Sir Karl Jenkins wasn’t expecting this birthday surprise! | Classic FM Live

Sir Karl Jenkins was expecting to conduct his 'Palladio' on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, but Scotland’s national orchestra had other ideas...
In his 80th birthday year, Sir Karl was treated to a musical surprise by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, at Classic FM Live with Viking, where hosts Alexander Armstrong and Myleene Klass brought the Welsh maestro two cakes in celebration.
The wonderful arrangement was made by the orchestra’s conductor for the rest of the night, Ben Palmer. Watch the full concert soon on Sky Arts.
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[@WarbirdPhoenix]

We can say the whole birthday event was... Orchestrated. 😎 🎂

[@amazinggrace5692]

This comment deserves more thumbs up!

[@Katrinagaming-en1os]

L🤣L 👏👏👏

[@Ratushinsky]

😂

[@jahz3965]

😂😂 literally

[@addykins100]

Nice one!!❤

[@kaustubhhh.pvtltd]

This is the most luxurious way of saying happy birthday.

[@harridan.]

well said

[@georgina4874]

My thoughts exactly!😍

[@randommrblue3155]

agreed

[@susanmcguire6355]

I was there with my daughter. It was a lovely surprise for him...and us!!!

[@Stefanmannberg]

Where was this? And then?

[@susanmcguire6355]

Classic FM live at the Royal Albert Hall in April

[@Stefanmannberg]

@@susanmcguire6355 thanks🙏

[@mrs.penguinsdaisy5948]

@@susanmcguire6355but his birthday is in February?! Did they explain why they did that? 😁

[@susanmcguire6355]

He is doing an 80th birthday tour which will last most of his birthday year.

[@modernorpheus]

I'm just here for how well they orchestrated Happy Birthday.

[@seanbarker8234]

it was...quite elegant!

[@hestergreen2031]

So very well orchestrated. So well planned..

[@dogman15]

​@@hestergreen2031It's an easy song, so it was probably pretty easy for each individual member of the orchestra to improvise their own part.

[@saftfan]

I'm just here to read your comment.

[@brothaman007]

Like a soundtrack to a movie.

[@kopsie6379]

Am I the only one tearing up? That was soooo sweet to do for him. ❤

[@miss-winner]

Not the only one. I'm right there with you!

[@neomonk5668]

I only teared up the first five times I watched it.

[@Dlweta57]

Me too

[@lewiskelly14]

No I'm not. You lot are weird.

[@zianeshkasparen4358]

I am baaaaawliiiing. 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@LovenArtiste]

That was the most epic and triumphant Happy Birthday I’ve ever heard.

[@nicoarcenas]

Have you seen the David Robertson one?

[@onlyme112]

Does this mean that orchestras don't really need conductors all the time?

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

'i gotta start again now' Happy 80th!

[@UpJumpsDaParty]

😂😂😂

[@MusehanaH]

It was business as usual...until it wasn't. The transition to 'happy birthday to you' is superbly done!

[@edjones6837]

Sir Karl used to sit next to my mother in primary school. She's 80 on Sunday.

[@macsmiffy2197]

I hope your mother enjoyed her birthday 🎈

[@tamzinyim]

Happy birthday to your mom❤

[@agnusdeiquitollispecatamundi]

Happy birthday to your dear old mum

[@marcofusco4149]

When people think they are doing something awesome for you, but actually they are totally ruining your day 😂 and you still love them

[@lifeernest5672]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@AppalachianMountaineer1863]

They’re the annoying friends that you love to hate 😂

[@peacewillow]

so true!!! 🤣💕

[@marisamar3247]

I never listened to "Happy Birthday" as delivered by a full orchestra. Sounds amazing.

[@amazinggrace5692]

Indeed!

[@drk_blood]

It's what we do all our lives at rehearsals when it's the birthday of a friend/member of the orchestra, in every possible country, everybody with their own local version of the birthday song in that country. :)

[@CZghost]

It must be splendid to have an entire orchestra wishing you happy birthday :D

[@clickrick]

And the entire audience, too!

[@mikebaker6288]

Absolutely fantastic! Seamless transition to the Happy Birthday song. Must've had some practice without Sir Karl around!

[@kendrashaaaa]

80 years is truly something to celebrate not many people make it to half that honestly😭❤

[@starman2089]

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” - Unknown

[@gr8dvd]

@@starman2089 “Growing old beats the alternative" - Unknown

[@dreamthedream8929]

that is if you even want to celebrate, a lot of people dont celebrate birthdays. i guess you are implying that a lot of people are dying young. yes, could be true. This is also another important consideration for having kids. perhaps better to not have if the chances are so high of dying young and leaving them without parents

[@bofgher]

Really? Not many people make it to half that? I didn't know you could access KZbin from 1346.

[@isojeuba]

I love the switch, y'all were awesome 😂😂

[@lujedz]

I shed a few tears every single time I watch this. Must be a great feeling to be this loved!!

[@spiritman-em4qr]

Surrender to Christ. You'll know what love is.

[@lujedz]

@@spiritman-em4qr no

[@davidr3246]

That transition was so smooth

[@deedeskin2439]

That transition was flawless! Spot-on perfect!

[@SnakeEyes4Ever]

The flawless transition and the look in his face were so precious. And his reaction in the end is just like mine would be. I gotta start all over again 😂😂

[@iandavies9576]

How lovely, in all regards. ❤

[@rmhchef42]

I loved that. We need more of these moments in our lives.

[@leoniedejong9549]

In this deeply selfish world we indeed need more of these moments, if only to show that surprising someone else is actually much more fun than being so busy with yourself.

[@patrickmartin6449]

My faith in human kindness has been restored. Thank you very much!

[@drk_blood]

It's so common in our lives as musicians tho. :) Not really that special... We do this all our lives when playing on stage or at the rehearsals !

[@brandirichardson1491]

The transition is amazing!

[@ChosenOne1991]

With all the craziness & BS going on its moments like these that gives you joy & hope.

[@singaporeancrab718]

Probably the most beautiful rendition of the Happy Birthday song I've ever heard.

[@jollyjokress3852]

Yes, with all these instruments of different tonalities

[@jjmah7]

Gotta be the best rendition of the HBD song of all time 😂

[@papadre9610]

The transition was flawless...well orchestrated 🔥❤️💯

[@hawaiinrainbow]

He knew; happily 😊 went along. Expert musicians know the melody line and chord progressions of the classics.

[@KhupariaGamer]

I was scratching my head about how nobody recognized that or is it just me 😂 but there you go finally I got some relief now 😂

[@DavidScheidler-cr4il]

love the transition from Palladio to Happy birthday

[@gnirolnamlerf593]

Imagine being that beloved. Wonderful.

[@typerexc]

That was glorious - beautifully done. "Happy Birthday" played by a full orchestra is absolutely stunning, very moving. Happy Birthday!

[@Cydonia1983]

Aww. That's so sweet 🥹💙

[@KS-cz9qc]

This demonstrates the love and friendship that is forged from playing in an orchestra together 🥹

[@PMS1950]

He writes music, which is always accessible and throughly enjoyable. Happy Birthday to a great Welsh man.

[@josephbennett3482]

Man , the way it seamlessly transitioned to the birthday song followed by an ending is amazing it sounded beautiful.

[@elizabethrae679]

Happy 80th Birthday Sir Karl Jenkins. 🙏

[@randomname9758]

That was most excellent and seamless transition.

[@bozobarr]

Watching the cello player smile just before transitioning to happy birthday was precious 💞

[@miketausig4205]

Happy birthday Maestro. Your work with Adiemus is both brilliant and inspiring.

[@gracehodson-gilmore7453]

Such a smooth transition. Very nicely done. Sounded amazing.❤

[@sheilagraham8543]

Beautiful and very touching.

[@pjesf]

That was lovely ❤

[@etistone]

It was great! In this evening of mid April, when I went to congratulate Sir Jenkins at the end of the performance, I also wished him a happy birthday, and he replied: "It is in February." I'm still confused to why they did that! 😂

[@jenn976]

Even more of a surprise, then! According to Wikipedia, it’s Feb. 17 and it was his 80th birthday.

[@berniecelee5062]

When my older friends ( 70 plus) have a birthday, they celebrate ALL WEEK , 7 days …they are treated by different friends and family to dinners or lunches ALL week. When you live that long she says, you accumulate many deep long caring relationships so you can’t just have one day to celebrate. I guess when you’re 80 AND FAMOUS …. it could take up to 2 months !! LOL 😂 This must have been a lovely surprise for him . 😊 80 and still working at a job he loves . If we can be so lucky …. I hope I get some of his blessings to keep doing something I enjoy for as long as possible .

[@cathynewyork7918]

Maybe they had NO live concert in February so they had to wait for April's concert.

[@BenEmberley]

I love how even though the transition from the original Palladio to Happy Birthday featured material from the original composition, Sir Karl still knew something was up but continued to play it cool, but when they broke into Happy Birthday, his reaction was just gold ^_^

[@Monkiesuncle]

Loved how his baton stopped a few notes in to Happy Birthday!!! What a way to celebrate your 80th!!! Happy 80th Birthday Sir Karl!

[@P2Feener305]

As you grow older birthdays don’t have the same effect as when you were a kid and mom and dad always made sure you had a party…this is awesome to always nice when you get old and someone surprises you for your birthday. Gotta love it!

[@toptohyekoms]

Niiiceee this is a great happy bday song to download! TY prankstera!!!

[@alwaysfreezing130]

What an absolutely lovely suprise. They really made it special

[@living9377]

One of the nicest birthday surprises I’ve ever seen on KZbin. They did an amazing birthday rendition without the conductor. Happy Birthday Sir Karl Jenkins !

[@lme104]

I had the joy of attending his 70th birthday concert at the Albert Hall in 2014 - can’t believe it was a decade ago. Still have the CD he signed. Such wonderful music.

[@PerfectMovieReviews]

This is epic! What a wonderful way to receive birthday wishes. Goosebumps!

[@dshaak1]

I want this to happen to me someday! How fun! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Happy 80th Birthday, Sir Karl!

[@workittworkit]

How impactful is the simple power of kindness!

[@JodyLSumrall]

Oh wow, the conductor looks like a childhood kids tv show many years ago, called Capt. Kangaroo! I loved him.

[@rapidrampage1105]

Great video! I've watched this several times now and it always makes me smile.

[@ChefsacheToby]

The Moment they've start playing Happy Birthday, i smiled instantly :D

[@uncleweirdbeard86]

Hes reaction is priceless once he realized. Bravo

[@bholmes5490]

Fun! It's been lacking lately, and is needed more than ever. Let's enjoy again.

[@Earth098]

I can't get enough of this Happy Birthday orchestra. What an amazing performance. Thanks for uploading!

[@appletree9974]

This is so beautiful to see someone to be loved as much as he is! Happy Birthday Sir Karl Jenkins🎉

[@fireskycam9889]

Very well done by the orchestra.

[@stonerrocky]

Imagine being literally surrounded by all that love! Incredible!

[@qzwxecrv0192837465]

It was also nice to see him graciously take the joke instead of going off. Professionalism of the highest degree and hats off to the audience for the “interruption “

[@ReservoirDolphin]

I would buy this orchestration of Happy Birthday so fast.

[@samjohns3227]

Such a brilliant composer, what a wonderful surprise and so deserved!!

[@vinu_s]

This is such a beautiful and precious moment.

[@edolugo150267]

que super detalle, es excelente la complicidad, felicidades al maestro Sir Karl Jenkins

[@blodwen6946]

One of the best modern day composers and he is Welsh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jatescc]

everyone loved this

[@courtlandheieck1330]

Getting a few friends in on a birthday prank is one thing, but this is next level. Very well orchestrated…

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

As a Welsh speaker it was really nice to clearly hear "Penblwydd hapus i ti" amongst the "Happy birthday to you"

[@wildlifewalkswithcountryge749]

What a beautiful touch!

[@dynamo1796]

That has to be one of the most superb Happy Birthday renditions I’ve ever heard - bravo!

[@Mutable_PageOfCups]

This was beautiful 🥺 He looks great for 80. Happy belated Sir Karl 💜

[@adscorp2002]

A life worth living!!

[@jeanglendinning1860]

what a lovely surprise

[@BmanTheChamp]

Now that's just wholesome.

[@theimperfectcrafterny]

Thanks for the smile

[@arribaficationwineho32]

I would have cried! What a lovely rendition of that song!

[@secretgarden3555]

One od the best conducters on this planet❤

[@onlyme112]

He conducted only half that piece!

[@franjustor2423]

That was Awesome !

[@SBSportsMX]

How WONDERFUL IT SOUNDS

[@amidazad4832]

What an amazing gesture. That was beautiful. Happy Birthday.

[@kelsiejo2021]

This man is 80?! He looks great!!

[@suki757]

Bless their hearts - didn’t miss a beat when they switched songs 🤭

[@JohnBrown-ff6ez]

*THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!.*

[@Exsiser]

So humble and so sweet. Sir Karl hold back his tears when they started to play Happy Birthday. Just wonderful to watch 🥰🥰

[@BSC8987]

He did a better job of holding back his tears than I did.🥲❤

[@maranatha256]

He looks a lot like Captain Kangaroo, another beloved human being. Happy birthday!

[@donheisey5880]

I came looking for this comment. I thought to myself that surely I'm not the only one thinking this.

[@amazinggrace5692]

Showing our age too with that reference!

[@Macintosh1001]

Very cute and wholesome

[@coolbreeze5683]

I'm glad to see that many people at a concert for classical music! In my city, the symphony orchestra is struggling to bring in crowds 😔

[@cathynewyork7918]

What city do you live in that struggles to bring in crowds for a classical music concert? I live in New York City where classical music is very popular. We even have a free Philharmonic concert coming up on June 12 for the masses in Central Park, which they do every year.

[@aaronjohnson6916]

There are few simple pleasures left in life. Moments like these fill the soul. Wonderful.

[@ZonnexNecton]

That is wholesomely lovely.

[@kawaiihana8890]

Most epic Happy Birthday ever!

[@MatsLM]

I had the biggest smile on my face when I realized it was the History Buffs intro!

[@wanderlust62]

Happy 80th! That was a touching moment to celebrate an amazing composer, conductor musician!

[@bengurion5285]

Beautiful!

[@larrystuder6378]

I laughed till I cried. Hoq much they must have loved him...

[@banisimowicz3095]

What a wonderful surprise and heartfelt reaction!

[@plassy3138]

How luscious. My poor old man had his 80th birthday song sung by 7 untrained family singers who sounded like alley cats. Bit of a difference! But he’s just as loved!

[@dandandkl9048]

Shows the respect and love of his people!❤❤❤

[@karlin_oriley]

Perfect! Goosebumps like mountains

[@charliecaldwell6476]

That's just perfect