YouTube to Conduct Online Symphony Orchestra

If you thought online music collaboration was limited to Rock Band 2, think again. YouTube is set to conduct the world's first online orchestra, and aspiring musicians from around the world can participate in the project by submitting video auditions.

The YouTube Symphony Orchestra will bring musicians together with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, composer Tan Dun, pianist Lang Lang and various members of the London Symphony Orchestra. After participating in a learning summit in April, the orchestra will move on to a live performance at Carnegie Hall.

Musicians will be able to send in their video submissions performing two pieces: The Internet Symphony by Tan Dun and a classical piece of their own choosing. Submissions will be accepted between now and January 28th, 2009.

So get out your violin, your trombone or your flute and head over to the YouTube Symphony Orchestra channel.