Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra cellist helps French Quarter street performer in need

Daniel Lelchuk, assistant principal cellist of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, came upon another musician at the intersection of Dauphine and Bienville streets this past Sunday afternoon.

Lelchuk said he noticed the street cellist in distress. His D string was about to break, so he couldn't tune his cello properly. Lelchuk then told the street cellist to stay put, and he ran home to get a brand new set of strings. When he returned, Lelchuk re-strung his instrument for him. Lelchuk wanted nothing in return, he just wanted to simply help.

"This cellist deserved to have a chance to make music and simply could not given the condition of the tools he had. I have always felt that cellists the world over are one big interconnected family. I am very glad my small gesture helped bring the music back to him and his cello," Lelchuk said.

He didn't get the street musician's name, but they shared a special musical moment.

Lelchuk recently passed by the News with a Twist stage to perform a couple of Handel Sonatas to promote Lyrica Baroque, a chamber ensemble making classical music accessible to everyone.

Daniel Lelchuk (cellist) along with Jaren Atherholt (oboe) and Bradley Moore of the Houston Grand Opera and violinist Eric Silberger will all be performing at "Baroque and Beyond" on Sunday, May 27th at Esplanade Studios.