On Saturday, April 28, the Opera Company of Philadelphia surprised diners at Geno’s Steaks with a side of Verdi as Random Acts of Culture™ arrived at a Philadelphia icon. Enjoy the video above.
Why Does Knight Foundation Fund Random Acts of Culture™? Knight Foundation, like its founders Jack and Jim Knight, focuses on promoting informed and engaged communities. To that end, we strongly believe in the potential of the arts to engage residents, and bring a community together. Hearing Handel, or seeing the tango in an unexpected place provides a deeply felt reminder of how the classics can enrich our lives. As you’ll see in our videos, the performances make people smile, dance, grab their cameras – even cry with joy. For those brief moments, people going along in their everyday lives are part of a shared, communal experience that makes their community a more vibrant place to live. In these days of shrinking audiences, we also hope that these random acts will encourage people to attend traditional performances. We can’t promise it. But it’s hard to watch what unfolds during a Random Act of Culture™, and not be inspired to see and hear more.
Geno’s is one of my favorites since I live nearby. Every day in the neighborhood is like a “living” opera. I’m sorry that I missed the pop-up but am certain that theGeno’s patrons on hand that day truly enjoyed.
This was great! Love the melding of the arts and the people living in the community. Wonderful stuff.
Just watching the video brings tears to my eyes! There “Random Acts of Culture” are the best thing since sliced bread!! What a gift!!!
Best thing that every happened at Geno’s – that’s real Philly culture! I am delighted that the Knight Foundation is doing this; America needs great classical culture, and look how all kinds of people enjoy great music when they get to hear it! I hope I am treated to one of these cultural flash mobs when I’m shopping or eating somewhere someday….and I hope it’s something I know, so I can join the singing! (Va Pensiero, for instance)
Viva Random Acts of Culture!
That was amazing, loved it.