BT Gets Groovy

LONDON -- The Philharmonia Orchestra and BT have announced the winners of their unique Groove Search competition, which used the MySpace web phenomenon to search for new musical talent. Twenty winners, ranging in age from eight to 43 years old, will have their “grooves” recorded by the Orchestra at Abbey Road studios on 19 January.

The Groove Search competition invited members of the public, whether amateur musicians or musical novices, to submit 30 seconds of original music in any genre to the Orchestra. Entries could be written down, played on an instrument, whistled or even hummed. The competition, a partnership between BT and The Philharmonia, was judged by a panel that included urban artist Nate James and Mercury Music Prize nominee jazz pianist Zoe Rahman.

Paul Simon, head of sponsorship at BT, said: “The Philharmonia Orchestra and BT have established a long term relationship which focuses on making the music and expertise of the world renowned Philharmonia Orchestra more widely accessible – whether purely for musical enjoyment or for personal development. Thanks to our Groove Search competition, 20 members of the public will get the chance to have their music professionally arranged, recorded and performed by this world famous orchestra.”

BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)