On February 20, an impromptu "flash mob" at Rome Airport brought tears to the eyes of many Chinese people.

On that day, a plane flew from Rome Airport to Shanghai. Because the waiting time was too long, the performers of the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra picked up their violins and played "My Motherland".

The sudden music enriched the waiting time, and also made the Chinese in a foreign country feel the call and warmth of the motherland.

The person sitting at the pop-up scene was the 94-year-old conductor Cao Peng, and the violin leader in white and black skirt was none other than Mr. Cao’s youngest daughter Xia Xiaocao.

This melodious flash mob was uploaded to the Internet and quickly became popular on foreign online platforms. This was something Cao Peng didn't expect.

Cao Peng introduced that in mid-February, more than 70 members of the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra were invited by the Florence Municipal Government to hold the "Voice of the Stars" autism charity at the POLITEAMA PRATESE Theater in Prato, Italy. "My Motherland" was the highlight of the concert. "The local overseas Chinese shed tears after listening to it."

While waiting to return home at Rome Airport, China Eastern Airlines and local Italian staff noticed that the waiting time was too long. The director asked the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra if they could perform a performance. Cao Peng’s eldest daughter, Cao Xiaoxia, immediately said that she could do a flash mob of "My Motherland".

“We were completely improvised, there was no arrangement.” Cao Peng recalled to The Paper, because the orchestra returned to China in several batches, the wind section was not there, the music scores were packed, and the string players The stringed instruments were temporarily taken out, and Cao Peng's youngest daughter, violinist Xia Xiaocao, played "My Motherland".

“My youngest daughter didn’t go back to Shanghai with us. She wanted to go to Argentina. When she sent us off, she also took out her piano.” Cao Peng recalled, “This patriotic scene was very touching. Everyone They were all very happy and applauded.”

During the interview, Cao Xiaoxia also specifically praised China Eastern Airlines for the fact that there were 13 autistic children performing together, and China Eastern Airlines arranged for three more flight attendants. service, and also used painting and games to let the children spend more than ten hours peacefully.

The Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra has also done flash mobs in subways and shopping malls in Shanghai, but this was the first time for a flash mob at the airport.

“Flash mobs are different from formal performances. The flash mob time is short, the musicians are passionate, and the atmosphere is more cheerful, warm, and intimate because the audience and musicians are face to face. ."

Due to physical discomfort, Cao Peng gave verbal instructions from a wheelchair that day. Cao Peng said frankly that when he goes out to perform recently, he basically travels in a wheelchair and sits down when conducting.

“I can’t stand anymore, I’m getting old after all.” Cao Peng added, “When I went to Italy this time, my health was very bad. Cold. A friend introduced me to a Chinese medicine practitioner, and I went to the hospital right after I came back. I have been undergoing treatment, acupuncture, and massage, and stayed in the rehabilitation center in Songjiang for more than a week.” Peng still didn't want to stop his busy pace.

The youngest daughter Xia Xiaocao is the deputy dean of the Shanghai University Conservatory of Music. As the honorary dean, Cao Peng goes to the school every week to help with rehearsals. He has also helped rehearse at Shanghai Nanyang Model Middle School for more than 20 years, as well as the Shanghai Student Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Youth Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra... He will go to any orchestra that asks for his help.

“I can’t stop, I’m rehearsing basically every day.” Cao Peng said without complaining at all, “My health is okay, I haven’t been doing well recently, but when I get to work I forget that the rehearsal is over Very tired.”

Busy work seems to make him happier. Cao Peng thus talked about his secret to longevity: being with young people, music, and family.

“I have been with young people for many years, and they bring me youth and vitality. For decades, I have not left the team of young people. I communicate with them through music, and they love me very much. I love them too."

So, he has no plans to retire, "I don't know how to leave this stage."