Classic — Something of lasting worth, judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.

But is being of the highest quality enough for an art form to endure centuries, being woven through the fabric of ever-changing modern cultures? I think not. There also must be a transmutable quality that allows for adaptation again and again, so it can be made new without sacrificing quality or substance.

Disruptive transformation

The only constant is change. Without change, there’s stagnation. Presenting an art form in an incongruous manner infuses it with new life, fueling the appreciation of a broader audience.

Such is the effect of flash mob symphony. It turns a staid perception of traditional classical music on end—same great music with a fresh new image. An impromptu concert in an unexpected public setting makes the music accessible to the general masses in a provocatively inviting way.

Shakespeare’s plays have been known to disrupt classic expectations too. Such as the recent Trump-like Caesar in New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Caesar.

Flash mob symphony

The Berkeley Contemporary Symphony Orchestra took jollity to the streets—the Prudential Center, Boston, MA, to be exact—with a spontaneous performance of Jupiter, from Gustav Holst’s The Planets. As you watch the video, look for the smiles on the faces of the musicians as well as the crowd, delighting in the beauty of the moment.