Will one of the nation’s greatest musicians be noticed in a D.C. Metro stop during rush hour? This a true story, the performance of Joshua Bell in the subway was organized by The Washington Post as part of an experiment on social perception, likes and priorities of people. Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Can we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

Joshua played Bach for 45 minutes, 1000 people passed through the station, only seven stopped and twenty throw him money without interrupting their way. The violinist raised $32. When he finished playing and was silent, no one seemed to notice. There was no applause or recognition.

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians interpret the best music written, what other things can we be missing?

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