By William Yelles.
It’s like American Idol for violinists.
World-renowned violinist Ray Chen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic have announced the Play with Ray competition. The international skills-based talent search aims to find a violinist to perform Bach’s Double Concerto with Chen and the LA Phil, led by Ben Gernon, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on August 8.
“I want to provide people around the world a fun, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Chen. “People who have a dream to perform on stage, this project is for you. I couldn’t think of a better partnership to help realize everyone’s passion for music than the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl.”
Entrants can play alongside a video of Chen and the orchestra, then record and submit along with an essay. The top three finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to play violin with Chen in person. The finalists will also attend masterclasses and concerts in the days leading up to the performance. The grand-prize winner will join Chen and the LA Phil on stage at the Hollywood Bowl, performing the first movement of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto at the nearly-18,000-seat venue. The concert will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Entry is open to non-professional violinists of all ages and is free. Deadline to enter: May 1.
For all the info and to get started go here.
Good luck!
Photo courtesy LA Phil.
