How to react when a string breaks mid-performance

Violinist Maximilian Simon remains as cool as a cucumber when his E string breaks midway through a recent performance of Britten's Violin Concerto with the Jenaer Philharmonie. Calmly he swaps his instrument with the orchestral leader's, and continues playing. Later, the leader hands back Simon's newly-strung instrument as the performance continues.

Watch: 14-year-old Midori breaks E string twice

Watch: soloist Marek Pavelec keeps cool under pressure when his E string snaps during a performance of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole.