Youtube launches classical music competition

Budding classical musicians can enter a competition on Youtube to win a place in an online orchestra.

To enter the Youtube Internet Symphony competition, users must submit a video showcasing their musical talent.

They are being asked to base their entries on a symphony by composer Tan Dun, who wrote the music for films such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Hero. Entrants can download this score from the site and use it to perform their interpretation.

Youtube said the competition was not just open to those playing conventional musical instruments – the piece could be performed by people clapping or banging tins. Entrants must also record a second classical piece of their own choice to demonstrate their musical ability.

Musicians have until 28 January 2009 to submit their entries for inclusion in the global performance of the 'Internet Symphony'. After this performance, musical experts from the London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony and other orchestras will draw up a shortlist of contestants.

In February 2009 the Youtube community will be invited to vote for their favourite musician from this shortlist. Three winners will be flown to New York's Carnegie Hall to play at a three-day classical music summit in April with Michael Tilson Thomas.

Mr Tilson Thomas is the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, founder and artistic director of the New World Symphony and principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.