audition in Paris- european audition process

[ekspain]

Theres an audition for the Orchestre de Paris- But I was wondering what the overall opinion was, as far as fairness. Before I throw down however much time and money I'll have to spend, it'd be good to know if It'll be fair, or if the probability that the job will just go to one of the students of the principle. Any Europeans here?- or anybody that might have some insight on the european audition scene would be greatly appreciated!

[filrich]

I am not sure about France or principals influence in auditions. IN the event of you being in the finals, and it were between you and a citizen of the European Union. They would give the job to the citizen.
Some countries in Europe are particular about age (i.e. you need to win a job before you are 30 or so).
The European school(s) show a lot more prefrence or emphasis on the solo repertoire. Basically, if there is a solo. You gotta rock it! I have showed my European friends audition lists from America and they do not even play a 1/3 of what we could be expected to play.

About the cost. It can get expensive. Not that you would get gouged for being an American. It is not cheap or easy to get around with the flight case. I think CDG airport is a very good distance from the city centre.

If you are serious about taking the audition, you might want to get a hold of someone who is active in the bass community that lives in France or has been. There have been some Americans that have studied with Rabbath, they may know better. Or you may want to drop Thierry Barbé a line. He has a page on MySpace and he would be glad to help, I think.

Good Luck