Stuck on tarmac in China, Pa. orchestra plays concert

PHILADELPHIA -- A string quartet from The Philadelphia Orchestra made a lengthy flight delay quite enjoyable for a plane full of lucky passengers in China.

Two violinists, a cellist and a viola player were aboard a flight that was delayed for three hours Friday on the tarmac in Beijing. They took out their instruments and played an impromptu concert for the appreciative -- if captive -- audience. Several passengers whipped out smartphones and began recording as the orchestra played a selection from Dvorak's "American" string quartet.

The instrumentalists were greeted with cheers and applause as they wrapped up their five-and-a-half-minute performance.

A video of the quickie concert was posted online.

The ensemble recently launched a tour of China, 40 years after it became the first U.S. orchestra to visit the country.

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Online:

Video of concert aboard plane: http://bit.ly/195BrrC