The story of how YouTube is helping classical music find new audiences and ‘democratise creativity’ through an online orchestral project known as the YouTube Orchestra.

In March 2011 musicians (who had auditioned via YouTube, of course) flew in from all over the world to Sydney to meet, rehearse and perform at the Opera House in a concert streamed live to millions.

Ed Saunders from Google, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and CEO of the Opera House Richard Evans explain the significance of the project. Composer Mason Bates comments on how classical composers can look to technology and the future for inspiration. We also go backstage to hear from orchestra members and mentors, as well as the Obscura Digital team who created the images projected on to the Opera House sails during the concert.

First broadcast on Radio National’s Into the Music in September 2011