Australia will host the next edition of the YouTube orchestra, and musicians have until the end of November to submit their auditions. The Strad had an article announcing the competition. Selected musicians will play with Michael Tilson Thomas at the Sydney Opera House next spring (or is that fall down under?). Despite some skepticism at the Los Angeles Times about the subject, the 2009 YouTube Symphony at Carnegie Hall created quite a buzz because of the opportunity it offered to amateur musicians to join their counterparts around the world in a truly “once-in-a-lifetime” event. If you haven’t checked out the result, take a look at the video below.
In addition to the orchestra, the 2011 edition of the YouTube Orchestra offers an opportunity for solo improvisation. For complete details and information on how to submit, go to the official YouTube Orchestra site at www.youtube.com/user/symphony. Music required for the orchestra auditions include selections from Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Strauss.
Good luck — and be sure to let me know if you submit!
Midlife Musicians 