Google?s YouTube launch global orchestra via user generated videos
Video sharing giant YouTube calls musicians to join YouTube Symphony Orchestra via video submission
Popular video website YouTube has today
announced plans to launch a global collaborative online orchestra, which will culminate in a virtual performance and a live performance in April 2009.
YouTube has made a call for musicians around the world to submit their video audition?s to the
YouTube Symphony Orchestra, and connect with other musicians and established classical stars such as Tan Dun, Michael Tilson and Lang Lang.
The YouTube Team explain, ?The first YouTube programme of its kind, the YouTube Symphony Orchestra will transform individual performances into a global symphony and change the way musicians connect over the Internet. This is your opportunity to perform alongside world-renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, learn from composer Tan Dun and many members of the London Symphony Orchestra, consult with pianist Lang Lang, and collaborate with YouTube users from around the globe.?
All video submissions received before 28 January 2009 will be considered to create a virtual performance; entrants must play one of two pieces, either ?The Internet Symphony? by Tan Dun, written exclusively for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra or a second classical piece of their choice. All entrants will also be considered for a coveted spot at an April 2009 summit in New York, where they will learn from ?today?s classical masters? and then perform at the famous Carnegie Hall.
Tan Dun encourages entrants to get creative, ?This Internet Symphony provides a platform to enter anything you want to say through sound; through your voice or through any instrument ? or, without any instrument, even cooking tools, or break drums, street noise like stones, water, pavement, paper ? anything! All those sounds are the language of your heart, and nothing related to the technique, and this is the future of the expression of music.?
?Musical experts from the London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and other leading orchestras around the world will narrow the field of entries from localised YouTube countries to a group of semi-finalists,? explains the YouTube spokesperson.
In February, in classical YouTube style, the community will be invited to cast their vote for their favourite semi-finalists, with the winners being asked to participate in the three day classical music learning summit, and the live performance.
YouTube concludes, ?No matter what instrument you play, from bassoon to trombone, timpani to piccolo, download the appropriate sheet music and tune into a video tutorial, London Symphony Orchestra masterclasses, and instrument-by-instrument playthrough with the conductor. Once you feel ready to share your performance, upload and submit for your opportunity to join the ranks of the first-ever YouTube Symphony Orchestra!?
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