Performing with orchestra

[qwerty quaver]

Hello All!

I was just wondering if any of you have ever played with an orchestra before since I will be playing with the Philharmonic Orchestra at the end of the year and am pretty nervous about it. Could you give me any tips on how to behave and not to feel pressurised by all the other musicians?

Thank you.

QQ

[m]

Hello All!

I was just wondering if any of you have ever played with an orchestra before since I will be playing with the Philharmonic Orchestra at the end of the year and am pretty nervous about it. Could you give me any tips on how to behave and not to feel pressurised by all the other musicians?

Thank you.

QQ

What concerto are you playing?

The most important thing--you cannot be and should not be scared or nervous about it. The fact itself that you were chosen to play with orchestra says that you are ready to do it. You have to be very confident. Don't forget, you are the soloist and leader. Usually, musicians in orchestras are very sensitive to it and will immediately follow you, once feel this energy.

Be prepared though, depending on the orchestra and mainly its discipline, you might feel some "attitude" from musicians, and meet some "cranky" individuals. Don't let it bother you a bit. It is like driving in New York, where every idiot honks at you, just don't pay any attention, doing your job. Once again, you are the SOLOIST.

Be prepared that sound of the orchestra on stage might be little overwhelming especially at the beginning, and might be quite distracting.
Don't show off at the reheasahls, just count and listen, trying to find the contact with conductor and musicians. But once again, remember--you are the leader--play not after them, but they should play after you.

Needless to say, learn well the orchestra score, then listen to the recordings. When you practice, imagine all orchestra sound and sounds. Don't skip orchestra tutti, mentally playing them back entirely, while practicing.

Some people find it very helpful to play along with CD. Of course, not to copy interpretation of the piano part, but to get that novice feeling of being surrounded by the orchestra.

In short, you should identify yourself with the full orchestra sound.

Ask your friends to accompany on a second piano. It would be better if they just sightread--it is more distractive, so you will practice "staying on track" whatever happens.

Good luck!

[qwerty quaver]

Thanks a lot for your good advice!!

I'll be playing Bach's 1st concerto for two pianos. The other person who is playing with is the sort of person who is always 200 % confident...

I have played with a student orchestra before and recorded my rehearsals so as to play along with the recording at home in order to get the "feel" of the piece with orchestra. I intend to do the same and buy a recording too. could suggest a good recording of this concerto?

Another thing to add: every year a couple of students are selected to play with the orchestra and the director of the academy I go to will be conducting and not the usual conductor the orchestra members are accustomed to. Therefore, the musicians often seem to regard us as "small fry" and well, have a mind of their own. As for following the soloist... fingers crossed 

Still I thank you once again (you did make me feel better about this  )

QQ

[teresa_b]

Hi qwerty,

You may want to look at this thread from the "Student's Corner" section.


https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,16479.0.html

Have fun!
Teresa