Orchestra takes a virtual bent

There’s a new way to get to Carnegie Hall: YouTube, YouTube, YouTube.

Borrowing from “American Idol,” the online video site announced plans Monday for a YouTube Symphony Orchestra, featuring a collaboration of wannabe musicians with Carnegie Hall, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, composer Tan Dun and others.

Through Jan. 28, musicians can submit entries as they perform two videos: a display of their musical talents and an interpretation of an original work by Tan, who won an original-score Academy Award for 2000’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

A panel of experts will narrow the field. YouTube users will then vote for the winners, who will be announced March 2.

In April, those selected will be flown to New York to participate in a three-day workshop with Tilson Thomas, culminating in a Carnegie Hall performance on April 15 of what Tan calls his “Internet Symphony No. 1 -- Eroica.”