Orchestral Auditions 2023 – 24 - Centre for Music Performance

Welcome to the Orchestral Auditions for 2023 – 24!

Auditions are held at the start of each academic year for Cambridge University Orchestra, Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO), and Cambridge University Wind Orchestra (CUWO). You can also register your interest for the Cambridge University New Music Group (CUNMG) and Cambridge University Collegium Musicum (CUCM).

It is the same audition process for all the ensembles, so you don’t need to worry about preparing lots of different things!

Round 1 is an informal solo audition with student auditioners from the ensembles.

Round 2 is a solo audition with professional auditioners. This is only if you are being considered for a place in CUO or as a principal for CUSO or CUWO.

Auditions for 2023–24 will be held from 4–8 October 2023 at West Road Concert Hall, 11 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DP.

Any questions?

Please make sure you read all the below information. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at info@cmp.cam.ac.uk.

Looking for IAS information?

About the ensembles

Cambridge University Orchestra (CUO) is the flagship orchestra that brings together the best student musicians across the university to work with professional conductors and soloists and give performances at the highest level. There are six concerts a year (three for a chamber orchestra, three for a symphony orchestra), with rehearsals in the two weeks before each concert.

Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) is run by students for students to make good music in a friendly atmosphere. CUSO rehearses weekly and has a concert at the end of each term. Performances are very high quality, and the student conductors are winners of a competition and receive training from professional conductors.

Cambridge University Wind Orchestra (CUWO) (otherwise known as a concert band) play a variety of repertoire that both stretches players and is fun to play – from concert band standards to film music and orchestral transcriptions. CUWO is student run and conducted, and rehearses weekly, with a concert at the end of each term, including a performance for local schools.

Cambridge University New Music Group (CUNMG) exists to support Cambridge’s long and distinguished history of contemporary classical music, showcasing pieces by acclaimed composers from the Faculty of Music teaching staff, the best student composers and exciting and interesting pieces by leading composers working today. Rehearsals are on a project basis.

Cambridge University Collegium Musicum (CUCM) explores the world of historically informed performance and players perform side-by-side with specialists in exciting and innovative projects, often supporting the Cambridge University Chamber Choir (CUCC). Rehearsals are on a project basis.

How do I apply?

If you would like to audition, you will need to complete the application form (even if you are a returning student).
Applications should be received by 5 October, 12 noon. Please check the timetable below as some auditions are on 4 October.
All applications for CUO, CUSO, CUWO or CUNMG received by this time will be sent a link to select your audition time.
Applicants for CUCM will be invited to a ‘Come and Play’ workshop on 14 October 2023.
If you want to apply for multiple instruments, please fill in a separate application form for each instrument.
If you are invited to the second round, you will be sent another link to select your second-round audition time.
Detailed information on audition dates, times and requirements for each instrument can be found below.
We are unable to provide accompanists and you should be prepared to perform without.
If you are a strong orchestral pianist or harpist, please complete the application form with details of your experience. We will contact you directly.
If you are auditioning for percussion/timpani, please email George Wise with what instruments you need for your solo piece ASAP.

If you have played in an ensemble in 2022–23, you may not need to audition:

	CUO	CUSO or CUS (Cambridge University Sinfonia)	CUWO
Brass	Need to audition.	Need to audition.	Need to audition.
Percussion	Need to audition.	Need to audition.	· You may continue as a percussionist in CUWO without audition. Please let the CUWO president know you are continuing by 1 October. Email: Laura Thomas · If you would like to be considered as CUWO timpanist, CUWO principal percussionist or for other ensembles, you do need to audition.
Strings	· Approximately half the string places have been offered to existing players from 2022–23. · All other strings need to audition but can go straight through to Round 2.	· String players from CUSO or CUS in 2022–23 can play in CUSO as tutti strings for 2023–24 without audition. Please let the CUSO president know you are continuing by 1 October. Email: Luke Hazeltine · If you would like to be considered for a CUSO principal role, please contact the CUSO president by 1 October. You will be invited to a workshop. Email: Luke Hazeltine · If you would like to be considered for other ensembles, you do need to audition.	N/A
Wind	Need to audition.	Need to audition.	· You may continue as a tutti flute or clarinet player in CUWO without audition. Please let the CUWO president know you are continuing by 1 October. Email: Laura Thomas · If you would like to be considered for a CUWO principal or for other ensembles, you do need to audition.

What I want to apply for IAS and the orchestras?

If you want to apply to orchestra only:

fill in the orchestra application form by 5 October
you will be invited to a solo audition with student auditioners (Orchestra Round 1), and need to perform a piece of your own choice
if you are successful, you will be invited to a further solo audition with professional auditioners (Orchestra Round 2), where you need to perform:
- a piece of your own choice
- orchestral excerpts

If you want to apply to IAS and orchestra:

fill in the IAS application form by 22 September and make sure you tick the ‘orchestra’ box
you will be invited to a solo audition with professional auditioners (IAS Solo Round / Orchestra Round 2), and need to perform:
- the set IAS solo repertoire
- the orchestral excerpts
if you are successful at your solo audition, you will be invited for a group audition (IAS Chamber Round), and need to perform the set IAS chamber repertoire

If you want to apply to IAS only:

fill in the IAS application form by 22 September
you will be invited to a solo audition with professional auditioners (IAS Solo Round), and need to perform the set IAS solo repertoire
if you are successful at your solo audition, you will be invited for a group audition (IAS Chamber Round), and need to perform the set IAS chamber repertoire

What happens at the audition?

ROUND 1

You will be invited to a solo audition with student auditioners, which will take place in the evenings of 4–6 October 2023 at West Road Concert Hall.

Auditions will take 5 minutes.
You will be asked to perform a piece or extract of your own choice, lasting no longer than four minutes.
You may be asked questions by the panel.

Round 1 audition panels will include current/former principals in your instrument plus members of the student committees.

ROUND 2

If you are being considered for:

a place in Cambridge University Orchestra (CUO)
a place on the Instrumental Awards for Chamber Music Scheme (IAS)*
as a principal for Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO)**
as a principal for Cambridge University Wind Orchestra (CUWO)

you may be invited back to a second round of auditions with professional auditioners, which will take place on Friday 6 (violas) or Saturday 7 October 2023 at West Road Concert Hall.

Auditions will take 12 minutes (15 minutes for timpani/percussion).
You will be asked to perform a piece (or section of a larger work) of your own choice, lasting no longer than four minutes. You may play the same piece as you played in the first round.
You will be asked to perform a selection of the orchestral extracts (see below), which should be prepared in advance
You may be asked to play a short extract on a related instrument if relevant (e.g., piccolo, cor anglais etc.). Please bring these with you to your audition where possible. There will be a bass trombone, contrabassoon, cor anglais and bass clarinet available, but please bring your own reeds.
You may be asked questions by the panel.

Round 2 audition panels will include professional performers in your instrument plus IAS coaches.

_{*Those being considered for a place on the IAS should read the information here: https://www.cmp.cam.ac.uk/ias

**Those being considered for CUSO principals may be asked to an additional workshop on Sunday 8 October with the CUSO president and conductors.}

Results

Students being offered principal roles will be contacted by phone on Monday 9 October.

Invitations to orchestras will be emailed on Tuesday 10 October and you will need to accept your place within 24 hours.

On the day of the audition

Please arrive around 15 minutes before your audition time and sign in at the welcome desk. You will be directed to the warm-up room and a steward will show you to your audition room at the correct time.

Timetable

Warm-up room: LR2

Instrument	Round	Date	Time	Room
BRASS
French horn	1	Thu 5 Oct	20.30–21.30	LR5
French horn	2	Sat 7 Oct	11.30–13.30	Concert Hall
Trombone	1	Fri 6 Oct	19.30–20.30	Concert Hall
Trombone	2	Sat 7 Oct	15.00–17.00	Recital Room
Trumpet/cornet	1	Fri 6 Oct	18.30–19.30	Concert Hall
Trumpet/cornet	2	Sat 7 Oct	09.00–11.00	Concert Hall
Tuba/euphonium	1	Thu 5 Oct	19.00–20.00	LR4
Tuba/euphonium	2	Sat 7 Oct	17.00–18.00	Recital Room
PERCUSSION
Piano	If you are a strong orchestral pianist, please complete the application form with details of your experience. We will contact you directly.
Timpani/percussion	1	Fri 6 Oct	21.00–22.00	Concert Hall
Timpani/percussion	2	Sat 7 Oct	19.30–22.00	Recital Room
STRINGS
Cello	1	Thu 5 Oct	19.30–22.00	Recital Room
Cello	2	Sat 7 Oct	09.00–12.20	Cudworth Room
Double bass	1	Thu 5 Oct	18.30–19.30	Recital Room
Double bass	2	Sat 7 Oct	12.00–14.00	LR4
Harp	If you are a strong orchestral harpist, please complete the application form with details of your experience. We will contact you directly.
Viola	1	Thu 5 Oct	18.30–20.30	Cudworth Room
Viola	2	Fri 6 Oct	18.30–21.50	LR4
Violin	1	Wed 4 Oct	18.30–22.00	LR1
	1	Fri 6 Oct	18.30–22.00	LR1
	2	Sat 7 Oct	13.00–16.30	Cudworth Room
	2	Sat 7 Oct	18.00–21.10	Cudworth Room
WIND
Bassoon	1	Thu 5 Oct	19.30–20.30	LR5
Bassoon	2	Sat 7 Oct	17.30–19.30	LR1
Clarinet	1	Wed 4 Oct	21.00–22.00	LR3
	1	Fri 6 Oct	18.30–19.00	LR3
	2	Sat 7 Oct	09.30–11.30	Recital Room
Flute	1	Wed 4 Oct	19.00–21.00	LR3
	1	Fri 6 Oct	19.00–20.00	LR3
	2	Sat 7 Oct	12.00–14.00	Recital Room
Oboe	1	Fri 6 Oct	20.00–21.30	LR3
Oboe	2	Sat 7 Oct	15.00–17.00	LR1
Saxophone	1	Thu 5 Oct	18.30–19.30	LR5

Orchestral Extracts

If you are invited to Round 2, you will need to perform some prepared orchestral extracts. Details are below and when you submit your application you will be emailed a download link for the sheet music.

WIND

Instrument	Excerpt
Flute	I	Bizet Carmen Flute 1 Entr’acte between Act 2 and 3
	II	Dvorak Symphony No.8 Allegro ma non troppo (mvt.4) 8 bars before D–E
	III	Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream Flute 1 Scherzo 2 before P–end
	IV	PICCOLO Shostakovich Symphony No.8 Largo (mvt.4) bb.61–66
Oboe	I	Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin Oboe 1 Prélude (mvt.1) opening–fig.2
	II	Ravel Le tombeau de Couperin Oboe 1 Prélude (mvt.1) fig.8 b.5–fig.9
	III	Brahms Violin Concerto Adagio (mvt.2) bb.3–32
	IV	COR ANGLAIS Berlioz Le Carnaval romain Oboe 2 (Cor Anglais) Andante sostenuto b.2–fig.2 b.7
Clarinet	I	Beethoven Symphony No.6 ‘Scene am Bach.’ Andante molto moto (mvt.2)
		I	Opening–bar after A
		Ia	fig.D–fig.E (bb.69–77)
	II	Beethoven Symphony No.8 Tempo di Menuetto (mvt.3) b.48–da capo (no repeats)
	III	Brahms Symphony No.3 Andante (mvt.2) beginning–fig.A
	IV	Mendelssohn Symphony No.3 Vivace non troppo (mvt.2) bb.8–40
	V	Stravinsky Petrushka (1947) ‘Second Tableau’ fig.112–113
Bassoon	I	Schubert Octet Andante — Un poco più mosso — Più lento (mvt.4) Variation 5 (bb.89–104)
	II	Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Bassoon 1 ‘The Legend of the Kalendar Prince’ (mvt.2) b.5–fig.A
	III	Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique Bassoon 1 ‘Marche au supplice’ (mvt.4) fig.52–53
	IV	Ravel Boléro Bassoon 1 fig.2 b.3–fig.3
	V	Brahms Violin Concerto Bassoon 2 Adagio (mvt.2) bb.1–32

BRASS

Instrument	Excerpt
Trumpet / cornet	I	Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) Overture, Op.26
		Ia	Trumpet I
		Ib	Trumpet II
	II	Berlioz Le Carnaval romain Overture, H95 Cornet 1 (Trumpet 3)
	III	Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 Finale. Andante maestoso – Allegro vivace (mvt.4)
		IIIa	Trumpet I
		IIIb	Trumpet II
	IV	Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43 Trumpet 1 Variation 14 fig.36–39
Horn	I	Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Op.64 Horn 1 in F Andante cantabile con alcuna licenza (mvt.2) bb.8–38
	II	Haydn Symphony No.55 Horn II in Eb Finale bb.31–45
	III	Mahler Symphony No.1 Horn I or II in F Langsam, schleppend – Immer sehr gemächlich (mvt.1) fig.1–3
	IV	Beethoven Symphony No.9, Op.125 Horn IV in Eb Adagio molto e cantabile (mvt.3) bb.83–97
	V	Strauss Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28 Horn I in F bb.6–12
	VI	Mahler Symphony No.4 Horn I in F Bedachtig, Nicht eilen (mvt.1) bb.109–115
	VII	Humperdinck Hansel and Gretel Horn I or II in F Beginning to b.7
Trombone / bass trombone	I	Holst The Planets, Op.32 Trombone 1 ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’
	II	Holst The Planets, Op.32 Trombone 1 ‘Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’
	III	Mahler Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ Trombone 1 In Tempo des Scherzos (mvt.5) fig.41 b.16–end
	IV	Mahler Symphony No.3 Trombone 1 Erste Abtheilung (mvt.1) fig.13–17
	I	BASS Holst The Planets, Op.32 Bass Trombone ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’
	II	BASS Holst The Planets, Op.32 Bass Trombone ‘Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’
	III	BASS Mahler Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ Trombone 4 In Tempo des Scherzos (mvt.5) fig.10 b.2–end
Tuba	I	Holst The Planets, Op.32 ‘Mars, the Bringer of War’
	II	Holst The Planets, Op.32 ‘Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’
	III	Mahler Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ In Tempo des Scherzos (mvt.5)

PERCUSSION

Instrument	Excerpt
Timpani & Percussion	I	Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Timpani Allegro ma non troppo (mvt.1)
	II	Kabalevsky Colas Breugnon: Overture, Op.24 Xylophone
	III	Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade, Op.35 Snare Drum
		IIIa	‘The Young Prince and The Young Princess’ (mvt.3)
		IIIb	‘Festival at Baghdad. The Sea. Ship Breaks upon a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman’ (mvt.4)

STRINGS

Instrument	Excerpt
Violin	I	Mozart Symphony No.39 Violin 1 Finale (Allegro) (mvt.4) bb.1–78
	II	Brahms Symphony No.4 Violin 1 Allegro non troppo (mvt.1) bb.1–53
	III	Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Violin 1 ‘Dance of the Knights’ (No.13) bb.3–32 (fig.76 b.3–fig.79 b.4)
Viola	I	Rachmaninov Symphony No.2, Op.27
		I	Largo: Allegro moderato (mvt.1) fig.6 b.1–fig.7 b.4
		Ia	Largo: Allegro moderato (mvt.1) fig.16 bb.9–16; fig.18 bb.1–7
		Ib	Allegro molto (mvt.2) fig.33 bb.1–16
	II	Beethoven Symphony No.3, Op.55 Finale: Allegro molto (mvt.4)
		II	bb.61–77
		IIa	bb.200–212
		IIb	bb.317–323
	III	Berlioz Le Carnaval romain Andante sostenuto fig.1 b.2–fig.3 b.8
Cello	I	Rossini Guillaume Tell Cello 1 Act 1 bb.1–48
	II	Haydn Symphony No.101 Adagio-Presto (mvt.1) bb.25 (beginning of Presto)–80
	III	Beethoven Symphony No.8 Tempo di Menuetto (mvt.3) bb.45–78
	IV	Debussy La mer Cellos: all parts 2 bars before fig.9–fig.9 b.6
Bass	I	Mozart Symphony No.40 Molto allegro (mvt.1) bb.115 (with pickup)–138
	II	Mozart Symphony No.40 Molto allegro (mvt.1) bb.180–259
	III	Beethoven Symphony No.9 Presto (mvt.4) bb.38–90
	IV	Verdi Otello Act 4 fig.U b.1–fig.X b.7