Eric Whitacre launches new Virtual Choir

Eric Whitacre, one of today’s leading composers, tonight launches a global search for singers of all levels to join a record-breaking attempt to create the world's largest online choir. Blur’s Alex James will be the first participant in ‘Virtual Choir 2011’, recording his part for Whitacre’s much-loved masterpiece Sleep. He says:

 “This proves that you no longer have to live in a major city to be a part of a significant cultural scene; this project is accessible to anyone from Manhattan to the Maldives.”

Whitacre’s 'Virtual Choir' will attempt to beat the record for the World's Largest Online Choir. The record currently stands at 900 but, with his loyal and extensive international fanbase, Whitacre hopes to smash that record. Through an incredible technical feat Whitacre will combine thousands of individual choral parts to create the final tour de force.

Whitacre’s original Virtual Choir has become a huge YouTube hit, receiving 1 million hits in just 60 days. While that project included many professional singers, this is the chance for everyone and anyone to become involved in an internet phenomenon.

Entries to the record attempt will be via YouTube (www.youtube.com/EricWhitacresVrtlChr) and will include an online tutorial explaining how to record and upload their chosen part. The closing date for entries is the end of 2010. The result is expected to create a vast and impressive masterpiece which makes online history.

Whitacre makes the announcement tonight at the launch of his new Decca album, Light & Gold.  His music is performed all around the world, but this album is the first time that Whitacre has conducted his own music on disc.  Although familiar with conducting both choirs and orchestras, the Virtual Choir is potentially gargantuan in proportion. Whitacre says:

“I’ve always felt that the recent digital revolution is a fantastic thing for music fans,
both in terms of listening and participating. I’m delighted to lead what I anticipate
to be a big step forward for classical – and indeed, all – music.
I hope this will be a moment in music history for the YouTube Generation.”

Whitacre, a charismatic Californian, is already a well-known name in choirs across the world, admired for his beautifully paced and richly harmonised works. He has also become a powerful spokesperson for music, having followed in the footsteps of Bill Gates and President Obama as guest speaker at the TED conference. His unique combination of accessibility and musical integrity are appreciated by an eclectic fanbase. Here is someone who is truly bridging the gap between the traditional concert hall and the 21st Century virtual world.