Every morning on my way to work, I walk past a man playing the violin on the corner of Park Street. His name is Daniel, and he has been playing there for almost three years. He simply loves performing, and the street is his stage.
Daniel studied music at university and played in several orchestras after graduating. However, he found the world of professional classical music stressful and competitive. He packed a small bag, took his violin, and began travelling across Europe, playing in town squares and on bridges.
Eventually, Daniel settled in our city. He chose the corner of Park Street because it is near a park and has good acoustics thanks to the tall buildings on either side. Office workers stop to listen during their lunch breaks, and tourists often film him on their phones.
Daniel earns enough from tips to pay his rent and buy food. He lives simply and says he has everything he needs. He has been offered jobs teaching music at schools, but he always says no. He explains that the freedom of playing outdoors, choosing his own music, and connecting with strangers is something he could never give up.
Last month, a video of Daniel playing went viral on social media. But Daniel says nothing has really changed. He still arrives at his corner every morning at eight o'clock, opens his violin case, and plays for the people passing by.
Options (8 for 5 gaps — some are not used)
1Thousands of people watched it, and several newspapers wrote articles about him
2Not everyone in the neighbourhood appreciates his music
3His spot has become one of the most popular places in the area to stop and listen
4He plans to stop playing on the street next year
5Daniel's parents were disappointed that he chose this life
6He decided to give up his concert career and become a street musician instead
7What matters most to him is not money but the joy of playing
8Most people assume he plays for money, but that is not the main reason