"'Classical' music does not need gimmicks OR marketers/managers," hrumphs an SFGate commenter.

Oh, but it does.

Joining the likes of Gavin Newsom with this here YouTube craze your father just heard about, Michael Tilson Thomas, director of the San Francisco Symphony (arguably the best symphony on the planet), is getting in on the online video scene. MTT announced Monday that he will be a part of something called the YouTube Symphony Orchestra.

In collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall and composer Tan Dun, the YouTube Symphony Orchestra project invites musicians, classical or otherwise, from around the world to audition for the YouTube Orchestra. Video entries will be "combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall in April 2009."

That is to say, classical music has gone the American Idol route. Which is a good thing.

If you want to try being a part of this orchestra, check out submission requirements. Oh, and good luck.

Image: AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews