to bringing the mini orchestra on board, Singapore Airlines also offered guests inflight entertainment reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s.

Singapore Airlines Orchestra Day

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President Mr Tan Tiow Kor described the performance as a unique way to mark the special occasion.

“We wanted to do something a little different, something that would delight and surprise our customers.”

Tan Tiow Kor, Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President

“Thanks to our partners at the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, we were able to achieve that with a special mini concert in the sky.

“When we first started flying to Australia 50 years ago, there was no inflight entertainment system. To entertain the passengers, some flights would have a small group of musicians play music to pass the time.

“The surprise mini concert today was a small tribute to our history as well as a way to celebrate our 50th anniversary with our customers.”

What the most surprising thing you’ve seen on a flight?