Notes escaped from the flute and scurried to every corner in the space. It was a lively melody. The flutist swayed back and forth, eyes closed, totally engrossed in her pursuit. There was no stand or music to read from. Like many in the orchestral world, she knew the piece by heart.

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The audience was rapt. No one moved or made a sound.

The pace quickened, racing to the pinnacle. Intakes of breath were more rapid as the musician’s upper body bobbed in step. Her long fingers dashed over the keys.

Silence.

The few onlookers dropped coins into the open case, and then headed down the stairs into the subway’s cavern.