Even during a time of mandatory separation, music has the power to bring people together. Amid the distancing and loneliness that COVID-19 has thrust upon us, music lovers from around the world are finding hope and comfort in amazing music video collaborations.

10 Heartwarming Stories To Restore Your Faith In Humanity

10 We Are the World

More than 70 members of the Long Island music scene united to create “We Are the World 2020 — The Quarantine Mix, Long Island.” They joined forces “to bring a little hope and healing to New York and the world during this COVID-19 crisis that impacts us all.”

All of the musicians worked virtually from the safety of their own homes to record and video their individual parts on home studio gear or smartphones and then sent their parts to be edited into the finished piece. Sit back and enjoy.

9 What the World Needs Now Is Love

Students from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music delivered an inspiring virtual performance to bring their community together, performing “What the World Needs Now is Love” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Shelbie Rassler, a senior composition major at Boston Conservatory, coordinated the project from her home in South Florida. She recruited performers with a simple Facebook announcement:

“Your job is to just take a video of yourself singing (literally, pick any part/the whole song/just 10 second/riff to the gods/up to you!!), playing your instrument along to the track, choreographing a dance to the music, or anything your heart desires. I’ll cut everything up, create an arrangement from what y’all send me, and share it with you because WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE SWEET LOVE, Y’ALL. LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.”

A pianist friend played the accordion, while a percussionist who didn’t have access to his instruments improvised with rice in a salt shaker.

“While we’re in quarantine or whatever everyone is dealing with during these scary and uncertain times,” Rassler told NPR, “we can still do the things we love from our home and we can still collaborate and reach out to our friends and be in touch with our friends and create art together.”

Bacharach himself responded to the video, telling NPR he “felt very proud and honored to see and hear my song performed by these extremely talented students from the Berklee School of Music. It’s great seeing them find ways to be creative and stay connected to each other while maintaining social distance.”

8 Close to You

Last month, the Pub Choir “asked the internet to stop misery-scrolling for a moment and to sing with us!” In just two days, more than 1,000 people from 18 countries submitted video performances of The Carpenters’ “Close to You.” Every submission that was successfully received was manually added to the collective. The result is a magical “Couch Choir” performance.

“We can’t adequately express in words what a gift your videos were to us,” Pub Choir wrote. “Each was like unwrapping a beautiful, personal, virtual hug. Thanks for trusting us with your voices and for sharing your lives with us for a few minutes.”

7 Here Comes the Sun

Camden Voices is a collective of talented musicians at the leading edge of contemporary ensemble singing. The 30-piece choir comprises passionate singers, instrumentalists, and educators from across London who are unified by their shared love of music.

In this self-isolation virtual choir cover, Camden Voices is bringing the sunshine indoors. “So awesome!” said one commenter. “The virus is like the cold winter. Sun comes from a human voice made out of devotion and training. Totally inspiring. Keep doing it. Peace & Blessings.”

6 You’ve Got a Friend

“From all over the world, in these most challenging times, the cast of ‘Beautiful’ wants you to know that ‘You’ve Got a Friend.’” The worldwide cast, in quarantine, recorded this compilation for The Actors Fund. It’s a touching arrangement that features the actors doing what they do best, but doing it from the safety of home.

One viewer commented: “OMG, this is so uplifting! I wish everyone around the world could stay joined in caring…that these precious moments would live on after the pandemic. Blessings of health and safety to our world.”

10 Uplifting Stories From The Great Depression

5 Hope for the Future

In a spectacular collaboration, 32 trumpet stars filmed and recorded themselves in isolation on a new inspirational song written by Matt Catingub. The video is a “tribute to the frontline heroes around the globe: our healthcare workers dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Each player is identified by name and country flag. It’s an impressive collection of talent.

“Representing 14 different countries, classical soloists, jazz artists, military personnel, educators, and rock stars from the Dave Matthews Band and Chicago, ‘A Hope for the Future’ is dedicated to all those around the world who care for us during this time of crisis and beyond.”

“Hope for the Future” was inspired by celebrated trumpet player Ryan Anthony, who is sequestered in the hospital and battling cancer. He is one of the musicians featured in this special performance.

4 Over the Rainbow

When their annual choir concert was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, these Chino Valley Unified School District students performed their acapella cover of “Over the Rainbow” virtually instead.

Reactions were positive and supportive. Fans expressed a desire for more music like this and fewer contrived performances by celebrities.

“MUCH better and more beautiful and authentic than the celebrity ‘Imagine,” said one fan. “Would love to hear more from these young guys and gals. That was lovely and uplifting and hopeful!!!”

3 What a Wonderful World

Fans felt the same way about a video posted by John Foreman’s Aussie Pops (Isolation) Orchestra. “This made me feel hopeful,” remarked one viewer. “A stark contrast to the cringe I felt watching those tone-deaf celebrities singing ‘Imagine’ in their mansions. Thank you.”

The video begins with the caption, “The Aussie Pops Orchestra has never ‘phoned it in’ … until now.” The talented Australian artists then deliver a beautiful rendition of “What a Wonderful World.” Foreman shared his vision for a return to normalcy. “Please stay safe. And when this current crisis is over, arts communities everywhere will be looking for your face in the audience! We hope it’s not too long before we can experience live music, together in the same room.”

2 Boléro

New York City has suffered tremendously from the pandemic. Members of the New York Philharmonic are doing their part by staying home in an effort to assist the first responders, nurses, and doctors who are unable to do so.

This rousing video is accompanied by a caption that reads, “The musicians of the New York Philharmonic dedicate this performance of Ravel’s ‘Boléro’ to the healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. #ClapBecauseYouCare”

One viewer found the song to be especially fitting: “Bolero is metaphorical of getting out of quarantine–first few steps out by a timid human soul and slowly all the footsteps growing until thousands take over the streets again.”

The honorees are grateful for their efforts. “I have been a registered nurse in New York City for these past 35 years,” wrote Miles Clifford. “The past month has been insurmountably difficult for all of the healthcare team (but not as difficult as it has been for many of the poor souls for whom we are caring). A tribute such as this brings joy to my heart which, presently, aches for the world.”

1 Lux Aurumque

In this captivating video compilation, Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre delivers a groundbreaking virtual performance of “Lux Aurumque.” Whitacre’s choral composition is a Christmas piece based on a Latin poem, which translates to “Light, warm and heavy as pure gold, and the angels sing softly to the newborn babe.”

Whitacre created a downloadable score and track of himself conducting, then added the thousands of contributed videos into the collaborative virtual choir. The video features 243 tracks recorded by 185 singers from 12 countries. It is absolutely beautiful.

+ Bridge Over Troubled Waters

The coronavirus outbreak prevented the Voice of Miami children to rehearse in person. “So we decided to send some love out to the virtual world by dusting off an old song that means a lot to us.”

It was the group’s first try at a virtual choir with the song, and it is heartwarming. “Singing in a choir requires active listening, blending, cutting off together, and so much more,” Voice of Miami wrote. “As we approach this new way of making music, we will be challenged to hone our individual skills to maximize our #virtualchoir blend and sound. Nothing can replace making music together in person, but until then, let’s #keepthemusicgoing friends.”

++ Don’t Stand So Close to Me

Sting, Jimmy Fallon, and The Roots joined forces to recreate a quarantine remix of “Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” a fitting song for this era of social distancing. The vocals (Fallon can really sing!) were accompanied by musicians playing “at-home instruments,” including scissors, pot lids, and even Connect 4! It’s a lighthearted performance that promotes a serious cause: Frontline Foods.

“As an ICU nurse, I can tell you the donated food is one of the things that helps me make it through the day,” says one beneficiary. “Not even really about the fact that it’s free (though I definitely appreciate that) but just that it’s there on my unit. I certainly don’t have time during my shifts to make it to the cafeteria, and I’m too exhausted to pack a lunch between shifts.”

10 Inspiring Stories Of People Who Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

It’s hard to think of a more iconic animal than the kangaroo. They’re cute and bounce around like they’re on a pogo stick all day, and their pouch is the most adorable thing ever.

So you can imagine our disappointment when we learned that these little guys are actually mischievous. Sure, they might be cute and cuddly, but they’re also quite the troublemakers. We know it sounds crazy, but there’s so much more to these little guys than their athletic prowess and jumping abilities. They have a lot of personality and the kind of silly antics that make for great comedy.

If you’ve ever seen one in person or on TV, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Here are ten hilarious kangaroo hijinks that will brighten up your day and make you laugh out loud.

10 Last Kangaroo Standing Wins

Welcome to the jungle, baby!

When two kangaroos are in the mood for an excellent ol’ fashioned boxing match, you’d better get out of the way. It’s not for wimps—and it’s definitely not for spectators.

In this video, these two kangaroos punched each other until one of them fell. That’s how kangaroo boxing works: You hit until you can’t stand anymore, and then you fall.

Some people might think this is animal abuse, but it’s just a fun way to bond with your best friend (that would be these two kangaroos). Plus, it gives us all an excuse to watch some hilariously epic fights between kangaroos that are often too funny to take seriously!

The last kangaroo standing reigns supreme!^[1]

9 A Kangaroo Boxer vs. Human Boxer

It’s not every day you see a boxing trainer go head-to-head with a kangaroo.

Former boxing trainer Cliff Des fought a kangaroo when he saw the animal trying to get close to his dogs. According to him, he still came second best. The former boxer had been training his dogs when they suddenly started barking at something outside his fence. When he went to check it out, he found a kangaroo standing on the other side of the fence.

A video of the incident shows him sprinting away from the animal—as his two small dogs watch on, yapping behind the barrier. He slips and is then stomped upon by the kangaroo.

According to Des, this wasn’t the first time he’s had a run-in with a kangaroo—but it was undoubtedly the most entertaining! The boxer suggested that the animal was flirtatious and might have mistaken him for a female kangaroo.^[2]

8 Zookeeper Punches Kangaroo in the Face

Animals are essential to our lives, and we want to protect them. But sometimes, they can be a bit too wild.

In Australia, a zookeeper is under criticism for punching a kangaroo to save his dog from being attacked. The incident was caught on camera and has since gone viral across social media platforms, but it also sparked debates about animal rights and abuse.

The man who shot the video said that the zookeeper only sprung into action to protect his dog. Most people would’ve done the same thing, and a “little smack in the face” will not injure the kangaroo in question.

Kangaroos wearing boxing gloves are amusing, but it’s a different story when they send the ringmaster flying!^[3]

7 Can a Kangaroo and a Parrot Be Best Friends?

Do you know what’s funnier than a kangaroo? A kangaroo that gets let out of his enclosure by a parrot.

The owners of a kangaroo found walking around a Louisiana town said that a cheeky parrot accidentally let the animal out of his pen. The local authorities said Baxter the kangaroo was securely captured and brought back to its home on Thursday morning after being spotted on camera wandering around the town of Zachary in July 2022.

Baxter’s owners operate Bird Recovery International, a non-profit organization specializing in reintroducing exotic wild birds to their original environment. They said that more than a dozen parrots live with Baxter and that one of the birds, dubbed Thor, just discovered how to unlock the lock on the kangaroo’s enclosure.

According to Louisiana law, kangaroos are exotic and cannot be kept as pets. It isn’t known if Baxter’s owners, who formerly owned a zoo, have an exception for the animal because their charitable organization is focused on animals.^[4]

6 International Kangaroo

In a funny video that has gone viral, a kangaroo attacked the Russian consulate in Australia. After the marsupial was discovered trying to enter a building in Canberra, it appears that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has another ally in his ongoing war with Russia.

The kangaroo is captured on camera leaping up to the gates and pausing to examine what is in front of it. The animal can repeatedly be seen kicking at the gates before stopping for a bit of rest.

After struggling to fit through the gaps on the first attempt, the bulky and ripped animal tries again, only to give up and hop off at least somewhat comically. (But it still looks pretty tough!) Kangaroos are hilarious—and political, it seems.^[5]

5 Man Runs from Alpha Kangaroo Male… on Crutches

Chris “Brolga” Burns has been working with kangaroos for more than 15 years since he saved his first joey. He has since founded a kangaroo sanctuary in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. With rescued kangaroos all around him, you’d think he knows how to handle the jumpy beasts. I mean, his nickname is Kangaroo Dundee.

Well, that’s true for almost all his rescues. Except Roger. Brolga raised Roger from a baby, essentially becoming the joey’s mama. So now, Roger is not afraid of humans. And this causes a problem as Roger is now the alpha male of the group and weighs a whopping 200 pounds (90 kilograms).

Brolga recently had to have knee surgery after escaping from the aggressive alpha and falling. However, that still doesn’t stop Roger from making sure he protects all his females when Brolga comes near—competition is competition, after all.^[6]

4 Sexy Kangaroo Goes Viral

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Everyone loves a good viral story. But what if your viral story was about a handsome kangaroo found in Adelaide, South Australia?

The internet went wild for this handsome fella when he was caught on camera relaxing under the sun. Deborah Schutz took the photo and said it was one of the most liked images on her account.

While the kangaroo looks peaceful, remember: if a kangaroo feels threatened, it can become aggressive. Schutz says that kangaroos will do whatever they can to protect themselves in the wild. We should always be careful when approaching one, no matter how handsome they are.

Don’t worry about us. We are content just looking at him from afar.^[7]

3 Kangaroo Loses Fight Against Hammock

Karen Wishart, a native of South Australia, recently recorded a video of a particularly belligerent kangaroo picking a fight with an intimidating-looking hammock in her backyard. The baby ‘roo is shown circling the hammock while delivering furious attacks and getting its feet tangled up while doing so.

Wishart posted on Facebook that she wasn’t really sure if this baby kangaroo was playing, practicing his fighting skills, or actually squaring up against the piece of fabric. We’re delighted to see that this kangaroo avoided harm because backyard swing sets and trampolines may be dangerous for wildlife, save maybe for a bruised ego after losing a fight with a hammock.

Male kangaroos engage in boxing matches to secure territory or win mating rights. This may be a way for the young animal to practice his fighting skills without destroying too many shrubs and trees by accident—although there is still room for improvement for this young one!

It’s easy to forget that kangaroos are wild animals. They’re cute and cuddly, so you might assume they’re as domesticated as your cat or dog. But no! These guys are still wild at heart and just as prone to mischief as any other animal on the planet.^[8]

2 Kangaroo Found Jumping Around on a Trampoline

You know what they say: you can’t teach an old kangaroo new tricks. But you can make them try.

A lone kangaroo was caught on camera jumping on a trampoline in Australia. The video was posted to YouTube by Emma Heffernan. It shows the animal hopping up and down on the trampoline, but the kangaroo got flustered when they got caught! Because kangaroos can run at such high speeds on flat ground, it’s no surprise that this startled animal jumped too hard off the springy surface.

The kangaroo reportedly escaped without injury, but this shows how difficult it can be for wildlife to co-exist with humans.

Although some believe the kangaroo was caught practicing his ninja skills, we should remember that a kangaroo zombie apocalypse can also happen!^[9]

1 Baby Kangaroo Finds out the Hard Way

You know that feeling when you’re walking down the street, and you accidentally trip, and your face meets the pavement? And then you have to find out what that ground tastes like? Well, it turns out a baby kangaroo feels that way about dirt.

The San Antonio Zoological Society posted the video on their official Twitter page, adding some simple but funny captions. They explained that it was footage of a baby kangaroo’s facial expressions after tasting dirt. “Pyrite’s joey got some dirt in his mouth and had quite the reaction,” read the Tweet’s caption along with the video.

In the video, a baby kangaroo stands in its enclosure. After only moments pass, it licks some dirt off the ground with its tongue. His reactions after were simply hilarious.^[10]

Different countries and cultures celebrate the festive season in diverse ways. For some, religious traditions are at the center of the festivities. For others, it’s all about gathering with family to enjoy a delicious meal and catch up with those who live far away. This in itself is also a tradition for many people around the world. Christmas carols have long been a staple of shopping centers during the holidays. Mistletoe is hung in strategic places by the romantic at heart. Well-thought-out holiday cards are sent and received. Children wake up on Christmas morning expecting to see wrapped gifts and cookie crumbs.

On this list are some of the more unique traditions that take place during the most wonderful time of the year.

10 La Chocolatada

Each year, during Christmas time, companies and municipal governments in Peru band together to provide panettone (sweet bread) and countless cups of hot chocolate to disadvantaged communities within the country. They also collect toys and sweets to hand out to the children within these communities. The La Chocolatada event dates to the 1930s when it was used by politicians to win the approval of citizens. The tradition has since spread to other countries such as Spain, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador.^[1]

9 Starring

Thinking of Alaska brings to mind glaciers, moose, bears, and mountains. Here you will find more volcanoes than in any other state. You can explore the vast, unspoiled wilderness, gaze at the Northern Lights, and in certain parts, enjoy two months of constant sunlight.

When Christmas rolls around, the many Russian Orthodox families that have made Alaska their home celebrate with a tradition called Selaviq or Starring. This tradition was introduced to Alaska by Russian Orthodox priests after it began in the Carpathian Mountains during the 16th century. Following the Julian calendar, those who partake in the Starring tradition celebrate Christmas on January 7th. A procession carrying a large wooden star travels from house to house over several days. Those within the procession sing traditional folk songs and recite prayers. Along the way, food, gifts, and sweets are distributed while someone continuously spins the star. Starring symbolizes the journey of the wise men who followed the star of Bethlehem and ended up at the birthplace of Jesus Christ.^[2]

8 A Guyana Christmas

Being in the Caribbean over the festive season means taking part in a variety of unique Christmas traditions. Guyana, which is part of the Anglophone Caribbean, celebrates the holidays by featuring masqueraders that dance from door to door wearing ghost costumes. Some of the most popular costumes include that of Mother Sally, who is a female figure on stilts wearing a long skirt, and the Cow, which is constructed to fit around the person wearing it.

Along with these festivities, delectable dishes are enjoyed, including black cake, garlic pork, pepperpot, and homemade ginger beer.^[3]

7 Christmas Cakes

In Japan, Christmas goes hand-in-hand with over-the-top LED light displays in shopping centers, romantic dinners, and fried chicken.

And instead of indulging in fruitcake, people traditionally eat kurisumasu keeki while gathered with their loved ones. Kurisumasu keeki is a strawberry shortcake cake decorated with edible Christmas-themed ornaments. This tradition was carried over from the cream-covered cake tradition started by the Fujiya confectionery manufacturer, who encouraged people to “eat cake on “Christmas.”

For those who are not fond of strawberry flavoring, these cakes come in chocolate, fruit, and ice cream options. They can also be created in the shape of popular characters.^[4]

6 A Hot Christmas

Christmas is generally associated with cold, snowy weather, hot chocolate or eggnog, and thick coats. Should you find yourself in Australia over the holiday period, however, you won’t experience any of that. Instead, you’ll most likely celebrate by lazing on the beach and knocking back (quite) a few cold drinks. Once you’re done roasting in the sun, you can enjoy a traditional cold seafood platter overflowing with prawns.

Before you retire for the night, you can play a game of cricket or dive into the pool for some heat-relieving fun. And if you’re still up for a party on Boxing Day, you can join Surfing Santa for a street party or a barbecue.^[5]

5 Presépio

During the mid-13th century, the first Christmas crib was created in Italy. As the centuries passed, the concept caught on in other European countries. In modern times you can still find them in churches in England, fire stations in Portugal, and homes across the continent.

In family homes in Portugal, building a Christmas crib or presépio under the Christmas tree is still a cherished tradition. It includes the usual nativity elements, including the figures of the wise men, Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. Many of the presépios include a donkey and bull figure surrounding Jesus’ crib to keep Him warm. Some families include scenes of everyday life in their nativity setup. A stunning example of this is the Presépio Gigante in Vila Real de Santo António. This nativity scene includes beekeepers, a market, hunters, farmers, and much more.^[6]

4 Pohutukawa

The Christmas tree is a holiday staple. Whether real or plastic, they usually take on the same shape and are highly recognizable worldwide. In New Zealand, the concept of the Christmas tree is kicked up a notch with the beautiful Pohutukawa tree. The tree is featured on Christmas decorations and gets a mention in several Christmas carols. In Māori mythology, the tree’s bright crimson flowers are said to represent the blood of a warrior who lost his life in the quest to avenge his father’s death.

After Christian settlers arrived in New Zealand, they gave the Pohutukawa tree the alternative name of New Zealand Christmas tree after witnessing its abundant blossoms in December and January. This important New Zealand festive season symbol was also a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who requested a jar of its nectar annually after initially receiving one as a gift.^[7]

3 Orange Star

On the first Sunday of Advent, an orange star shines from the window of every home in Greenland as the Northern Lights dance in the dark sky overhead.

While families light their star, they sing Greenlandic Christmas carols and remember the first star brought to the country by the Christian brotherhood Herrnhutters, who arrived in 1733. Churches hold Christmas services, after which small caves are dug into the snow that has fallen over the graves in the churchyard. A lit candle is placed in each of these caves, lighting up the entire cemetery.

Lucia’s parade is also customary in Greenland. Children are dressed in white robes, each carrying a light in their hands. The person heading the parade is dubbed Lucia, and she wears a wreath adorned with four lights.

2 Zampognari

The Bible tells the story of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night and being terrified after an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel brought them the good news of the birth of the Savior.

During Christmas time in Italy, shepherds appear in squares and piazzas across many regions. These shepherds are dressed in sheepskins and wool cloaks. They entertain people by playing festive tunes on unique bagpipes. One of the most requested songs is the Christmas hymn “Tu Scendi dale Stelle” (“You Come Down from the Stars”).

The tradition of the bagpipe-playing shepherds, also known as the zampogna, started in ancient Roman times when shepherds traveled from their mountain homes to town to perform for people in a bid to earn an extra income.^[9]

1 Karavaki

Christmas trees are common in Greece, but so are Christmas boats which usually take up a spot right next to the traditional tree. Several Greek islands prefer the boats which are decorated to celebrate the holidays. It is not known exactly where the tradition started, but some believe that because the southern islands of the Aegean Sea didn’t have an abundance of trees, residents turned to something they knew well: boats.

Sailors and captains are ingrained into the history of Greece, with nearly all the men of the islands being away at sea for months at a time. Over Christmas, they would battle severe storms to bring home big hauls of fish. It is believed that the boats carrying the men home eventually became a symbol of hope and bravery that were celebrated during Christmas.

Greece’s Christmas boats are handmade and used to be carried from door to door by children singing carols.^[10]