YouTube invites classical musicians to play Beijing Olympics theme composer's music

London, December 2 : Beijing Olympics theme composer Tan Dun is upbeat that member of the video sharing website YouTube will give rise to revolutionary methods of playing music when they try performing his work.

The website is said to be organising a competition to discover new classical musicians, and wants users to submit videos showcasing their musical talent.

Those interested may submit their entries by 28 January next year. A final public vote will take place two weeks later.

Since the website's members have to perform their own versions of Tan Dun's composition, using an instrument is not necessary.

"You can use anything, sticks, metal. Anything can be made to make music or beat a rhythm," the BBC quoted YouTube's Patrick Walker as saying

"Of course, it has to work not only in a solo environment but accompanying other instruments- that's the challenge," he added.

Apart from that, the users also have to perform a famous classical piece, with the two video submissions going to a panel of judges, with a shortlist then selected for a public vote.

"Through the YouTube Symphony Orchestra project, we will explore new ways for music lovers to create new work and learn from one another," said the projects artistic advisor, the musical director of the San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas.

"Music means so much to different people, in different countries. It's not just about the note of music, it's about discovery," he added.

The final winners will be flown to New York's Carnegie Hall to play a three day classical music summit with the Michael Tilson Thomas, which will include playing Tan Dun Internet Symphony No 1 "Eroica".

"This is a unique opportunity to perform on the world's most famous stage," said Carnegie Hall's executive director Clive Gillinson.

"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," Gillinson added.

ANI