There are those rare occasions when a concert encore completely eclipses the performance preceding it. That was definitely what happened at an October 2021 recital in Parma, Italy. The soprano Lisette Oropesa was drawing to the end of her performance when she decided, on the spur of the moment, to add a fourth, completely unrehearsed encore.
A wonderful moment of spontaneity - with just one problem. The aria she wanted to sing, ‘Sempre Libera’ from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La traviata, requires a tenor. And there was no tenor in sight.
What happened next was a little bit special. Sensing the impending silence, one Liu Jianwei, a music student from a nearby conservatory, rose from his seat in the audience and reeled off the offstage tenor part, much to Oropesa's (and the audience's) delight.
Audience members captured the magical moment on video, and soon enough clips of Liu Jianwei's happy intervention were circulating across social media, YouTube and TikTok. The impromptu star later met with Oropesa backstage to offer an apology. No apology needed.
Watch the moment - and Lisette Oropesa's stunned, joyous reaction - below. And stay with us after you've watched the clip, as we remember six other unforgettable moments when audience members took centre stage.
Six more moments when fans became the stars
Here are six more memorable audience-onstage moments - three each from the worlds of pop and classical.
1. Paul McCartney – 'Get Back' with a fan (2016)
During a concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paul McCartney invited a fan on stage who held a sign asking to play bass with him. To the audience’s amazement, ten-year-old Leila Lacase performed '“'Get Back' flawlessly with the band. A moment she'll surely never forget. Have a watch:
2. The Killers: 'For Reasons Unknown'
US rock band The Killers have a tradition of pulling audience members on stage to play drums for their hit song 'For Reasons Unknown'. This has happened at several concerts, including performances in London, Las Vegas, and other cities. Some fans impress the band with their skills, while others provide more comedic moments.
3. Bruce Springsteen: 'Dancing in the Dark'
'The Boss' has been bringing fans on stage for decades, particularly during 'Dancing in the Dark'”', a tradition that started with Courtney Cox in the music video. At many of his concerts, he invites an audience member to dance with him, and in some cases, even lets young fans sing along.
4. András Schiff: Goldberg Variations (2009)
During a recital at a German concert hall, pianist András Schiff was approached by an audience member who claimed to know the piece he was playing— namely, Bach’s wonderful Goldberg Variations — by heart. Instead of dismissing them, Schiff invited the individual to play a variation alongside him, resulting in an impromptu duet that stunned the audience.
- We named the Goldberg Variations in our list of best music for your mental health
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5. Leonard Bernstein: Young People's Concert (1960s)
At one of his famous Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic, the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein occasionally invited young audience members on stage to sing or try conducting. These interactive moments made classical music more engaging and accessible to children, leaving lasting impressions on those lucky enough to participate.
- Did you know that the New York Philharmonic is one of America's Big Five orchestras?
6. Daniel Barenboim: Come up and conduct! (2011)
During a concert with his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conductor Daniel Barenboim noticed an enthusiastic audience member mimicking his conducting gestures. In a lighthearted moment, he invited them on stage to take the baton and lead a short segment, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience and the orchestra alike.