Is it possibe that one person read this conductor's mind and the rest joined in?

Question

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i9G0Lg3cUJA&feature=related

Answer 1

It is possible but it is not probable as there are other explanations like the conductor moving his shoulders, eyes, and head and the orchestra responding to him looking pleased and to him not looking pleased as they played various pieces. Of course then individual members may be influenced by the playing of those around them.

While this chosen magician of the skeptics claims credit for the trick ESP can not be ruled out as a contributor nor can evidence for it playing a part be established.

Had the conductor been sealed in another room, only one musician being tested or many but separated, and they all (even the majority of them) began playing the same piece of music as he conducted his chosen piece of music you would have a test that could indicate ESP.

Psiexploration

Answer 2

Nope, just illusion and psychology. Derren Brown is a magician and admits he has no mindreading ability. But the illusion is enhanced by the fact that orchestra members are trained to play in unison, each musician extremely sensitive to the direction of the music and the slightest movement of a conductor, facial expressions and all. And once a thematic element arose from the major scale they seemed to be playing over (note that orchestras tend to "warm up" with a major scale), they all seized on Beethoven's Hymn to Joy because it also is very much based on going up and down the major scale, and because it was also very familiar to them.

Answer 3

Group empathy?

Answer 4

Darren Brown is a mentalist, meaning he uses illusion and suggestion to pull off tricks.

P.S. He's also a skeptic.