Sopranos in the supermarket? Buskers at the bank? Watch as thousands of unsuspecting passers by are delighted by the ultimate musical surprise: the classical flashmob.

Our friends at ClassicFM.com put together a list of 5 of some of the best Classical flashmobs. Granted, one of them is theirs but it is really great! Number 4 is also particularly wonderful! Here they are!

 

1. Handel . . . in the foodcourt

 

 

These unsuspecting diners at a Canadian food court were in for a treat. As all tucked into the lunch, Handel's triumphant Hallelujah chorus, singer by singer, began to resound. With great voices, occasional standing on tables, Christmas knitwear, and very fine use of a Casio keyboard, it's enough to make you feel bathed in the glory of the composer's heavenly depiction. And a little hungry.

 

2. Beethoven... at the bank

 

 

Beethoven's Ode to Joy as you've never seen it before. The moral here? If you're in Catalonia and see a lone, smartly dressed double bassist, always drop him 20 cents.

 

3. Zimmer... in the shopping centre

 

 

It's a new one, and it comes from the talented players of the Leeds Youth Orchestra, who recently took Hans Zimmer to their Trinity Shopping Centre. A rousing performance of the composer's Pirates of the Caribbean ensued for the unsuspecting shoppers. Great stuff. And check out that drummer. Someone give that guy a medal.

 

4. Ravel... at the station

 

 

Choosing a piece which allows a full orchestra to amble in seems popular - and that will be one of the reasons why the Coopenhagen Philharmonic opted for Ravel's classic for their moment of spontaneity in their city's central railway station. Listen out for the incredibly jazzy entry of the station PA system chord at 1:54.

 

5. Handel... in a supermarket

 

 

Handel's Zadok the Priest surprises shoppers in the produce aisles of Morrison's supermarket. Watch for a guest appearance from a pineapple, and of course the unforgettable expressions of surprise and delight from those there to witness it. Okay okay, Classic FM made this one themselves... but with music this good, you simply must share it.