The Lonely Road of Auditions
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Arguably, an orchestra's primary goal is to present itself as an ensemble in perfect symphony. But while musicians disappear into the collective once seated, they are asked to showcase their skills to enter this exclusive group. As a seat in an esteemed orchestra brings prestige, networking opportunities and good compensation, they are perhaps one of the most coveted spots to land in music. As such, minimum qualifications are high and demands on the audition process are rigorous and often daunting.
For example, the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO), one of the leading Canadian orchestras, requires musicians to play an exhaustive list of repertoires spanning multiple genres, including both solo and orchestral excerpts. For example, a recent vacancy for a principal trombone position required learning two solo pieces as well as orchestral excerpts from twenty different pieces! Yes, it's twenty. And NACO is not alone. Recent advertised vacancies in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra required playing three solo repertoires along with a dozen excerpts and of course, sight reading “as requested.”
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Even the requirements for youth orchestras are demanding. To join the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO), which is for musicians aged 22 and under, a recent audition package required an except of two minutes for a solo piece along with excepts from nine pieces.
While the orchestral world may be quite unforgiving to musicians, here at OPO, we’re a bit kinder. To audition, all musicians are required to play two contrasting pieces not exceeding 10 minutes in total playing time, with additional requirements for specific instruments. Auditions are currently open to join our upcoming 2024-2025 orchestral season, with the deadline of September 6, 2024. Check out our auditions page for more information. Don’t sweat it – we’re not like your typical orchestra. Landing a seat in ours is to learn, play and have fun!
