Conduct Us – Orchestra Surprise!

Since its creation in August of 2011 by Charlie Todd, the New York City-based prank collective Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents.

For their latest mission in September 2013 they put a Carnegie Hall orchestra in the middle of New York City and placed an empty podium in front of the musicians with a sign that read “Conduct Us”. Random New Yorkers who accepted the challenge were given the opportunity to conduct this world-class orchestra. The orchestra responded to the conductors, altering their tempo and performance accordingly.