In bright red cargo overalls, Jacob Collier didn’t exactly look like your typical National Symphony Orchestra conductor. But then again, this wasn’t about to be your typical National Symphony Orchestra performance. Known for his live performances in which he conducts his audience to sing live in harmony, he was set a brand new challenge after being invited to improvise with the orchestra and compose new music live on stage in front of an audience. No pressure, then.

Even with a task as ambitious as this, Jacob managed to make the whole experience look like a piece of cake. Conducting each section of the orchestra to play in harmony, and even getting the audience to join in and sing a rendition of ‘Somethin’ Stupid,’ The readers will see that his creation is truly a joy to behold. The astonishing video has blown up online, drawing in over 4M views in only a month. One commenter described Jacob as “a true genius who radiates joy.”

Something that stood out to me as I watched the video, besides Jacob’s obviously staggering musical talent, is how much joy he brings into the room. He approached a task that would leave me trembling with nerves with an ease and enthusiasm that seemed to permeate the auditorium. He sprang around the stage, making the orchestra players smile and cracking jokes that had the audience in stitches. His talent and charisma are second to none, making Jacob Collier like no one else I’ve ever seen.

Of course, before there was Jacob Collier, there was the man who challenged him to the task – Ben Folds. Back in 2017, Ben composed a new song live with the National Symphony Orchestra. Although he doesn’t have the same chaotic energy and unique style as Jacob, instead choosing to sit at a piano in a sharp and snappy suit, it is clear that the same magic runs through both of these incredible musicians. Like Jacob’s conducting, Ben’s 10-minute improvised composition is a true spectacle to behold.

I am confident that any of our Music Man fans who watch these remarkable performances will be absolutely blown away. No matter what your preferences or tastes in music are, the talent on display here is absolutely undeniable. To watch someone with such mastery take on a challenge like this is a rare gift. And, with Jacob Collier only being 30 years of age, the mind boggles to imagine what other incredible feats he may go on to achieve in the future.