A video of a flashmob in Cannes, performing ‘Viva La Vida’, has lifted spirits around the world, generating over 80 million views since it was posted five days ago! The performance itself was filmed on Valentine’s Day, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of MIDEM, the global meeting for music industry leaders which takes place on the French Riviera each year. You can watch the video below.
Cannes mayor David Lisnard shared the exciting news about the video going viral yesterday, Sunday 19 April 2026, calling the achievement “incredible”. The views were generated on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, he said.
Musical flashmob in Cannes
Organised by the Cannes City Hall, and led by internationally renowned concert pianist Julien Cohen on a beautiful Shigeru Kawai grand piano, the musical flashmob performed ‘Viva la Vida’, with Coldplay’s permission and support.
Cohen, who has 11-million followers on Facebook, is renowned for taking music into unexpected places. He revealed that for the Cannes event, which he produced and directed, over 100 artists took part.
He said: “For the 60th Anniversary of Midem, it was my pleasure to bring music to life on the Place du Général de Gaulle. Thank you to all the musicians and amazing team.”
The reactions of diners and pedestrians in the video are all genuine.
Mayor Lisnard said the flashmob was “kept secret until the very last moment” and that locals, passersby and diners seated at the restaurants and cafés on the square were “lucky enough to be there, at the right time and in the right place. Their wonder is evident in the video.”
WATCH VIDEO: Cannes musical flashmob performs Viva la Vida (Coldplay cover)
Where was the Cannes viral video filmed?
The open-air spectacle took place in Place du Général de Gaulle, with its beautiful fountain at the centre, and surrounding restaurants. The mayor gave a “huge thank you” to the hotels and restaurants, including Le Splendid, New York New York, Caffé Roma, Le Before, and Le Smash; adding “and let’s not forget the residents who made their balconies available for the performance.”
The artists in the flashmob performance in Cannes
Cohen was joined in Cannes by artists from around the world, including the young and brilliant violinist Xiaorao; powerful Canadian singer, Raymond Salgado, and numerous local talents from the Cannes National Orchestra, the Jeunes Voix de Cannes (Young Voices of Cannes), the Cannes Municipal Conservatory, the Sestina Vocal Ensemble, and Espérance de Cannes.
The mayor said the incredible success of this popular event “reinforces Cannes’ position as an essential showcase for cultural creation worldwide and cements MIDEM, which the City of Cannes acquired and relaunched in 2023, as a must-attend event for music professionals.
“Bravo to the municipal services, especially the events team, for making this ambitious project such a tangible and impactful success! And simply for allowing us to share these few positive moments. Long live Cannes and have a great Sunday!”
