(This is a cross-post from the Google Australia Blog).

A few weeks ago we announced the formation of the second YouTube Symphony Orchestra, which will be performing in the Sydney Opera House in March 2011. Last time, musicians from 70 countries from around the world sent in submissions from concert halls, living rooms, and studios, all for the chance to perform a sell-out concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall under the direction of renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

There are two weeks left for you to submit your video, for a chance to play in the next YouTube Symphony Orchestra. This time, we’re very excited to be playing host city to this truly global orchestra, for a celebration of music, technology, and global collaboration in an iconic venue of world class ideas and performances -- the Sydney Opera House. While still classically based, next year’s YouTube Symphony Orchestra opens the door for any musician.


Richard Evans, Chief Executive of Sydney Opera House

We’re calling on musicians from around Australia to audition for the opportunity to take part in YouTube Symphony Orchestra and perform at the Sydney Opera House. If you play trumpet, banjo or didgeridoo, from Sydney to Tassie, Brisbane or Broome, we want to hear from you! This year there are two ways for any musician to get involved.

To participate in the orchestral audition, visit the YouTube Symphony Orchestra Channel, select your instrument, download one of the pieces listed, and submit your audition video. You also have the chance to hear from world renowned musicians, who have prepared online masterclasses for your audition piece.

Diana Doherty, Principal Oboe of the Sydney Symphony, introduces Mozart’s Oboe Concerto, 1st movement, exposition:



Not an orchestral musician? This time around we’ve added a second video category -- a performance of your own devising as an improvisation to a portion of a piece composed for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra by Mason Bates. The music of Mason Bates fuses innovative orchestral writing, rhythms of electronica and techno, and imaginative narrative forms brought to life by cutting-edge sound design. This is a chance for you to display your musical creativity and originality. This video may be featured at the final event, and some of the best improvisers may be invited to perform with the Orchestra. To participate, grab the instrument of your choosing - any instrument - check out the piece composed by Mason Bates.

Have a look at the sample improvisations for inspiration. Australia’s own William Barton plays the didgeridoo to Mason Bates’ Mothership:



Auditions close November 28, so visit the YouTube Symphony Channel to get started, and practise, practise, practise!

Posted by Ernesto Soriano, YouTube Team