Philly Orchestra Concertmaster Gives Surprise Performance At City Hall
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Orchestra musicians settled their contract dispute just in time to take part in the second annual audience appreciation day on Tuesday.
It normally costs more than $100 to listen so close up to Orchestra concertmaster David Kim play the violin. But as lawyers, city officials and ordinary citizens breezed in and out of City Hall, they were treated to a performance -- for free.
"This is all about that we have this wonderful relationship -- just give back from the musicians," Kim said.
Kim says the musicians planned the event long before the strike that cancelled the Orchestra's weekend calendar. It includes 20 free concerts throughout the region. Kim was pleased with his perch in a City Hall stairwell, despite the echo and bustle.
"This rotunda here is really kind of a centerpiece," he said. "Everybody checks in here on their way to get marriage licenses -- and it just makes sense that we're playing here."
Half a dozen people stopped to listen to full songs. Most paused for only a minute, if at all, but left smiling.
You can still catch one of the free concerts: They're scheduled through 7:30 Tuesday evening. See the full list here: