YouTube Makes Music

Nearly one hundred musicians from thirty different countries gathered to perform in the first-ever YouTube Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in New York Wednesday.

Sponsored by Google, YouTube’s parent company, the performers flew in from countries like Japan, South Korea, and Bermuda.  More than 3,000 people submitted video auditions.

CNN points out how the unorthodox style of audition might change the classical music landscape.

“The classical music world was always something that strives for perfection and it was probably seen as something that was traditional and even outdated, and somewhat latest, but I think this project has gone to show that's not actually the case. We hope this is game changing in the sense that it redefines the audition space.” (CNN)

Performers come from a variety of backgrounds, not all music related.  One performer is a professional poker player.

For this reason NewTeeVee.com is skeptical.

“But, like other events such as YouTube Live, is it ultimately anything more than just a publicity stunt for the company? … once they’re all playing under the same roof, the YouTube Symphony Orchestra is just an orchestra with an unusual origin story — and no guarantee that the musicians selected will be able to gel together.” (New TeeVee)

The BBC has reactions from the audience after the show.

“It was sensational. They performed perfectly. I’d said I’d seen the future and it works.”
“I was surprised. I was looking at the stage and thinking, “Oh, my god. They know each other for, like, five days or something, so it was incredible.” (BBC)

The New York Times has a mixed reaction.

“The project is worthy, and in ways inspiring. Still, I wish the concert had been less gimmicky and more substantive. … But … YouTube deserves credit. The company did, after all, field an orchestra for this event…” (The New York Times)

So do you think the Youtube Symphony Orchestra will attract a bigger audience to classical music? Or is it something that will lose momentum?