What are the criteria for applicants?
Anyone can apply provided they are at least 14 years old and play one of the following orchestral instruments at an advanced level: violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet (A, Bâ™ or C clarinet), Eâ™ clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, harp or piano.
Applicants for the flute: please let us know whether you are only interested in playing the flute, would be interested in playing the piccolo as well, or are only applying to play the piccolo.
Applicants for the oboe and English horn: please let us know whether you are only interested in playing the oboe, would be interested in playing the English horn as well, or are only applying to play the English horn.
Applicants for the clarinet: Please let us know which type of clarinet you play/would like to play and which instrument(s) you have (A, Bâ™ and/or C clarinet).
Are applications open to those living outside the Frankfurt/Rhein-Main area?
Yes, any interested musician can participate, regardless of where they live.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted online. The precise details are available on the project webpage. All we need from you is a completed application form. The application procedure for specific positions is explained in the next question. In case you need help with the application procedure, feel free to contact us by sending an email to enthusiastenorchester@alteoper.de. We will try to assist you as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2023. The jury's decision is expected to be announced at the end of the year.
Can I apply for a specific position?
You can apply directly for the following positions: string instrument principal (second violin, viola, cello, double bass), woodwind soloist (flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon), brass soloist (trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba) and timpani.
In this case, we ask that you video record a short piece of your own choosing as well as the audition spot. The audition sites for the respective instruments can be found under / above the FAQs. Please find the appropriate file for your instrument and send us the video by November 30 via the WeTransfer page: https://enthusiastenorchester.wetransfer.com/.
Here's how the upload works:
1. open the link.
2. click on the button "Upload files" and choose your video files you want to apply with.
3. under "your email" enter the email address where we can reach you.
4. under "title" enter your first name, last name and your instrument. This is important so that we can match your video to the application.
5. then click on "Send" so that the file reaches us.
Will I play in all three pieces?
Those in the string section will play all three pieces in rotation. The artistic direction will decide on the arrangements for those playing wind instruments.
I play a wind instrument and am extremely keen to play in a particular piece – can that be arranged?
You can include your wishes in the application form. The artistic direction will try to accommodate your wishes, where possible.
When will the rehearsals and the concert take place?
There will be two blocks of rehearsals:
Friday, 26 April in the afternoon, until Sunday, 28 April 2024, early afternoon.
Friday, 7 June, in the afternoon, until Sunday, 9 June 2024, early afternoon.
The concert will take place on Sunday, 9 June 2024 at 17:00 in the Great Hall of the Alte Oper Frankfurt.
In which language will the rehearsals be held?
The rehearsals are held in German. Basic knowledge of German is therefore necessary.
I cannot attend on all the rehearsal dates, can I still participate?
The details of the rehearsal plan have not yet been finalised. Some instruments (e.g. piano, harp, some wind instruments) may not be needed on all dates. However, all participants must take part in all rehearsals to which they are assigned.
What does it cost to participate?
A symbolic fee of €20 is charged, in return for which the Alte Oper provides water and small snacks during the rehearsals and concert. The bank details for the participation fee will be provided once you have been selected to participate. Your application will only be valid once the participation fee has been transferred!
As a participant, do I have access to discounted tickets for family members?
Each participant will receive up to four complimentary tickets for the concert.
I’ve been selected, how do I obtain the sheet music?
We will send you the sheet music for all the pieces you will be playing in, as soon as possible after the jury's decision.
I am coming from out of town and will need hotel accommodation.
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Frankfurt – Alte Oper, which is within walking distance of the Alte Oper. We will provide you with information on the terms and conditions once your application has been approved.
Will hotel and travel costs be reimbursed?
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse hotel or travel costs.
What is the dress code for the concert?
Women: black clothing and black shoes, with shoulders and knees covered
Men: black shirt, black trousers and black shoes
