Audition
An audition is the prelude at an orchestra or other musical ensemble takes place, when a job is become vacant. If an orchestral position is vacant, it will be advertised and interested musicians can apply. It is at the orchestra's discretion which and how many applicants are invited.
An audition usually takes place in several rounds, in which the musicians, in addition to concerts or other solo pieces, mainly have to play certain parts from important orchestral works that are particularly difficult for the respective instrument (so-called auditions ). A jury made up of orchestra members and the conductor decides which candidates will advance to the next round. Often the first rounds take place behind a curtain or screen to ensure the neutrality of the jury's decisions, but in the last rounds, in which the precise artistic comparison of the remaining handful of candidates is concerned, the overall appearance of the artist also plays an important role.
If the judges are of the opinion that no applicant has the desired level, they can abandon the audition without vacating the position. In this case, the position will be advertised again after a while and another audition will be held. The practice of reimbursing applicants for the travel costs to the audition is no longer practiced by all orchestras, stating reasons for cost savings.
Famous auditions that are feared by musicians include the bird theme from Peter and the Wolf on the Flute , the high trumpet solos from the Alpine Symphony , the violin solo from Swan Lake or the overture to Bedřich Smetana's opera The Bartered Bride (all instruments).
