KU music student picked as finalist for 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra

Doug Perry, a graduate student pursuing his Master in Music degree, was recently chosen as a finalist in the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra. This is the second year for this online competition, a joint venture between YouTube and Michael Tilson Thomas, the music director for the San Francisco Symphony and the New World Symphony.

This international competition allows musicians from all over the world upload videos of selected excerpts to compete to perform with the YouTube Orchestra. Last year the winners played a new work by Tan Dun in Carnegie Hall. This year the winners will perform a new work by Mason Bates, composer-in-residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in the Sidney Opera House, under the baton of Michael Tilson himself.

Perry submitted his audition in the rhythmic improvisation category and was chosen as one of seventeen finalists out of hundreds of submissions. The final round is based on public vote, and voting continues until January 17.

Contact the KU School of Music with questions at 785-864-3436 or visit us at www.music.ku.edu.