Violinist Ray Chen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic have announced the “Play with Ray” competition, an international skills-based talent search for violinists with the winner being selected to perform Bach’s “Double Concerto” with Chen and the LA Phil on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Hollywood Bowl. Chen, 30, has wanted to create the “Play with Ray” competition for years.

“I want to provide people around the world a fun, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Chen said. “People who have a dream to perform on stage, this project is for you.”

Entrants can use an online video to play alongside Chen and the orchestra, and record a video and submit it with an essay. The top three finalists will be flown to Los Angeles to play violin with Chen using rare violins provided by Tarisio. The finalists will also attend master classes and concerts. The grand-prize winner will join Chen and the LA Phil in a performance at the nearly 18,000-seat Hollywood Bowl. Free entry is open through May 1 to nonprofessional violinists of all ages. For information, visit hollywoodbowl.com/playwithray.