A new Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra fund-raiser aims to name a local celebrity to stand at the A2SO podium later this season as a special "guest conductor" chosen by members of the public.

"Pursuit of the Podium: The Search for Ann Arbor’s Next Celebrity Conductor" will run throughout the season, benefitting the orchestra’s community-wide music education programs. Starting with 20 nominees, the field will gradually be whittled down until the winner conducts a short piece to open the A2SO’s performance of "Carmina Burana" at Hill Auditorium on April 21.

The orchestra is now accepting nominations for Ann Arbor’s first celebrity conductor. Nominate by phone at 734-994-4801, by emailing celebconductor@a2so.com, or by filling out a nomination form at the A2SO office or at the Beethoven Festival concert on Oct. 22. To advance to the final 20, all nominees must be available on April 20 and 21 and willing to make a short video detailing why they should be the celebrity conductor (the A2SO can assist in the production of these videos).

As detailed in a press release, the A2SO will determine the 20 finalists, to be announced at the orchestra's Nov. 12 performance of Rigoletto. Advancement will be based on votes; students may vote for their favorite finalist(s) for $1 and general members of the public can vote for $2 (or 3 votes for $5).

Voting begins on Nov. 12. Vote by phone at 734-994-4801, online at www.a2so.com, or in person at any A2SO event from Nov. 12 until Friday, April 6 at noon.

The final 10 candidates will be announced at the A2SO’s "Mozart Birthday Bash" on Jan. 21; the final 5 will be announced on March 17 at "Masterworks." The winner and Ann Arbor’s first celebrity conductor will be revealed at "Carmina Burana" on April 21.

The dollars generated by this event will go to the A2SO’s education and artistic programs, which serve more than 30,000 youngsters through 50 ensembles in schools, two youth concerts, dozens of "instrument petting zoos" and 15 free KinderConcerts for toddlers.