YouTube launches classical music competition

NEW YORK, USA: Video sharing website YouTube is all set to give a boost to the classical music by launching a competition to discover new classical musicians.

The YouTube Symphony Orchestra, as the program is named, will transform individual performances into a global symphony and change the way musicians connect over the Internet, YouTube said in a statement. Classical musicians around the world can participate in the competition by submitting two videos demonstrating their musical and technical abilities by January 28, 2009, the statement said.

The final public vote would take place two weeks later. While one piece of performance should be ‘The Internet Symphony’, an original Tan Dun composition written specifically for this program, the participants have the right to choose the second classical piece according to their interest to demonstrate their musical ability.

The winners in the competition will get a chance to perform alongside world-renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, learn from composer Tan Dun and many members of the London Symphony Orchestra.

They will also get a chance to consult with pianist Lang Lang, and collaborate with YouTube users from around the globe. Selected musicians will also have the honor of participating in an April 2009 summit and perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall.

The audition videos can be submitted to www.youtube.com/symphony, YouTube statement said.