Australia has been chosen to host the second YouTube Symphony Orchestra, to be streamed live around the world from the Sydney Opera House on 20 March 2011.
The Orchestra is an innovative concept which brings together in one venue musicians from around the globe who are selected by expert judges following online auditions.
The first YouTube Symphony Orchestra held at Carnegie Hall in April last year was a sell-out success that brought together more than 90 musicians from 30 countries including two Australian musicians.
The promotion of the inaugural event generated over 25 million visits from 226 countries to YouTube's Symphony channel (youtube.com/symphony).
Welcoming today's announcement, Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP said Tourism Australia will partner with YouTube to make the most of this opportunity to promote Australia in a new way by making the most of digital and social media.
“This is another opportunity for Tourism Australia to show the world why There's nothing like Australia,” Minister Ferguson said.
“We know that successfully marketing Australia to the world means harnessing the power of the internet and YouTube is the number one site for online video with 300 million plus unique users per month.
"The YouTube Symphony Orchestra brings together a potent mix of the traditional iconic draw-card of the Sydney Opera House with the power of online communications technology – and I am confident that the results will be nothing short of spectacular.
“The success of Tourism Australia's There's nothing like Australia global marketing campaign, demonstrates how effective online marketing can be by giving people an opportunity to share their passion for Australia and in doing so, motivate others to travel here."
Today's announcement made jointly in Sydney and New York featured performances by YouTube-discovered classical pop group Aston; Sydney Symphony; and renowned didgeridoo player William Barton.
Global online auditions for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra 2011 opened today and the Australian Government is encouraging Australian musicians to take part. Solo improvisers will also have the opportunity to take part in next year's event.
Musicians selected for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra 2011 will be invited to a week of rehearsals and master classes at the Sydney Opera House in March, culminating in a performance conducted by Grammy Award Winning conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Tourism Australia will support the YouTube Symphony Orchestra 2011 through its global public relations activities including the international media hosting and visiting opinion leaders programs.