YouTube Seeks Online Orchestra
In a search for classical musicians, video sharing Web site YouTube has launched a competition for users who wish to submit videos highlighting their musical talents.Â
The winners will be flown to New York’s Carnegie Hall to perform at a three day classical music summit. Videos must be submitted by January 28, with a final public vote taking place two weeks later.
The contest centers on a YouTube-commissioned piece scored by classical composer Tan Dun. And while users must perform their own interpretation of Dun’s composition, that doesn’t necessarily mean they must use a musical instrument.
Contest participants can download the score from Dun’s composition and view a video clip of him conducting.
Dun, who composed Grammy and Oscar winning music for the movies Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Hero, told BBC News his latest composition was inspired by the sounds of mechanics he heard while walking around New York.
"The internet is an invisible Silk Road, joining people across the world. Anyone can download a score of my Internet Symphony No 1 "Eroica", pick any part of it and play it with any instrument or object, in any style," he said.
“You can use anything, sticks, metal. Anything can be made to make music or beat a rhythm."
"Of course, it has to work not only in a solo environment but accompanying other instruments – that’s the challenge.”
In addition to an interpretation of Tan Dun’s piece, users must also perform a famous classical piece. Each of the two video submissions will be presented to a panel of judges who will select a short list for the public vote.
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"Through the YouTube Symphony Orchestra project, we will explore new ways for music lovers to create new work and learn from one another," Michael Tilson Thomas, the project’s artistic advisor and musical director of the San Francisco Symphony, told BBC News.
"Music means so much to different people, in different countries. It’s not just about the note of music, it’s about discovery."
The winners will perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall, and will participate in a three day classical music summit with Michael Tilson Thomas. The performance will also include playing Tan Dun Internet Symphony No 1 "Eroica".
"This is a unique opportunity to perform on the world’s most famous stage," Carnegie Hall’s executive director Clive Gillinson told BBC News.
"The creation of the YouTube Symphony Orchestra will be a one-of-a-kind moment in classical music, bringing musicians together in a totally new, modern, and compelling way."
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